The Players' Roles
The architect's role: What do architects do?
Having a better understanding of exactly what architects do can help you decide if you need one for your project, and what type would be the best fit.
Architects work with clients to understand their physical and emotional needs, design buildings to meet those needs, and oversee the construction process. They provide a wide range of services, and offer those services in a variety of ways. You should look for an architect whose expertise and process are a good match for your particular needs.
The architect's role: Do I need an architect?
From a legal standpoint, probably not. You do need a building permit before doing any kind of construction, and most cities and towns require an architects or engineer's professional stamp on drawings, if the design involves structural work. However, a contractor could sketch out a design and have an engineer create stamped structural drawings for probably less money than an architect would charge. But getting building department approval of your plans is the least important reason for hiring an architect.
The architect's role: Possible conflict of interest
In the supervision phase, the architect
often has the role of judge, settling any disputes that
arise as to whether the contractor has complied with contract
documents (in fact, the American Institute of Architects
contract designates the architect as "sole judge" of such
matters). This raises a potential conflict of interest,
because the architect is often judging matters regarding
his/her own self-interest, not just the contractors. For
example, a typical disagreement is whether a particular
work item is "in the contract", or whether it will cost
extra. If the architect failed to clearly specify
the item in the contract documents, the owner would be required
to pay extra for it. It is thus in the architect's interest
to maintain that the item was clearly specified,
and claim that the contractor's interpretation was incorrect.
From a contractual standpoint, the architect has nothing
to lose by angering the contractor, since s/he has no legal
agreement with him. If the architect takes responsibility
for the omission, s/he risks having the owner deduct from
his/her fee the amount of the extra. |
