SURVEY and PERMITTING JURISTICTION
Some survey documentation is almost essential. The more recent and detailed the better. Paper, or on-line documentation both work at this start up phase. Knowing the permitting jurisdiction (usually a city or a county) is helpful allowing for a quick look into what will ultimately be requested for site and building plan approvals.
LISTING of ROOMS, SPACES, FUNCTIONS
Some kind of listing of what the architectural community refers to as the ‘program’, is also essential. The more complete the better. Some thought to priorities, to sizes, to character of space, is helpful. Organize this in any way that is comfortable. It will all get sorted out with a series of questions and qualified answers. Attempts at floor plans are ok but not always helpful, so feel no obligation.
IMAGES of EXTERIORS and INTERIORS
Very important to communicating the direction a design goes. What is absolutely critical is that each image be qualified (preferably with notes) regarding exactly what the appeal is. Without that qualification the images can easily be misinterpreted.