Architect Design and Construction Document Services: What You Need to Know
The AIA B101 Contract Document outlines the services provided by the architect during the design and construction phases of a project. In this article, we’ll break down the responsibilities of the architect in the Design Development and Construction Document phases, as outlined in sections 3.3 and 3.4 of the AIA B101 document.
Design Development Phase Services
The Design Development phase begins with the approval of the Schematic Design Documents by the owner. In this phase, the architect’s role is to prepare Design Development Documents that illustrate and describe the development of the approved Schematic Design Documents. This includes drawings, plans, sections, elevations, typical construction details, and diagrammatic layouts of building systems, among others. The Design Development Documents also include outline specifications that identify major materials and systems and establish their quality levels.
The architect is responsible for updating the estimate of the Cost of the Work and submitting the Design Development Documents to the owner for approval, along with any necessary adjustments to the estimate of the Cost of the Work.
Construction Documents Phase Services
The Construction Documents phase begins with the approval of the Design Development Documents by the owner. In this phase, the architect’s role is to prepare detailed Construction Documents, including Drawings and Specifications, to set forth the quality levels of materials and systems and other requirements for construction of the Work. The architect must incorporate the design requirements of any governmental authorities with jurisdiction over the project into the Construction Documents.
The architect is responsible for assisting the owner in the development and preparation of bidding and procurement information, the form of agreement between the owner and contractor, and the Conditions of the Contract for Construction (General, Supplementary, and other Conditions). The architect is also responsible for compiling a project manual that includes the Conditions of the Contract for Construction and Specifications, and may include bidding requirements and sample forms.
The architect is responsible for updating the estimate for the Cost of the Work and submitting the Construction Documents to the owner for approval, along with any necessary adjustments to the estimate of the Cost of the Work and taking any action required under Section 6.5.
In conclusion, the AIA B101 Contract Document outlines the services provided by the architect during the Design Development and Construction Document phases of a project. The Architect Design and Construction Document Services provided by the architect are crucial to the success of the project. The architect is responsible for the following tasks:
Preparing, coordinating, and reviewing the Design Development and Construction Documents
Updating the estimate of the Cost of the Work
Assisting the owner in the development and preparation of bidding and procurement information
Incorporating the design requirements of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Project
Compiling a project manual that includes the Conditions of the Contract for Construction and Specifications
Advising the owner of any adjustments to the estimate of the Cost of the Work
The AIA B101 Contract Document sets clear guidelines for the responsibilities of the architect in ensuring the success of the project. These Architect Design and Construction Document Services play a vital role in ensuring the project meets the owner’s expectations and is completed on time and within budget.
Copyright secured by Digiprove 
