AR 529B – SPECIALIZATION 3

“CD Professionals (Competencies, Roles, & Methods)”

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MAY 19, 2021

GASPAR, RACHEL AR. ERWIN P. GERARDO

BS ARCHITECTURE 05 INSTRUCTOR
 Reaction Paper for CD Professionals
(Competencies, Roles, & Methods)

C O N S TR UCT ION DOCUMENTS

In this phase we develop the Design Drawings into a thorough and precise
set of Construction Documents. These drawings and specifications have
all of the details, dimensions, and notes necessary to communicate the
entire design intent to the builder. We show how the building components
should be connected, specify all of the materials, finishes, fixtures,
equipment, and appliances to be installed, and coordinate our drawings
with the structural engineers and any other consultant drawings. The
Construction Documents phase often requires the most time, which can
surprise clients because the design seems complete after Design
Development. However, this is a critical step in the process of successfully
and accurately executing the design you have invested in. Early in this
phase there may still be options on the table for some of the items to be
specified. Clients should be prepared to make decisions during this phase.
It is our job to make recommendations and educate you about the
options, but ultimately you will be the one occupying and maintaining
the home or building and you have the final say.
This is the easiest to understand. Construction documents include everything you
do to bring a project from design to a completed building. This includes:

• Bidding Requirements
• Contract Forms
• Conditions of Contract
• Specifications
• Drawings
 • Addendum
• Contract Modifications

BIDDING/PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS
Before you issue for construction, you'll usually issue a set of documents for bidding
only. This is to help the owner award the contracts to the lowest responsible bidder.
That's why the bidding documents include basically everything before contract is
awarded and construction is started.

• Bidding Requirements
• Contract Forms
• Conditions of Contract
• Specifications
• Drawings
• Addendum

PROJECT MANUAL
Many think of specifications as a written construction documents. Specifications
communicate the type and quality of materials while drawings communicate the
quantity and layout. But it's important to know that specifications don't equal
project manual, but instead it's a primary component of a project manual.
Other documents included in a project manual are:

• Bidding Requirements
• Contract Forms
• Conditions of Contract
• Specifications
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
Contract documents includes deliverables after bidding is completed (i.e. owner-
contractor agreement is executed). Any bidding requirements are NOT included
in the contract documents. It includes the owner-contractor agreement, the
general and supplementary conditions, the specs, contract drawings plus any
changes or modifications made to the contract.

• Contract Forms
• Conditions of Contract
• Specifications
• Drawings
• Addendum
• Contract Modifications

RECORD DRAWINGS / AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

Providing record drawing is an additional service of an architect. It's meant to
record the building as constructed based on information provided by the
contractor to the owner. Because the information is provided by the contractor,
the architect has no obligation to verify if the record drawings represent the built
work.
Contractor shall maintain record drawings on site to mark-up field changes &
selections made during construction which will later be transferred onto a
permanent reproducible medium for architect to submit to owner.
It's comprised of all the deliverables that the contractor used to build the project
including any changes/modifications that've been made during
bidding/construction.

• Specifications
• Drawings
• Addendum
 • Contract Modifications
• Submittals

Knowing that a significant investment of time and resources will be

required to complete a project can make it feel like an intimidating
undertaking. However, experience tells us that the biggest hurdle to
starting or moving forward on a project is more often the anxiety around
what we do not yet know. To help eliminate some of the unknowns about
working with an architect, we put together this guide and downloadable
tip sheet outlining each step in the process. We hope it gives a clear
picture of what to expect as one of our cli ents and that you feel more
prepared to discuss your project with an architect when the time is right.
Architects are in charge of design and project planning, and they are also
responsible for the visual appearance of buildings and structures. The term
“architect” refers only to individuals who are registered with a local governing
body. To become licensed, architects must meet specific professional training
requirements and pass an exam. Architectural services can be obtained from
individuals without licenses, but they cannot call themselves architects and
cannot sign construction documents.

Architects work hand-in-hand with other professionals such as civil and HVAC
engineers to deliver qualified designs. Architects have several responsibilities
during all stages of a project, from the initial drafts and meetings to the
inauguration of a building. Architects are appointed by the client, and they have
the duty of gathering all the information and ideas necessary to create a
functional space that meets client needs while being code compliant.

Roles of Architects in Construction

Once an architect is contacted by a client, a meeting is called to discuss the

project needs and requirements. Several meetings may take place until both
parties are satisfied with the conceptual design. However, designing an entire
building is a huge task for a single person; architects work with civil and structural
engineers to discuss technical issues and the structural integrity of a building.
Architects are not just involved in the building design phase. Their role is important
in every stage of a project, and this article summarizes their responsibilities.
Architects can also help improve energy efficiency, by designing buildings that
maximize natural lighting and ventilation, while reducing the heating and cooling
needs.

Project Discussion

An architect is hired by a client to create a detailed design of a concept or idea

that a client wants to bring to life. Meetings and discussions with different team
members and engineering professionals take place before the design approval.
Some topics that must be discussed during those meetings are client requirements,
expected budget, site characteristics, safety and local planning regulations.

Documentation and Drawings

Architects are
responsible for creating
detailed drawings and
testing the project
feasibility. Traditionally
this was done by hand,
but modern BIM and
CAD software speed up
the process significantly.
During this stage,
multiple revisions and redrawing’s take place to incorporate changes based on
client needs, budget and regulations.
The final blueprints guide builders to deliver the desired structure, and this includes
plans for all structural, mechanical and electrical systems. Other technical
documents that must be created along with the plans are design instructions and
technical specifications for contractors. Following the final design comes the
contract proposal, which allows the creation of cost estimates and the timescale
of the project.

Cost Estimation

Cost estimation at different

stages of the project allows
better control over the
budget. Architects visualize
the whole building structure,
bringing creative designs and
ideas to the construction
industry, but these also require
an underlying structural design and MEP installations.

Architects and engineers must be careful not to underestimate the cost of

materials and construction time, since this helps provide effective cost estimations.
The amounts of details presented by architects in their cost estimations depends
on their extent of work: they can be in charge of presenting a complete
construction estimation, or just a part such as landscaping.
Contracts

Architects can help

during the contract
negotiation phase, and
they may suggest and
choose the contractors
for different activities.
Once all tenders are
received, the architect
carries out analysis reports, and results are compared with the client’s
expectations and budget.

Construction Stage
Once construction begins, architect will perform site visits and meetings,
negotiations with contracts and dealing with and resolving any problems that
may occur. Some of the documentation that takes place during construction
phases will require architect’s signature and approval.

Architect Skills and Duties

The following are some of the main skills that a professional architect must have:

• Customer service and retention: It is important for architects to develop

social skills and manners, since they are usually the first construction
professional that works with a client. Since they work closely with clients
during all project stages, architects must have excellent oral and written
communication skills.
• Design: Architects must design, plan, and develop concepts to create
construction plans and technical documents. These are based on client
requirements and ideas.
 • Research: Architects must learn about the different building codes, safety
regulations, construction innovations and city laws that affect their designs.
Since these regulations are in constant evolution, they must stay up-to-date
with new laws and requirements.
• Technology knowledge: Architects must be trained in modeling software
and techniques, such as BIM. This will help them remain competitive in the
construction industry, which is becoming more technological.

Main
Differences Between an Architect and a Civil Engineer

As discussed before, architects and civil engineers work together during the
planning, design, and construction phases of building projects. The difference is
reflected on the main goal of each professional.
 • Architects will focus on the aesthetics, look, feel and functionality of a
structure. It is important to note that architects also have technical
knowledge on construction methods and structural design, but that aspect
is mostly delegated to civil engineers.
• Civil engineers will concentrate on analyzing the structural integrity of the
project. This included making sure the structure will support the loads and
forces it will endure during its lifespan.

By working together, architects and civil engineers can find innovative ways to
meet the client’s vision and requirements. A good working relationship between
the two professions guaranties an effective and successful job.