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Consumer
Information
What
is an architect?
An architect is the one professional person registered to practice
architecture under the laws of the State who is equipped by education,
training and experience, to guide you through the design and construction
of your building or renovation project.
Careers in Architecture: View the Flash video: "Pathway
to Architecture"
Education
Requirement
On
the national level, to achieve licensure and the privilege to use
the title 'Architect,' most licensed architects today have obtained
an accredited professional degree in Architecture at a school recognized
by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Top
Training
Requirement
A
candidate's professional education is just the beginning. All architects
are required to complete three years of professional practice internship
of diversified practical training serving as an employee of, and
under the direct supervisory control of, a practicing licensed architect.
This is known as the Intern Development Program (IDP) and is administered
by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
Top
Examination
Requirement
Every
architect must also pass the Architect Registration Examination
(ARE) administered by NCARB. The exam is given in all 50 states,
the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories (Guam, the Northern
Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands). The examination
consists of the following areas: pre-design; site design; building
design; structural technology-lateral forces; structural technology-long
span; mechanical plumbing, electrical and life safety; materials
and methods of construction; and construction documents and services.
Top
Continuing
Education
Many
jurisdictions, including Ohio, require continuing education to maintain
licensure, and many more are expected to adopt mandatory continuing
education. Requirements vary but usually involve the completion
of a certain number of hours every year or two through seminars,
workshops, formal university classes, conferences, self-study courses,
or other sources.
Ohio requires architects to complete 24 hours every two years. Sixteen
of those hours must be in the areas of Health, Safety, and Welfare
(HSW). Top
Why
hire an architect?
In
Ohio, drawings for new buildings and existing buildings, other than
1, 2 or 3-family residential buildings, must be prepared by a registered
architect. Top
How
do you select an architect?
Typically,
architects are generalists and produce a great variety of projects.
There are no two projects that are alike, and each new building
brings with it unique challenges.
You
should arrange interviews with several architects to review their
capabilities, define the scope of the project, discuss their fees,
and determine your compatibility to work together throughout the
project.
Successful
projects result when architects and clients form positive relationships
with each other. The most thoughtful architects are as careful in
selecting their clients as owners are in selecting architects. Top
What
is normally included in an architect's services?
The
services provided by the architect and his or her interdisciplinary
team are subject to negotiations between the architect and owner
and depend on the size and complexity of the project and the owner's
needs. The contract should set forth clearly what services the architect
will provide.
The following list includes services that may be provided by the
architect in a typical project:
- Building
code analysis
- Building
program review
- Conceptual
design
- Design
development
- Civil
engineering
- Structural
engineering
- Mechanical
engineering
- Electrical
engineering
- Working
drawings
- Specifications
- Bidding
- Periodic
construction observation
- Shop
drawing review
- Project
close out
In
addition, an architect may also provide one or more of the following
services:
- Detailed
functional programs
- Site
selection assistance
- Feasibility
studies
- Existing
building inspection and evaluation
- Measured
drawings
- Environmental
impact studies
- Landscape
architecture
- Interior
design
- Kitchen
equipment selection
- Hospital
equipment design
- Facilities
management
- Perspective
rendering
- Finished
presentation models
- Product
design
- Computer
drawing database
- Construction
management
- Full
time construction representation
- Post
construction use evaluation
- Cost
estimating Top
What
is a successful building project?
A
successful building project is one that responds to your needs and
aspirations, built on time, within budget, and contributes to the
quality of the community and the lives within them.
Successful projects result form clients and architects who form
good professional, business, and personal relationships. These relationships
are formed early in the design process, and they are nourished by
clear communication, mutually understood expectations, and a willingness
of both client and architect to understand and accept their responsibilities
for realizing a successful project.
Useful books which may help you choose the right architect for your
project are 'Home Delivery' and 'You and Your Architect' both are
published by The American Institute of Architects and available
from local AIA chapters. Top
20
questions to ask your architect
1.
What does the architect see as important issues or considerations
in the project? What are the challenges of the project?
2. How will the architect approach your project?
3. How will the architect gather information about your needs,
goals, etc.?
4. How will the architect establish priorities and make decisions?
5. Who from the architectural firm will you be dealing with directly?
Is it the same person who will be designing the project? Who will
be designing your project?
6. How interested is the architect in this project?
7. How busy is the architect?
8. What sets this architect apart from the rest?
9. How does the architect establish fees?
10. What would the architect expect the fee to be for this project?
11. What are the steps in the design process?
12. How does the architect organize the process?
13. What does the architect expect you to provide?
14. What is the architect's design philosophy?
15. What is the architect's experience/track record with cost
estimating?
16. What will the architect share along the way to explain the
project? Will there be models, drawings, or sketches?
17. If the scope of the project changes later in the project,
will there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified?
18. What services does the architect provide during construction?
19. How disruptive will the construction be? How long does the
architect expect it to take to complete your project?
20. Do you have a list of past clients that the firm has worked
with? Top
The
steps involved in design and construction
Design
and construction projects involve several steps. Typically, projects
go through the following six phases. However, on some projects several
of these steps may be combined or there may be additional ones.
STEP
1 - Programming/Deciding what to Build
The
client and architect discuss the requirements for the project (how
many rooms, the function of the spaces, etc.), testing the fit between
the owner's needs, wants, and budget.
STEP
2 - Schematic Design/Rough Sketches
The
architect prepares a series of rough sketches, known as schematic
design, which show the general arrangement of rooms and of the site.
Some architects also prepare models or renderings to help visualize
the project. The client approves these sketches before proceeding
to the next phase.
STEP
3 - Design Development/Refining the Design
The
architect prepares more detailed drawings to illustrate other aspects
of the proposed design. Floor plans show all the rooms in correct
size and shape. Outline specifications are prepared listing the
major materials and room finishes.
STEP
4 - Preparation of Construction Documents
Once
the client has approved the design, the architect prepares detailed
drawings and specifications, which the contractor will use to establish
actual construction cost and build the project. These drawings and
specifications become part of the building contract.
STEP
5 - Hiring the Contractor
The
client selects and hires the contractor. The architect may be willing
to make some recommendations. In many cases, clients choose from
among several contractors they've asked to submit bids on the job.
The architect can help you prepare bidding documents as well as
invitations to bid and instructions to bidders.
STEP
6 - Construction Administration
While
a contractor will perform the actual construction, the architect
can assist the client in making sure that the project is built according
to the plans and specifications. The architect can make site visits
to observe construction, review and approve the contractor's applications
for payment, and generally keep the client informed of the project's
progress. The contractor is solely responsible for construction
methods, techniques, schedules, and procedures. Top
Ohio
Architect Code of Conduct
All
architects registered in the state of Ohio must adhere to the Code
of Conduct (OAC 4703-3-07). Violators of the Code are subject to
fines, suspension, or revocation of their license. Top
Architects
Code of conduct:
(A) Competence
(1) In practicing architecture, an architect shall act with reasonable
care and competence and shall apply the technical knowledge and
skill which is ordinarily applied by architects of good standing,
practicing in the same locality.
(2) In designing a project an architect shall take into account
all applicable state and municipal building laws and regulations.
While an architect may rely on the advice of other professions
(e.g., attorneys, engineers and other qualified persons) as to
the intent and meaning of such regulations, once having obtained
such advice, an architect shall not knowingly design a project
in violation of such laws and regulations.
(3) An architect shall undertake to perform professional services
only when he or she, together with those whom the architect may
engage as consultants, are qualified by education, training and
experience in the specific technical areas involved.
(4) No person shall be permitted to practice architecture if,
in the board's judgment, such person's professional competence
is substantially impaired by physical or mental disabilities.
(B) Conflict of interest
(1) An architect shall not accept compensation for his or her
services from more than one party on a project unless the circumstances
are fully disclosed to and agreed to (such disclosure and agreement
to be in writing) by all interested parties.
(2) If an architect has any business association or direct or
indirect financial interest which is substantial enough to influence
his or her performance of professional services, the architect
shall fully disclose in writing to his or her client or employer
the nature of the business association or financial interest,
and if the client or employer objects to such association or financial
interest, the architect will either terminate such association
or interest or offer to give up the commission or employment.
(3) An architect shall not solicit or accept compensation from
material or equipment suppliers in return for specifying or endorsing
their products.
(4) When acting as the interpreter of building contract documents
and the judge of contract performance, an architect shall render
decisions impartially, favoring neither party to the contract.
(C) Full disclosure
(1) An architect, making public statements on architectural questions,
shall disclose when he or she is being compensated for making
such statement.
(2) An architect shall accurately represent to a prospective or
existing client or employer his or her qualifications and the
scope of his or her responsibility in connection with work for
which he or she is claiming credit.
(3) If in the course of his or her work on a project, an architect
becomes aware of a decision taken by his or her employer or client,
against the architect's advice, which violates applicable state
or municipal building laws and regulations and which will, in
the architect's judgment, materially affect adversely the safety
to the public of the finished project, the architect shall:
(a) Report the decision to the local building inspector or other
public official charged with the enforcement of the applicable
state or municipal building laws and regulations;
(b) Refuse to consent to the decision and;
(c) In circumstances where the architect reasonably believes that
other such decisions will be taken notwithstanding his objection,
terminate his services with reference to the project.
In the case of a termination in accordance with paragraph (C)(3)(c)
of this rule, the architect shall have no liability to his or
her client on account of such termination.
(4) An architect shall not deliberately make a materially false
statement or fail deliberately to disclose a material fact requested
in connection with his or her application for registration or
renewal.
(5) An architect shall not assist the application for registration
of a person known by the architect to be unqualified in respect
to education, training, experience or character.
(6) An architect possessing knowledge of a violation of these
rules by another architect shall report such knowledge to the
board.
(D) Compliance with laws.
(1) An architect shall not, in the conduct of his or her architectural
practice, knowingly violate any state or federal criminal law.
(2) An architect shall neither offer nor make any payment or gift
to a government official (whether elected or appointed) with the
intent of influencing the official's judgment in connection with
a prospective or existing project in which the architect is interested.
(3) An architect shall comply with the registration laws and regulations
governing his or her professional practice in any United States
jurisdiction.
(E) Professional conduct.
(1) An architect shall not sign or seal drawings, specifications,
reports or other professional work for which he or she does not
have direct professional knowledge and direct supervisory control;
provided, however, that in the case of the portions of such professional
work prepared by the architect's consultants, registered under
this or another professional registration law of this jurisdiction,
the architect may sign or seal that portion of the professional
work if the architect has reviewed such portion, has coordinated
its preparation, and intends to be responsible for its adequacy.
(2) An architect shall neither offer nor make any gifts, other
than gifts of nominal value (including, for example, reasonable
entertainment and hospitality), with the intent of influencing
the judgment of an existing or prospective client in connection
with a project which the architect is interested.
(3) An architect shall not engage in conduct involving fraud or
wanton disregard of the rights of others.
(4) An architect legally practicing in another jurisdiction seeking
an architectural commission in this state, who qualifies for reciprocal
registration under rule 4703-2-05 of the Administrative Code,
shall be admitted to the state for the purpose of offering to
render architectural services and only that without having first
been registered by this board. Top
Qualifications
Based Selection for Public Owners
Qualifications-based
selection is the law in the state of Ohio (ORC 153.65-153.71). QBS
is a process that enables public owners to obtain the advice and
services of a highly qualified architect or engineer at a fair and
reasonable cost. A free booklet, The Ohio
QBS Manual, (insert link to attached PDF) has been created to
help public owners understand this process. Top
Written
Contracts are Required by Ohio Law
Since
June 1, 1998, written contracts have been required under section
4703-3-09 of the Ohio Administrative Code. Any architect or architecture
firm agreeing to provide services to a client must execute a written
contract prior to beginning work on the project. Architects and
clients can prepare their own contracts, have them prepared by an
attorney, or use the standard documents sold by The American Institute
of Architects (AIA). AIA Documents are available from local AIA
chapters.
The
contract is a legal instrument that binds the architect and client
to certain obligations for the duration of the project. It should
include the specific services that have been agreed to and the conditions
under which these services are to be rendered. Without such an understanding,
issues could occur that increase costs or cause delays in the completion
of the project. Consumers of professional services have the right
to question and change any of the terms of the agreement before
signing.
Contracts
should be reviewed by an attorney prior to signing. Clients should
keep a copy of the signed contract. Both the client and the architect
are responsible for carrying out the terms of the contract.
Written
Contracts-Required Items
Ohio
Administrative Code section 4703-3-09 requires that written contracts
for architectural services contain these minimum provisions:
- A
description and location of the site.
- A
description of the services the architect is to provide the client.
- A
description of the basis of compensation applicable to the contract
and the method of payment agreed upon by both parties.
- The
architect's name, address and the clients name and address.
- A
description of the procedure to be used by the architect and client
or design-builder to accommodate additional services.
- A
statement identifying the ownership of documents prepared by the
architect and/or reuse of documents.
- A
description of the procedure to be used by either party to terminate
the project.
Written
Contracts-Recommended Items
The
following items are not required under Ohio law but are recommended
for inclusion in the contracts for architectural services:
- At
what phases of the architect's work is your approval required
for authorization to proceed to the next phase.
- A
schedule for completion of the work.
- The
construction budget and what is included in that budget.
- Identification
of who pays for consultant fees and what consultants are to be
used on the project.
- Identification
of reimbursable costs not included in the fee.
- Identification
of what services constitute additional costs and who is to give
approval for incurring such costs.
- Anticipated
date of construction start.
- Determination
whether or not construction observation is included in fee. Top
Record
Keeping
In
addition to the written contract, it is advisable to maintain a
record of all communications with the architect, both written and
verbal, relating to the project. Following a meeting or discussion,
it is helpful for the client to write a memo to the architect confirming
his or her understanding of the meeting or discussion. Doing so
may help prevent misunderstandings and could be invaluable if a
dispute arises. Be sure to include the date and time of the meeting
and the date of the memo. Keep a copies of any documents provided
to the architect.
In
addition to this formal correspondence, the client may want to keep
a personal journal about the progress of the project through notes
and photos. Carefully evaluate each phase of the work and make sure
the architect knows when client approval is required before going
to the next phase of the project. Keep a record of all payments
made, the date and the amount. Require the architect to obtain written
approval before incurring additional costs. Top
Money
Matters
Most
disputes arise over money. Be sure to understand the cost of the
architect's services and when payments are due. Be sure to include
the schedule of fees in the written contract and that payments are
timely. Be sure, if borrowing money for the project, that the loan
covers architect's fees and construction costs.
We
would like to acknowledge and thank AIA Ohio for supplying the following
material: What is an Architect?, Why Hire an Architect?, How to
select an Architect, The Architect's Services, The Steps involved
in Design and Construction, 20 Questions to ask your Architect,
and Qualifications Based Selection for Public Owners.
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