Read and write an essay for the questions.
An architect is engaged to design a single family home for a young couple. A revision to a standard AIA document excluded the architect from a specific budget although the approximate size of the house was defined. By their own estimation, the owners had a reasonable budget for construction of their home. However, the architect was concerned about their budget and, at the completion of the schematic design, offered to have three contractors review the drawings and provide preliminary cost estimates. Based on three favorable estimates, the clients directed the architect to continue with the construction drawings.
The final drawings did not alter the scope of the project, however, additional details were provided defining the foundation, structural components and architectural features. When the drawings were put out for bids, the cost of construction had escalated beyond the clients’ resources. Even though the reasons for the cost increases were strictly market-driven, the clients were upset with the architect and filed an ethics complaint.
There was anger and a great deal of tension between the parties. The clients claimed monetary damages by being required to pay for a design that they could not afford to build. Even though responsibility for construction cost was specifically omitted from the contract, did the architect implicitly accept some level of responsibility for the cost by recommending preliminary estimates? Should the architect be required to revise the drawings to bring the project within budget? What actions could the architect have taken to help the clients have more realistic expectations and a better understanding of their responsibilities?
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]