This is a continual question on the quest to educate the everyday client. Construction administration is a crucial aspect of the architectural process that ensures the successful translation of your project from drawings to reality. Architecture firms invest significant effort in creating detailed and comprehensive construction drawings. But it is important to acknowledge that these drawings have certain limitations.
Construction drawings serve as a roadmap for the construction process, providing instructions and specifications that meet the standard of care of any architect. However, these drawings cannot account for every unique condition or challenge that may arise during construction. This is especially true for remodel or renovation projects. This is where construction administration becomes essential.
By engaging in construction administration, architects are able to closely monitor the construction progress, collaborate with the contractor, and address any unforeseen issues that may arise. It allows the architect to bridge the gap between the theoretical design and the practical execution, ensuring that the project is built towards the expectation of the client.
During construction administration, the architect acts as the client’s advocate and works diligently to safeguard their interests. The architecture team makes site visits to review the construction, verify compliance with codes and regulations, and address any design clarifications or modifications. The goal is to ensure that the client’s vision is accurately realized, and any necessary adjustments are made promptly to maintain the integrity of the design.
By investing in construction administration, the client benefits from the architect’s expertise and attention to detail. It is not an expectation to have the client be knowledgeable to see any issues or conflicts that might arise during construction, and this is why it is even more important that the client allow the architect to participate in this phase. The architect is therefore the eyes and ears for the client during construction. This work provides an extra layer of assurance, allowing the architect to identify and resolve potential issues early on, minimize delays, and maintain the quality of the final product. This can be a cost saving measure.
Ultimately, construction administration is a proactive measure that helps to mitigate risks, enhance communication, and ensure the successful completion of your project. It reinforces the architect’s commitment to delivering not just a set of drawings, but a fully realized and meticulously constructed space that tries to meet everyone’s expectations.
Written by Andrew Goodwin
Images sourced from Wix media and Unsplash