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Western Massachusetts Chapter |
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If you haven't already selected a general contractor, you will usually invite contractors to review the documents provided by your architect and submit bids. As a rule, the responsible contractor with the lowest bid is hired.
What is the architect's role during construction?
The architect serves as your eyes and ears throughout construction. Architects perform "contract administration" that is, visiting the site, preparing any needed supplementary drawings, and reviewing the contractor's progress and workmanship. The architect also reviews the contractor's applications for payment and issues change orders for modifications authorized by the Owner. The contractor is responsible for following the construction documents; the architect keeps you abreast of any deviations from the design.
How do you determine overall costs? Developing a realistic design and construction budget at the outset is important to maintaining a smooth project and will help avoid unpleasant surprises. Keep in mind though, that construction, particularly renovation, is a complicated process with numerous pitfalls.
Interested in hiring an AIA architect?
Find a local AIA / WMAIA architect in our listings. You can view architectural firm profiles here. The firm profiles are similar to a mini website, and include a link to the architectural firm's own website, if they have one as well.
You can also find individual architects or architectural firms listed alphabetically, by name, here. If a firm has a website, their firm's name will be linked to that site.
We encourage you to visit the website of any architect or firm you are interested in, to learn more about the architect's design philosophy and to view examples of their work.
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