Many people believe that an architect is only involved in a project during the initial stages. Actually, the role of the architect changes throughout the life of the project. After the drafting, drawing, and blueprints are completed, an architect is involved in the project all the way to the end.
Contract Administration
One of the most important roles of a Maui architect is ensuring that the finished product is as close to the drawings and the client’s wishes as they can get. In this role the architect frequently visits the job site to examine:
- The progress of the project, and updating the client on both the project and the state of completed work
- Becoming familiar with the job site during the project
- Report any changes in the work, including defects and imperfections, as well as divergences from the schedule
- Determine if the final project will be consistent with the contract documentation at completion
During contract administration, the architect and engineer regularly meet with the contractor team to keep everyone informed of the progress. These meetings may be weekly or biweekly, depending on the size of the project.
During Construction
Another important role of the architect during construction is as the client advocate since the drawings are the contract between the client and the builder. The client will depend on the architect to protect their investment and the construction costs by assisting the builder in understanding and executing the design from the drawings.
Guidelines published by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) mandate that an architect provide advocate services in order to protect the client’s interests. The architect is vital to protect the client’s interests in their having project built as they intended as well as the safety of the building and the welfare of the occupants.
While visiting the building site, the architect regularly reviews the progress of the project and takes notes on anything that needs attention, such as conditions that do not match the documents. Certain areas may require special attention during different phases, especially if it will not be accessible later.
In Maui, you must have your plans stamped either by a Hawaii licensed architect or by a Hawaii licensed structural engineer. If a change is needed, either by the client or required for any reason, the architect is involved in the evaluation and updating, and the plans can be re-stamped at the same time.
Other Tasks
In order to keep the project on target, a Maui architect will also be called upon for:
- Troubleshooting—because construction projects are almost never without issues, the architect will be called upon to resolve differences between design and construction
- Cost management—there are times when the troubleshooting also leads to additional costs. It’s up to the architect to resolve these differences and keep the integrity of the overall design intact
- Details—although details are generally drawn out in the blueprints, during the construction process, more refinement may be required. The architect continues to refine the details that further outline the aesthetics of the finished building.
Throughout the project, the architect answers all of the client’s questions and works with them through the project’s completion.
Call Pro Draft For All Of Your Architectural Design Needs
Let Pro Draft help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and everything else you need for your construction project. We’re happy to answer all of your questions before construction starts and throughout the process. We’ll work to make sure your project is done to your specifications and your needs.
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