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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. Public
Records Policy All
records of the Ohio Architects Board are public, unless they are specifically
exempt from disclosure under the Ohio Revised Code. "Record" includes
any document or device, whether paper, electronic, or other format, which is created
or received under the jurisdiction of this office and which documents that organization,
functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of
the office. Pursuant to R.C. 4755.02(E)(1), all information and records received
or generated by the Board pursuant to an investigation are confidential and are
not public records as defined in R.C. 149.43. Records
Requests
No specific language is required to make a request, but the requester
must identify records with sufficient clarity to allow the office to identify,
retrieve, and review the records. If it is not clear what records are being sought,
the records custodian should ask the requestor for clarification, and assist the
requestor in revising the request by informing the requester of the manner in
which this office maintains and accesses its records. The requester need not put
a request in writing, or provide his or her identify or the intended use of the
requested records. It is this office's general policy that this information shall
not be requested. Notice
of Receipt
All requests for public records should either be satisfied or
be acknowledged in writing by the Board within three (3) business days following
receipt. If a request will not be satisfied within three (3) business days, a
notice of receipt should be sent to the requester, including at least the following
terms: - Request
for clarification (if necessary)
- Estimated
cost if copies are requested (see below)
Production
of Requested Records
Inspection of public records must be made available
promptly. Copies of public records must be made within a reasonable period of
time. "Promptly" and "reasonable period of time" take into
account the volume of records requested, where the records are stored, and time
for any legal review and/or redaction. Records prepared for inspection may be
viewed during regular business hours. The Board will provide copies of public
records on paper, on the medium on which they are kept, or on any other medium
the office determines it reasonably can duplicate the records as an integral part
of normal operations. If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt,
the exempt portions will be redacted and the rest released. Denial of all or any
part of any public record requested shall include an explanation for the denial,
including legal authority. Costs
for Public Records - There
is no charge for viewing (inspecting) public records.
- Copies
of public records may be charged at the following rates (actual costs):
- Paper
copies - 5 cents per page.
- Mailing
labels - 12 cents for each page of labels.
-
Downloaded computer files on a compact disc - $1 per disc.
- Electronic
records e-mailed to the requester - no charge.
- Paper
records faxed to the requester - no charge.
- Requesters
may have records mailed to them by paying this office the actual cost of postage
and mailing supplies.
E-mail
Records
If the content of an e-mail or other electronic communication meets
the definition of a public record (see "Records" above), it is subject
to disclosure, whether it is in a public or private e-mail account. Requests for
e-mail records will be treated in the same fashion as records in other formats. Failure
to Respond to a Public Records Request
If a person believes this office
has failed to comply with the Ohio Public Records Act, they may file a court petition
in mandamus: (1) to compel the office to comply with the request, (2) to seek
payment of statutory damages, (3) for court costs, and (4) to have the office
pay the requester's attorney fees. For
a copy of the full version of the Ohio Architects Board's Public Records Policy,
please visit the Board's website (http://arc.ohio.gov)
or ask the Board staff for a copy.
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