Owner's Project Representative

Position Statements

• A/E Procurement
• Architects in Government
• Architectural Education
• Capitol Budgeting
• Codes and Standards
• Community
• Design of State Funded Transportation Systems
• Energy--Codes & Energy
• Equal Opportunity
• Historic Preservation
• Housing
• Insurance Regulation/Tort Reform
• Owner’s Project Representative
• Public Works Project Delivery
• Registration and Licensing
• Regulatory Reform
• School Construction
• Statute of Repose
• Sustainable Design
• Taxes
• Transportation

Architectural agreements provide for construction phase services geared to typical projects. However, many owners are requesting increased construction representation because of a desire to reduce change orders, delays and other problems during construction.

Owners may choose to hire a separate construction manager, not realizing that there are many advantages to contracting with the architect to provide whatever increased level of construction phase services are needed. Those advantages are:

• The architect is already familiar with the project, already has a working relationship with the owner, and does not need to “get up to speed”;
• The architect knows the history of why design decisions were made, and can make sure that change orders and solutions to construction problems are consistent with the owner’s goals for the project;
• The architect can integrate the increased level of services into the work already being performed, rather than adding another layer of people and paperwork;
• Adding a fourth party to the owner-architect-contractor relationship increases the opportunities for duplication of effort and miscommunication;
• Continuity of an architect’s involvement from inception through the end of construction protects the owner’s interest throughout every aspect of the project; and
• The architect, as the leader of the design team representing all facets of the job: architecture, electrical, mechanical, structural, etc., is in the unique position of providing enhanced construction administration services through immediate access and communication with the different design disciplines on the team.

The AIA Washington Council strongly recommends that when increased project administration services are required during construction. Scope of services and fees of the architect/design team who initially provided the design services should be expanded. Architects are qualified by education and training to provide these services, their work during the design phases gives them unmatched insight into the details and requirements of the project, and they are eager to do this work to assure the best possible project for the owner.