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Architect conducting Architect Duties and Additional Services on the job site.

Architect Duties and Additional Services

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) contract document B101 outlines the responsibilities of the architect in a construction project. The document provides a comprehensive guide to the duties and additional services that an architect may provide to ensure the success of a construction project. The architect’s role in project completion is crucial and includes conducting inspections, issuing certificates of substantial and final completion, and ensuring the work complies with the contract documents. The B101 document also outlines additional services that the architect may provide, including programming, multiple preliminary designs, measured drawings, existing facilities surveys, site evaluation and planning, building information modeling, civil engineering, landscape design, architectural interior design, and many others. These services are listed with their descriptions, type, and corresponding AIA Document Reference (if applicable) in a table, providing a comprehensive overview of the services offered in the field of architecture.

Sketches of an Architect Services on a clipboard.

Architect Services: A Guide to the B101

The B101 document outlines the responsibilities of both the client and the architect in Architect Services. The architect’s basic services, as outlined in Article 3, include structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The architect must manage their services, coordinate with the client and their consultants, and submit a schedule for approval. The Schematic Design Phase, the first phase of the design process, involves the architect reviewing laws and codes, preparing a preliminary evaluation of the client’s information, and presenting schematic design documents for approval. The architect must consider environmentally responsible alternatives and align their design with the client’s program, schedule, and budget.

Architect reviewing a submittals document.

Submittals: An Overview of Their Importance in Construction

Submittals are a staple of the construction process. They typically consist of product data, shop drawings, or physical samples that show the contractor’s detailed plans for what they plan to install and how they plan to do it. Submittals are typically prepared by subcontractors, vendors or suppliers, not always the contractor themselves. The purpose of submittal review by the architect is twofold: to finalize details of certain portions of the work that are beyond the scope of the design intent drawings and for the contractor to submit drawings to the architect, demonstrating their understanding of the contract documents. The submittal schedule is the first item covered in the section of the contract documents that deals with submittals. The architect’s responsibilities related to submittals are covered in the contract documents. It’s important for the contractor to include adequate time for review by the architect as well as their consultants, if applicable.

Conflict Resolution in Construction and the Architect as Initial Decision Maker

Conflict Resolution in Construction: The Architect’s Role

Construction projects can sometimes be filled with conflicts, but many of these conflicts can be avoided by having clear communication, defined roles and responsibilities, and appropriate conflict resolution techniques outlined in agreements. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has a set of documents that outline procedures to follow in case conflicts do arise. These documents provide initial steps for conflict resolution that must be followed. The first step in the conflict resolution process is to refer the conflict to the initial decision maker (IDM). If the decision of the IDM is not satisfactory for one of the parties, the conflict moves on to mediation. If mediation is not successful, the conflict moves on to arbitration or litigation, depending on what was agreed upon among the parties when they signed the contract for construction.

Architectural Basic Services meeting

Architectural Basic Services: Essentials

Architectural Basic Services play a vital role in ensuring the success of any construction project. One of the key components of these services is the implementation of effective project administration, procedures, and protocols. These procedures and protocols include project meetings, field tests, and submittals. Project meetings are a crucial aspect of Architectural Basic Services, they are typically organized by the architect who is responsible for ensuring that the project is moving forward according to the owner’s specifications. The architect must attend these meetings, as it is a requirement of the owner-architect agreement. Field tests are another important aspect of Architectural Basic Services, these tests are used to ensure that the materials and systems used in the construction of a building meet the required standards and specifications. The contractor is responsible for paying for and scheduling field tests. Submittals, such as shop drawings, cutsheets, etc., are not considered contract documents, but the architect must keep a log of submittals as specified by the owner-architect agreement. This log will help to ensure that all submittals have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate parties. These procedures and protocols are essential to the success of any construction project, it is important that everyone understands their roles and works together to ensure that the project is completed on time, on budget, and to the satisfaction of the owner. By following the guidelines outlined in the owner-architect agreement, the project team can work together to ensure the success of the project.

AIA B-series contract handshake

Unlocking the AIA Contract: B-Series

“When it comes to architect-owner relationships and the design and construction process, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has developed a set of standard forms to help ensure clear communication and expectations. These AIA contracts serve as a framework for the various roles and responsibilities of the architect and owner, and can be modified to suit the specific needs of a project.
B201–2017, Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Design and Construction Contract Administration, outlines the architect’s role in the design and construction process, including their responsibilities for coordinating with other project professionals, providing drawings and specifications, and overseeing construction.
B133–2019, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, Construction Manager as Constructor Edition, is used when a large project is being undertaken and the construction manager is acting as a constructor. This contract clarifies the respective roles and responsibilities of the architect, owner, and construction manager.
Design-build projects can also benefit from using AIA contracts as B143–2014, Standard Form of Agreement Between Design-Builder and Architect, defines the respective roles and responsibilities of the architect and design-builder, and outlines the process for resolving any disputes that may arise.
B132-2019, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, Construction Manager as Adviser Edition, is used when a large project is being undertaken and the construction manager is acting as an adviser.

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