Enter site and zoning parameters to generate a development envelope, AIA Framework for Design Excellence assessment, and capital stack pro forma. All estimates are planning-level — verify against current market data and licensed professional review before presenting to an owner or lender.
1
Site dimensions and zoning parameters
Architect enters from local ordinance research
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Lot size
Enter the lot area in the units selected at right — the tool converts internally. 1 acre = 43,560 sqft.
Used to calculate net buildable area after setbacks.
Zoning parameters
Maximum footprint as % of lot area.
Max GFA ÷ lot area. Leave blank if not applicable.
Required pervious / landscaped area as % of lot.
Spaces per 1,000 sqft GFA (commercial) or per unit (MF).
2
Building code parameters
Pre-filled from project — edit as needed
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Source: IBC 2024 Chapters 3, 5, 6 — Tables 504.3, 504.4, 506.2. Local jurisdictions may have adopted different editions or amendments. Verify with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
3
Development economics
Commercial / institutional / multifamily
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Project cost inputs
Leave blank and this fills itself: from your project setup budget (decomposed) when one exists, else the benchmark. Enter a real GC or estimator number to override; set what it covers at right so it is never double-counted. The benchmark column always stays pure benchmark.
A GC contract price usually includes site work and general conditions; an owner's budget number is usually all-in. Declaring the scope keeps overheads from stacking on a number that already contains them.
All pro forma values are planning-level estimates for design decision support — not substitute for formal appraisal, lender underwriting, or licensed financial advisor. Cap rate reference: CBRE Cap Rate Survey. Operating expense benchmarks: BOMA Experience Exchange Report.
Development envelope
Zoning parameters and IBC 2024 code limits. The controlling constraint — whichever is more restrictive — defines the actual development ceiling.
AIA Framework for Design Excellence — pre-planning assessment
The AIA Framework for Design Excellence establishes ten principles that define good design for the 21st century. This pre-planning assessment applies each principle to the project data entered, flagging opportunities and considerations relevant to this specific site, program, and context.
Source: aia.org/design-excellence
Development pro forma — capital stack analysis
Planning-level capital analysis to frame design decisions in the language of development finance. All figures are estimates — architect should present alongside a licensed appraiser or financial advisor for lender discussions.
Pre-planning analysis tool — Arch Datum, archdatum.com. All outputs are planning-level estimates for pre-design decision support only. IBC 2024 data encoded per ICC; local jurisdictions may have adopted different editions or amendments — verify with the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Hard cost estimates based on the Arch Datum Cost Benchmark 2025–2026 (national averages with regional multiplier); actual costs vary by market, contractor, and scope. Capital stack figures are not a substitute for formal appraisal, lender underwriting, or licensed financial advice. Not affiliated with AIA, ICC, IWBI, USGBC, IBHS, or any certification or standards body.