Project Tasks

Introduction

Although it might seem otherwise, there are a finite number of tasks required to complete an architectural project. This section of the site attempts to list them all. Well, at least many of them.

Accessing Tasks

Click on a link in the window pane to the left to see all tasks for the selected phase. Then click on a task to see a checklist of tests for the selected task. Only tasks set in a blue font have test lists available.

Using Task Lists

Task lists are comprehensive checklists you can use to:

• Define scope of work Print or copy the task lists and use them as a master checklist. Check off items required and delete or ignore the rest.
• Create fee proposals Copy the testlists into a spreadsheet, add a column or two for estimated hours or dollars, and fill in the rows.
• Create project and release plans An XPM release plan is a stack of index cards. Each card represents a task required to complete the project. Use task lists as a checklist to create the index cards.
• Assign tasks Create index cards, one for each required task, then select tasks in weekly planning meetings.
• Monitor tasks When a task is done, put the index card for the task in the "done" pile. Watch it grow, and the "to be done" pile shrink. Provides a simple yet effective visual reminder of progress.

Task Order

I've listed tasks generally in the order they might be performed. However, with XPM, we select the highest priority tasks each week from the stack of remaining tasks, so the list order shown here becomes irrelevant.

Missing Tasks?

If you know of tasks that are missing, email dennis@architecturalpractices.com. For more information, see contact us.

More Information

• Copying task lists
• Printing task lists
• Release plans
• Weekly planning meetings

Printer-Friendly Version

Click here for a version of this page that's more suitable for printing. After printing, click the back-arrow of your browser to return to the original format with an index alongside.

Feedback Wanted

The task list is not complete, but I update it frequently. I'd appreciate your comments, suggestions and additions. See contact us for more information.

Document Information

• Original post: March 26, 2004, written by Dennis V. O'Neill.
• Last revision: April 6, 2006.

Copyright 2004 - 2006, Dennis V. O'Neill