What is design?

Before we dive into different architectural styles, let’s discuss what a design actually is. According to the dictionary, design can be defined as a verb (to make or draw plans for something, e.g., buildings) and also as a noun (a drawing/set of drawings not only showing the design of the product to be made, but also how the finalized product will work and look). Therefore, design as a verb is an activity that will produce a document (i.e., a noun)—such as a sketch or a blueprint—that illustrates the final product’s appearance.

Different designs are made for different products every day. For example, a team discusses the shape, colors, etc., of a product—that’s a design. Similarly, building designs include the elevation of the building. There are floor designs and discussions on how many rooms a house will have, the different features of each room, their ...