OK, let’s start with a brief summary of the typical remodeling process:

Project team and their responsibilities

Homeowner – responsible for articulating the desired project outcome
Architect (if needed) – responsible for developing the scope of work, drawings and specifications and filing permits
General Contractor – responsible for hiring sub contractors and building the project while following local building regulations
Consultants – responsible for providing specialized design input: HVAC, engineering etc.

The design process

This stage assumes you have a designer or architect on board. If you do not then start at step 3 with a general contractor

Initial meeting – interviewing, and brainstorming with, designers and / or architects
Design contracts – agreeing who is going to do what
Pre-design - getting inspired, defining existing conditions, agreeing the scope of work, project goals etc.
Schematic design – exploring design options, discussing feasibility, pros and cons
Design development – producing drawings and retaining any consultants
Construction document phase – thoroughly documenting the scope of work, finalizing finishes through drawings and schedules
Permits (if required) – submitting documents to your city agency
Contract procurement phase – sourcing general contractors (you’d have started this at step 3 if your project doesn’t have an architect), walking through the project with them, distributing project documents, analyzing bids, choosing a contractor and signing a contract with them (architect not a party to this agreement).