Contracts

Question 1

Can you talk to the Subcontractor?

Answer 1

No. The architect can talk to the owner, who will pass the information to the contractor. But since the architect acts as the owner’s agent, you can talk to the contractor.

Question 2

What is additional insured for?

Answer 2

Sometimes claims can be made against the owner together with against the architect, so the architect may be asked for additional coverage

Question 3

Who are the owner’s consultants?

Answer 3

Civil and geotechnical

Question 4

What services is the architect responsible for?

Answer 4

Structural, mechanical, electrical

Question 5

If the owner’s kitchen consultants have not provided the electric schematics for the architect on time, is the architect responsible for not providing the drawings on schedule?

Answer 5

No, the architect is not responsible for timeliness and accuracy of the owner’s consultants work, but shall rely on their info.

Question 6

What should the architect do if he notices a mistake in the owner’s consultant’s drawings? (i.e. kitchen)

Answer 6

Inform the owner.

Question 7

Failure to meet the schedule is

Answer 7

A breach of contract

Question 8

What should be included in the schedule?

Answer 8

Construction commencement dates and the date of Substantial Completion

Question 9

Can the architect adjust the schedule?

Answer 9

Yes, with the owner’s approval.

Question 10

If in the conversation with the contractor the owner decided to male some design changes, will the architect be responsible for that?

Answer 10

No, it was made without the architect’s approval

Question 11

Is the architect responsible for contacting legal authorities required to approve the Construction Documents?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

Schematic Design Phase responsibilities

Answer 12

Preliminary evaluation, program, schedule, budget for the Cost of Work- The Initial Information

Question 13

If the architect notices inconsistencies in the information discovered about the site or what the site needs treatment, what should the architect do?

Answer 13

Inform the owner, advise that the surveys/ grading needs to be done by geotechnical (for example)

Question 14

Is it a contractual obligation of the architect to inform the owner about the need of consultants and problems with the site?

Answer 14

Yes. You cannot remain silent.

Question 15

What is important after the presentation of the preliminary evaluation?

Answer 15

“Meeting of the minds”, getting shared understanding.

Question 16

If it says “the architect shall consider a sustainable design alternative”, is the architect obligated?

Answer 16

No, it is only to consider, sustainable design goes as an additional service.

Question 17

What must the architect CONSIDER and discuss with the owner in schematic design phase?

Answer 17

Sustainable design alternative and value of alternative materials, building systems and equipment.

Question 18

Who is responsible for preparing the estimate of the Cost of Work?

Answer 18

The Architect

Question 19

What are the strategies regarding cost estimation?

Answer 19

Use AIA guidelines/ hire a cost estimator/ refuse in contract to provide a cost estimation to avoid liability

Question 20

How does SD phase end?

Answer 20

With the submittal of documents to the owner

Question 21

Why is it important to send a submittal for SD?

Answer 21

The fee may depend on it as a percent for each phase. It is required in the contract before you can move on to DD.

Question 22

What is the difference of DD from SD?

Answer 22

Building systems start being incorporated, details are added.

Question 23

Can the architect update the cost estimate after DD?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

Must the architect detail everything in the drawings?

Answer 24

No, the contractor provides shop drawings. The architect, however, must review shop drawings and other information provided by the contractor.

Question 25

Who issues certificate of payment to the contractor?

Answer 25

The architect