Depending on the project type and the Client, this initial step may or may not have already been completed prior to contacting the architect. If required, this step requires a lot of client interaction with the team to create a written outline more or less for the project. The outline will consist of not only spatial sizes and quantities but it also identifies the Client's intangible desires and objectives (i.e., the space must project an image of a forward thinking company on the cutting edge of their industry...or it must reflect the tradition and stability of our company).
The programming phase is also the point at which the project budget and overall schedule are discussed. Integrating time and money as early as possible helps define and assure the success of your project.