The role of an architect in the construction process is crucial to ensuring that the project is completed as planned and to the satisfaction of all parties involved. One of the key responsibilities of an architect is the review of contractor submittals. This article will guide you through the process of architect review of contractor submittals, including the responsibilities of the architect, the purpose of the review, and the record-keeping requirements.
AIA Document B101, Article 3.6.4, outlines the responsibilities of the architect in the review of contractor submittals. The architect is responsible for reviewing the contractor’s submittal schedule and ensuring that approval is not unreasonably delayed or withheld. The architect’s review of submittals must be in accordance with the approved submittal schedule or, in the absence of such a schedule, with reasonable promptness.
The Purpose of Submittal Reviews
The purpose of the architect’s review of contractor submittals is to check for conformance with the information given and the design concept expressed in the contract documents. The review is not for determining the accuracy and completeness of other information such as dimensions, quantities, and installation or performance of equipment or systems. These are the contractor’s responsibility.
Architect Review of Contractor Submittals: Responsibilities
The following are the key responsibilities of the architect in the review of contractor submittals:
Review the contractor’s submittal schedule and ensure that approval is not unreasonably delayed or withheld.
Review and approve or take other appropriate action upon the contractor’s submittals such as shop drawings, product data, and samples.
Specify the appropriate performance and design criteria that must be satisfied if the contract documents require the contractor to provide professional design services or certifications by a design professional.
Review shop drawings and other submittals related to the work designed or certified by the design professional retained by the contractor.
Respond to requests for information about the contract documents.
Maintain a record of submittals and copies of submittals supplied by the contractor.
Contractor Submittals: Record-Keeping Requirements
The architect must maintain a record of submittals and copies of submittals supplied by the contractor in accordance with the requirements of the contract documents.
Minor Changes in the Work
The architect may authorize minor changes in the work that are consistent with the intent of the contract documents and do not involve an adjustment in the contract sum or an extension of the contract time. The architect must prepare change orders and construction change directives for the owner’s approval and execution in accordance with the contract documents.
In conclusion, the architect review of contractor submittals is a crucial step in ensuring that the construction project is completed as planned and to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Understanding the purpose, responsibilities, and record-keeping requirements of the architect in the review of contractor submittals will help ensure that the process is carried out smoothly and efficiently.
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