| Title |
A Study on Architect's Role and Services in American Institute of Architects Contract Documents |
| Keywords |
Scope of Archtiect's Service ; Contract Administration ; Contract Documents ; Design Service ; Claim |
| Abstract |
AIA Contract Documents, which the American Institute of Architects has developed, are widely used by and accepted in the current USA construction industry. They are the product of a consensus-building process aimed at balancing the interests of all parties on the construction project. AIA Contract Documents reflect actual industry practices, not theory. AIA Contract Documents are agreements between prime players on construction team.
This study investigates architect's role and services defined in AIA Contract Documents and analysed them into 3 categories. First, an architect acts as an independent contractor who seeks his own interests. Second role of architect is the representative of owner and mostly involved in Contract Administration Service during construction phase. Architect observes contractor's work as a representative of owner, not as an inspector or a supervisor. Architect is able to provide fair protection to owner since he is free from any monetary interests during construction by not being responsible for contractor's acts or omission. When construction manager is participated in the project, the services as owner's representative are performed together with construction manager. However, the third role as mediator remains sole authority of architect, which renders initial decision regarding disputes between parties. The architect's initial decision on disputes is required as reference when they are filed as a claim to American Arbitration Association. Architect's obligation to the public and ethics are emphasized in this role. |