Architectural Working Drawings — In the sequencing of a residential or small-building documentation set, developing the foundation plan is not usually the very first step; most teams begin with the overall floor plan and structural layout, then derive the foundation plan from loads, grids, and bearing conditions established by the architect and structural engineer.

Introduction / Context:
In architectural practice, drawings are prepared in a logical order so that each subsequent sheet derives from decisions made earlier. The statement suggests that developing the foundation plan is “probably the starting point,” but in reality the process generally begins with space planning and an overall floor plan. The structural engineer and architect then coordinate loads, grids, and bearing lines to produce a foundation plan that correctly supports the superstructure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A typical one- or two-family dwelling or low-rise project.
• Standard workflow with an architect of record and a structural engineer.
• Soils information (geotechnical report) is available early but the plan is derived from the building layout.

Concept / Approach:
Foundation geometry must respond to the building above. Room sizes, wall placements, column locations, and load paths are first fixed in the floor plan and structural framing plan. Only after these are defined can you finalize footings, stem walls, piers, thickened slabs, and reinforcement details in the foundation plan. In this sense, the foundation plan is downstream of space planning and framing decisions, not the starting point.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Establish the floor plan: core dimensions, wall types, and circulation.2) Lay out the structural grid and preliminary framing to determine bearing lines and column reactions.3) Consult geotechnical data to choose foundation type and allowable bearing pressure.4) Draft the foundation plan with footings, slab thickening, reinforcement, and notes consistent with the superstructure above.

Verification / Alternative check:
If the superstructure layout changes, the foundation must change too—evidence that the foundation plan is derivative. Conversely, finalizing a foundation first would force the building to fit the footing layout, which is atypical and inefficient.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Only true for slab-on-grade houses” is incorrect because even slabs follow wall and column lines; “Applies only when soils reports are missing” confuses due diligence; “Valid only for commercial high-rise towers” misstates scope; “Correct” contradicts standard workflow.

Common Pitfalls:
Locking in footing sizes before structural reactions are known; ignoring step footings at grade transitions; failing to coordinate mechanical penetrations that affect thickening and rebar.

Final Answer:
Incorrect