The design phases
Schematic planning, design development, and construction documentation each take weeks, not days, and each depends on timely decisions from your team. Typical ranges run from a few weeks for schematic planning to several weeks each for design development and documents, though scope and decision speed move these numbers significantly.
Permitting is the variable
Permit review times vary widely by jurisdiction, from a couple of weeks to several months. Complete, coordinated drawings are the most reliable way to avoid resubmittals. Ask any prospective design firm how they have handled permitting in your city.
Long-lead items drive the move-in date
Custom millwork, specialty lighting, and furniture can take months to arrive. Ordering them during construction documentation rather than after permit approval often decides whether you move in on schedule.
Where schedules slip
Late decisions from stakeholders, incomplete base-building information, and uncoordinated drawings cause most delays. Early BIM coordination and 3D visualization reduce all three by getting decisions made before they become expensive. These ranges are general; your project's actual schedule depends on its scope, location, and approvals.