In previous articles, we’ve discussed the importance of building and maintaining:
But what about the relationship a contractor has with their architect?
Architects are charged with the design success of a construction project. On top of that, contractors report using architects as a key strategy for increasing the number of referrals they receive for new business.
Knowing how important an architect’s influence is on future business – as well as the projects you’re working on right now – we’re sharing tips and insights on a successful architect-contractor relationship.
Architects and builders: Roles and responsibilities in the construction process
The architect’s role in a construction process is to combine creativity, function and design expertise and match those skills with client and builder requests until a project is completed.
A builder’s job is to execute that vision, transforming what exists on paper into a real-life construction project.
Although both parties are working together toward a common goal, each tends to measure the success of a project differently.
For example, a report by the American Institute of Architects and the Associated General Contractors of America notes the top two indicators for success for both architects and contractors are:
- Client/owner satisfaction
- On-budget project delivery
When you look at the third indicator for success, things change. Contractors tend to prioritize on-time project delivery at a higher percentage than architects, while architects tend to value environmental impact.
How architects and contractors form an effective working relationship
There are six key areas that a contractor should focus on to help improve their working relationship with architects.
By dedicating resources to these areas, you can avoid miscommunication and mistakes that can negatively affect the overall budget, timeline and client satisfaction.
Effective communication
To foster strong communication, both parties must commit to regular touchpoints. In some cases, this might be face-to-face meetings, but they can be conducted through phone calls and emails, too. Construction communication management software can help support this need, allowing users to streamline and save all communications in one place for ease of reference.
With integrated document storage, you can help ensure all project details, changes and information on potential roadblocks are accessible at all times, reducing the back-and-forth needed to overcome these challenges after the fact. This feature is especially important, as communication clarity is a commonly reported issue between architects and contractors regarding documents, drawings and specifications.
Early collaboration
According to the organizations’ report, 8 in 10 architects want to work more closely with contractors.
Usually, the earlier an architect and contractor can connect on a project, the better.
Early collaboration can help support accurate cost estimation, minimizing costly design changes later on in the building process. Creating and reviewing designs early and often can also inform contractors of the labor and material resources they’ll need to complete a project to scope.
Start by working together to define the project’s goals, requirements and constraints. This might include conducting a needs assessment and a site analysis, establishing a budget and forming a conceptual design. Although this process heavily involves architects and contractors, clients should also be involved in gathering feedback.
Building trust
Imagine this scenario:
An architect works to design an open-concept living space with large windows serving as a focal point of the design.
During construction, a contractor might change the type of windows introduced in the design based on procurement issues or cost.
As a result, the architect’s original vision is compromised. What’s more, the lack of communication and transparency around the substitution could lead to long-term trust issues. They may question why the choice was made – or feel as though design intent wasn’t honored.
It’s important to use communication and collaboration as tools to continuously build trust. That way if changes must be made, both parties can make those decisions together and minimize ripple effects in their subsequent work.
Change orders and substitutions
Construction projects are rarely without challenges and changes.
Still, excessive substitutions can present significant challenges for architects involved in a project.
Architects typically select materials, finishes and products that align with the overall design vision being driven by the client. Excessive substitutions and change orders to any of these items can compromise the intended design goal, which can directly affect client satisfaction.
A survey by the Architect Marketing Institute found that 70%-100% of an architect’s future projects come from referrals. So upholding design intent is of the utmost importance to their future revenue pipeline.
When a change order is processed by a contractor, timely sharing with the architect can help lessen dissatisfaction. That way, everyone can adapt to the change more successfully.
Budget management
Ineffective budget management can harm an architect’s work during a residential construction project. That’s because inaccuracies in the budget can often create a shortfall that puts pressure on design compromises to cover the gap.
By starting the project with accurate estimating and bidding being done by the contractor, architects can complete their designs based on the constraints of the budget. That means fewer cost-motivated design adjustments are needed down the road.
Maximizing efficiency
Creating more efficiencies in the architect-contractor relationship – specifically embracing construction company software to improve how work flows from one party to the next – can help make the process smoother for everyone.
That’s because construction software can facilitate communication, file sharing and scheduling while also streamlining design reviews and approvals. These changes can improve productivity, leaving more time for both contractors and architects to dedicate their energies to the client.
How Buildertrend can help foster architect relationships
Buildertrend’s construction software can help facilitate efficient communication, collaboration and project management throughout the residential construction process – which can help strengthen architect relationships.
- Clear communication: Buildertrend provides a user-friendly tool where architects and contractors can communicate in real time. Architects can share design plans, specifications and updates directly within the software, ensuring that both parties are always on the same page.
- Document sharing: Architects can upload design documents, drawings and plans to Buildertrend, allowing contractors to access the latest design information easily. This ensures that everyone is working with the correct designs at the right time.
- Design review: Buildertrend’s document-sharing and commenting features enable architects to collaborate with contractors during design reviews. Contractors can provide feedback, ask questions and seek clarifications directly within the platform, streamlining the review process.
- Change management: If design changes are necessary during the construction phase, contractors can minimize the impact they can have on the project budget and timeline by using change order software. Architects can update plans and specifications and share new versions of documents with the construction company. Contractors receive notifications of these changes, minimizing the risk of implementing outdated design elements.
- Budget management: Contractors can use Buildertrend to create accurate estimates and share approved budgets with architects. With improved accuracy, architects can experience a reduction in cost-driven design changes later on in the project.
- Project progress tracking: Architects can track the construction progress through photos and updates uploaded by contractors. This feature enables architects to remotely monitor the project’s development, ensuring that the construction aligns with the design intent.
To learn more about Buildertrend, contact us today.
About The Author
Debbie Trecek
Debbie Trecek is a freelance copywriter for Buildertrend.
