Advice from Architects:
 How an Architect Helps You During Construction
By Laura Kraft
Bring Problems, Not Solutions
The architect's services do not end with finalization of the drawings and specifications
(construction documents). During construction, the architect has an important and valuable role:
using his or her eyes, ears, professional expertise, and judgment to determine if the work is being
done in accordance with the construction documents. The architect's involvement in the construction
administration phase enables you, the owner, to have confidence in several things:
The contractor's work is being monitored by a third party so you will get what you have agreed to
pay for. Decisions that arise during the construction process will be made with the integrity of
the design concept in mind. Work deemed unacceptable will be rejected by the architect. The
contractor's requests for payment will be reviewed and judged for appropriateness relative to work
completed. The project is not complete and the final payment to the contractor is not paid until
the architect says so and issues the appropriate paperwork.
To accomplish these goals, the architect visits the construction site at agreed-upon intervals to
stay generally abreast of the progress and quality of the work. During these visits, the architect
usually makes notes and touches base with the contractor, providing clarification as needed.
Sometimes he or she will arrange to provide a modified or additional detail drawing.
When issues, problems, or questions regarding the design arise during construction, the architect
brings to the solution full knowledge of the process and reasoning that yielded your design's
configuration, details, and spirit. He or she understands your budget and your expectations. With
this knowledge, the architect can keep the design on track. Without an architect's advice and
consultation, and without an understanding of the larger picture, the contractor can take the design
off course. He or she can potentially make decisions, substitutions, and/or alterations on the basis
of expedience or short-term cost savings that will leave you dissatisfied and disappointed.
Changes during construction, such as substituting one product or fixture for another, may be
initiated by the contractor, the architect, or you, the owner. If the modification is minor and
will not affect the design intent, contract sum, or contract time, the architect may authorize it
on the spot. If a proposed change is more significant and will affect the design intent, contract
sum, or contract time, the architect will review and present it to you in writing as a change
order. He or she will evaluate the validity of the proposal, analyze its consequences, and advise
you whether to reject or accept it.
The architect has authority to require additional testing or inspection if there is a question
whether a product, material, or assembly meets the specifications. He or she reviews shop drawings
(such as those prepared by cabinet makers), product submittals, and finish samples to check for
conformance with the design concept expressed in the construction documents.
Finalization of the drawings
is an important milestone in the process of building—one celebrated
by both owner and architect. You can hold in your hands a detailed representation
of your new kitchen, deck, master bedroom suite, or entire new home. The
ultimate goal—completion and occupancy of the project—is best
reached with the architect's involvement and service through the construction
phase. Construction administration can be considered design insurance.
It is an excellent way to maximize the success of a project.
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