Tag: submittals

Building commissioning with architect and construction team.
Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

Building Commissioning: Understanding the Quality Assurance Process

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Building Commissioning is a crucial quality assurance process in construction that ensures all components in a building, including MEP/FP systems, are properly installed and tested. The commissioning process is carried out by a commissioning agent who works for the building owner with the sole objective of delivering the building as designed and meeting the owner’s goals. The commissioning process is divided into four phases: design, construction, acceptance, and post-acceptance and includes the owner, design team, contractors, and commissioning agent. During the design phase, the commissioning agent helps develop the owner’s project requirements and reviews plans and specifications. During construction, the agent creates a commissioning plan and monitors all issues and deficiencies. In the acceptance phase, the agent functionally tests systems and documents compliance. In post-acceptance, the agent provides documentation and conducts seasonal testing, and assists with owner training. Building Commissioning ensures that the building meets the owner’s goals and operates efficiently, providing long-term benefits to the owner.

Architect reviewing a submittals document.
Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

Submittals: An Overview of Their Importance in Construction

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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.

Architectural Basic Services meeting
Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

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.

Architect on a construction site in a tropical environment
Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

The Architect’s Role in Construction Observation

Construction observation is a critical part of the architectural process, as it ensures that a project is built according to the design and specifications provided by the architect. During construction, the architect’s primary role is to ensure that the project is built according to the design and specifications provided. This includes monitoring the work of the contractor to ensure that it meets the requirements outlined in the contract documents. Additionally, the architect is responsible for verifying that the contractor has the necessary performance and labor/material bonds, as well as acceptable insurance. In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined above, architects also have several other responsibilities during construction. This includes monitoring conformance to sustainability requirements, as well as verifying the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the building official.

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