What is architectural design?
Architecture, though studied by art historians, is very different from the fine arts. Architects design buildings to fulfill a particular function (government buildings, houses, libraries and so forth), and must also consider engineering, materials, utility systems and other necessities for daily life.
That is not to say that architects are not artists, nor is it to say that architectural design isn't often poetic and visually creative. However, architects find themselves constrained by a wider public than fine artists do. The phrase "architectural art and design," usually applies to the renderings made by architects in preparation for a finished building. Renderings, or architectural drawings, allow the architect more freedom. Many architects take considerable liberties in renderings that are not always possible in finished buildings.
http://www.ehow.com/about_6640533_architectural-art-_amp_-designs.html
The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.
