Construction Administration requires coordination
Most building projects are a complex assembly of thousands of interacting components—structural elements, intricate mechanical systems, and fine finishes—all of which must integrate flawlessly to realize the final design. While many owners see the architect’s role ending when the blueprints are signed and submitted for permit, the continued involvement of the architects during the construction administration (CA) phase should not be a luxury, but a vital necessity. Ironically, attempting to save money by excluding the architect from this phase is one of the surest routes to creating construction problems, costly mistakes, and substantial budget overruns.
The axiom “no one knows the design better than the architect” holds true throughout construction. The architect is the author and custodian of the design intent. They understand not only what was drawn but why it was drawn that way—the specific performance, aesthetic, and functional goals driving every detail. Their deep knowledge of the project is indispensable when the inevitable site challenges arise. The architect’s role during construction administration is multifaceted, acting as the owner’s representative and the “quality control” guardian of the design.
Translating drawings into actual buildings engenders a challenge
Shop Drawing Review and Submittal Management
Contractors generate hundreds of shop drawings and submittals—detailed diagrams for fabrication, material samples, and product data—for everything from curtain walls to mechanical equipment. The architect reviews these to verify they comply with the original design specifications. Without this expert eye, a small deviation in a structural connection or material finish can cascade into major problems later.
Surveying the construction is essential
Responding to Requests for Information (RFIs)
No set of construction documents can be 100% comprehensive. Contractors constantly issue Requests for Information (RFIs) to clarify ambiguities, address unforeseen conditions, or detail how different systems should interface. The architect’s swift, accurate, and design-aligned response is critical to maintaining construction schedules. Delays or incorrect interpretations by non-design professionals can often lead to work stoppages, rework, and significant cost increases.
The RFI process
Site Observation and Quality Assurance
The architect makes periodic site visits to observe the progress and quality of the work. These observations ensure that the construction aligns with the contract documents. They are not supervising the contractor’s means and methods but are confirming the intent is being met. This proactive approach catches errors early—before a non-compliant installation is covered up, forcing a costly demolition and reinstallation.
Conformance to the design is critical
Change Orders and Payment Certification
When conditions or client demands necessitate a change order, the architect analyzes the request, verifies its scope, and helps confirm the fair impact on cost and schedule before it is approved. Furthermore, they review the contractor’s applications for payment, certifying that the work claimed has actually been completed and is satisfactory. This financial gatekeeping protects the owner’s investment and ensures they only pay for compliant work.
It is important that clients understand that cutting the architect out of the construction phase is a false economy. The 1-2% savings realized on total construction costs by sidelining the architect during CA are usually greatly dwarfed by the expenses incurred correcting construction mistakes, resolving design issues, and managing delays caused by the absence of their expert oversight. Utilizing the architect during construction administration is the single best investment to help ensure the final building is completed efficiently, on budget, and as designed.
Ross Cann, AIA, is serious about doing CA on a building site
If you would like to see your New England project designed beautifully and have the construction process managed capably to the point of a successful completion, please reach out to A4 Architecture to assist you in achieving your goals.
Ross Sinclair Cann, AIA is a historian, educator, and practicing architect living and working in Newport for A4 Architecture. He holds honors architectural degrees from Yale, Cambridge, and Columbia Universities and is a member of numerous committees, commissions, and boards. He has been a licensed and award-winning architect for more than 30 years.