Architects begin designing a project at the planning stage. They initially meet with the customer to assess their project needs. Based on these needs, they will develop a plan that includes drawings and other documentation of what the final product will look like. These plans can be presented either verbally or in writing. Architects usually begin designing a project about six months before they start work. This gives them time to find suitable materials and select building techniques that will achieve the desired result within the budget constraints set by the client. During this period, they may also visit construction sites to get an idea of how new buildings are put together. This helps them to better understand the needs of their customers and provide solutions for different situations. For example, an architect might visit several existing buildings of a same type or location to learn what features people find desirable in such structures and use this information when creating plans for new ones. After they have developed a detailed plan, the next step is to search for suitable contractors who will carry out the work according to spec. Like architects, contractors specialize in certain fields such as building materials or equipment, so they will know which services are needed and where to find them.