Hello, I have worked for many architects and usually when the plans are completed we would never see the owners or project again. Inorder to grab a full understanding of the architectural process I wanted to simplify the stages that an architect provides as per the B101 and ask several questions. This list is for basics and does not include any Additional Services or cross-outs to the B101. If you see anything wrong with this can you please correct me?
Basic Services
1. Owner and architect sign B101
2. Architect develops schedule for architectural services
3. Architect researches government information and utility information
Schematic Design
1. architect will review program and compare with laws/codes
2. architect will provide a report evaluating owners program, schedule, arch fee type, and any information discovered so far so agreement can be made for exact services to be provided.
3. Architect will then provide conceptual sketch of exterior and interior spaces
4. Once approved, the architect will provide Schematic Design Documents including site plan, floor plans, sections, and elevations. Also to include notes of major building elements. Might include models or sketches.
5. Architect submits Cost of Work and Schematic Design Documents to Owner for approval.
Design Development
1. Architect adds to descriptions to sections, typical construction details, diagrams of building systems specifying structure, mechanical, and electrical. Spec out major materials and quality. Does anyone have a sample of this? Can this all be done in the plans or is it separate?
2. Architect submits new Cost of Work and Design Development Documents to Owner for approval.
Construction Documents
1. Architect adds more specific details to quality of all materials and systems
2. Contractor submits Shop Drawings, Product Data, and Samples for approval. Who approves these the owner or the architect? What if they don’t agree on a material?
3. Architect adds other documents that may be required by municipality to Construction Documents
4. The architect discusses and prepares the owner for the bidding process.
5. Architect submits new Cost of Work and Construction Documents to Owner for approval.
Bidding/Negotiation Phase
1. Architect assists the owner in getting competitive bids or negotiating proposals (I combined both methods since architects responsibilities seemed similar)
2. Architect assists with interviewing contractors and setting up initial meetings.
3. Architect assists in preparing a summary of those meetings.
4. Architect reviews requests for substitutions from contractors and if approved will notify other contractors
Construction Phase
1. Architect will administer (not sure what this means?) the Contract and explain it will not alter services from the Agreement and notify all parties of their parts.
2. This phase starts when owner hires a contractor and finishes when the architect gives the okay for final payment to the contractor.
3. Architect visits site at intervals initially agreed upon in Agreement. Any other visits are Additional Services
4. Architect notifies owner of general updates of project, observations of any defects, and any deviations form Construction Documents.
5. Architect responds to any RFI’s
6. Architect reviews and certifies payments to the contractor by writing certificates based off of work quality and performance. Architect records all certificates.
7. Architect reviews any submittals approves/rejects from contractor.
8. Architect inspects for Substantial Completion and sends cert to owner to owner
9. Before the one year mark, if the owner requests an inspections the architect performs one for free.
As mentioned above, if there were no cross-outs, revisions, or additional services to the B101 would the architect perform everything above for each project?