Architect’s Construction Phase Services ensure quality, resolve disputes, and protect owner’s interests.
What are Architect’s Construction Phase Services?
Architect’s Construction Phase Services are essential for any construction project and play a vital role in ensuring the quality and success of the project. The role of an architect during the construction phase is to act as an advisor and consultant to the owner and to administer the contract between the owner and the contractor. The responsibilities of the architect include evaluating the work, interpreting and deciding matters concerning the performance under the contract, and issuing certificates for payment to the contractor.
The Role of the Architect During the Construction Phase
During the construction phase, the architect has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the work is performed according to the contract documents and meets the required standards of quality. The architect is responsible for visiting the construction site at regular intervals and keeping the owner informed about the progress and quality of the work. The architect is also responsible for making sure that the work conforms to the contract documents and has the authority to reject work that does not meet these standards.
The architect is responsible for providing written interpretations and decisions on the performance under the contract and for making sure that these decisions are consistent with the intent of the contract documents. In the event of a dispute between the owner and the contractor, the architect may serve as an initial decision maker.
Certificates for Payment to Contractor
The architect is also responsible for reviewing and certifying the amounts due to the contractor and issuing certificates in those amounts. The architect’s certification for payment is based on the architect’s review of the work performed and the amounts payable under the contract. The certification is a representation to the owner that the work has been performed in accordance with the contract documents and that the amounts payable are correct.
The Limitations of the Architect’s Responsibility
It is important to note that the architect’s responsibility is limited to the provision of the Construction Phase Services. The architect is not responsible for the construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, or procedures, or for safety precautions and programs in connection with the work. The architect is also not responsible for the contractor’s failure to perform the work in accordance with the contract documents or for the acts or omissions of the contractor or other entities performing portions of the work.
The following are the key limitations of the architect’s responsibility during the construction phase:
The architect does not have control over, charge of, or responsibility for the construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, or procedures, or for safety precautions and programs in connection with the work.
The architect is not responsible for the contractor’s failure to perform the work in accordance with the contract documents.
The architect is not responsible for the acts or omissions of the contractor or other entities performing portions of the work.
The Benefits of Architect’s Construction Phase Services
Ensures the quality of the work: The architect’s role in evaluating the work and making sure that it conforms to the contract documents helps ensure that the work meets the required standards of quality.
Provides a neutral party: The architect acts as a neutral party between the owner and the contractor and can help resolve disputes and make decisions on matters relating to the contract.
Protects the owner’s interests: The architect’s responsibility to provide the Construction Phase Services helps protect the owner’s interests by ensuring that the work is performed according to the contract documents and that the amounts payable are correct.
Provides peace of mind: The presence of an architect during the construction phase can provide peace of mind to the owner, knowing that a professional is overseeing the work and ensuring its quality.
Final Thoughts on the Architect’s Role in Construction
The Architect plays a vital role in ensuring the success of a construction project. They are responsible for overseeing the Contractor’s work, advising the Owner, evaluating the Work, and issuing certificates for payment. The AIA document A201-2007 outlines the Architect’s responsibilities and it’s important for the Owner and Contractor to understand and follow them. Utilizing the Architect’s Construction Phase Services ensures professional and efficient project management leading to a successful outcome.
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