Table of Contents

1. Design Intent Preservation
2. Reduced Stress for You, the Client
3. Contractor Co-ordination
4. Seamless Design and Construction Integration
5. Cost and Quality Control
6. Creative Problem Solving
7. Building Code Compliance

Appointing and paying your architect to oversee your construction project brings multifaceted benefits — in terms of timeline, financially, and notably, in ensuring things get done properly. Let’s dive into why you should pay your architect to oversee construction by starting with what I believe to be one of the most important points on this list:

1. Design Intent Preservation

Having a beautiful architectural design is great, but if you aren’t paying your architect to be involved in the construction phase of your project, that beautiful architectural design you paid for may never come to fruition and here’s why.

Over the years I’ve seen the following happen to some of my clients who opted to let their chosen contractor oversee the entire project in the hopes that they would save on architectural fees;

• One particular building contractor took shortcuts on materials and construction methods, pocketed the savings, and still charged the client for the original design’s use of materials and construction methods.
• Another contractor did not understand certain design details on the plan and instead of clarifying with me they simply ‘winged it’.
• And finally, (I kid you not) a contractor made a rather large design change without consulting the client because “I think it looks better this way”.

Putting aside the totally unethical behaviour, the above not only took away from the original design aesthetically (in a really big way), leaving the clients with less-than-perfect results but it ended up costing them more money to fix than it would have cost them to appoint me to oversee construction and keep everything in check.

As architects, we understand the original design intent better than anyone else. Appointing your architect to manage the project helps ensure that the final result aligns with your vision and the design you paid for.

2. Reduced Stress for You

Keeping the above in mind, if you pay your architect to oversee construction it will relieve some of the burden on you. You’ll have confidence and peace of mind knowing that a professional is overseeing the project’s day-to-day operations.

3. Contractor Coordination

Architects can help establish and manage construction schedules, ensuring that the project progresses according to plan and is completed on time. This can be especially crucial for projects with tight deadlines.

Architects can act as a liaison between the client and the contractors, ensuring that communication flows smoothly. They can also help in selecting reputable contractors and manage the contractor-client relationship.

4. Seamless Design & Construction Integration

Architects worth their salt are pros in both design and building, making the process smooth and expertly managed. When the architect is involved in overseeing construction, there is a natural continuity from the design phase to the construction phase. This helps ensure that the original design intent is realized, and that any design changes are implemented effectively.

5. Cost & Quality Control

Architects who have experience in managing construction projects are often better equipped to control project costs. We can make informed decisions during construction to prevent cost overruns and minimize change orders.

Architects are focused on the aesthetic and functional quality of the building. We can monitor construction to ensure that the work meets the specified standards and that the design intent is preserved.

A good architect will also advise you to appoint a quantity surveyor. Paying professional fees may be an off-putting idea to any client with a budget, but appointing a quantity surveyor can save you up to double what it initially cost to appoint the QS because the quantity surveyor + architect relationship can help keep costs under control from unethical builders.

6. Creative Problem Solving

Architects are skilled problem solvers and can address unforeseen challenges that may arise during construction. Our ability to adapt and find solutions can be invaluable in keeping the project on track. We can introduce innovative construction methods and materials, as we are well-informed about the latest trends and technologies in the industry.

7. Building Code Compliance

Architects are well-versed in building codes and regulations. Our involvement in project management can help guarantee that the construction complies with all relevant codes and permits.

It’s important to note that not all architects have the same level of project management experience, so it’s essential to choose an architect with a proven track record in construction project management if you decide to go this route. Additionally, the specifics of the architect’s role in overseeing the project can vary, so it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the scope of their involvement before the project begins.