How Smarter Site Planning Can Save Your Apartment Development from Costly Mistakes

Bring your architect in early

Whether you are a civil engineer or a developer starting a new multifamily project, one of the best ways to avoid costly delays is to bring your architect in early. Site planning is most successful when it is collaborative, balancing the knowledge of the civil engineer with the architect’s understanding of building footprints, unit sizes, and circulation. At Swerhone Architecture, we guide this process so the site plan works not just for the project, but for the people who will eventually live there.

Why “inside out” planning works

Too often, site planning begins with setbacks and parking ratios. The smarter starting point is the building itself. We call this the “inside out” approach: let the residential program define the envelope, then let that envelope guide the site layout. This keeps density on track, reduces redesign, and helps avoid the frustration of reworking civil drawings that are already developed.

Tools to speed up density studies

Swerhone Architecture has a range of residential footprints and styles we can share, from subdivisions and short plats to larger planned unit developments. Having these templates available early allows density studies to move forward quickly and makes it easier to explore land use options.

Plan smarter, build better

If you are considering a multifamily project, do not wait until the last minute to involve your architect. Reach out to Swerhone Architecture. We would be glad to share our years of residential experience and help shape a site plan that saves you time, avoids costly redesigns, and delivers better results for your project and community.