(a) The client in a construction project has many rights. The architect is
bound by law to abide by all relevant regulations and legislation and act
in the best interests. Being a member of the Royal Institute of Royal
Architects (RIBA) means that the architect has agreed to a code of
practice. This means that RIBA will deal with negligence, incompetence or unprofessional conduct
through sanctions such as fines, reprimand or strike off. RIBA will also provide a mediator service or
an adjudicator to resolve disputes. In addition, RIBA will provide the client reports and expert
witnesses which could be used to agree a payment for the client. The client is protected by contracts
they have signed with contractors, subcontractors and designers and any breach of these contracts
would result in damages.
(b) Construction projects often have difficulties as a result of
miscommunication. An example of miscommunication may
be between the architect and building services engineer. The
building services engineer has notified the architect to
necessary changes to the design which would compromise
aesthetics of the interior. The architect has agreed to the
changes without consulting the client first. Upon completion
of the project the client has found the building to be
unacceptable and has claimed for damages as there has
been a breach of contract. The architect has now given the
client a full explanation for the issues and told him that the costs of changing these at the time
would have been significant. However, the client has continued the claim and RIBA helped agree a
settlement of damages. The architect was fined for his negligence.
(c) The client is the employer and therefore must obey
the legislative constraints. They decide on whether to
follow up on a design and go ahead with the
construction project. They are responsible for creating a
brief to the architect but they may decide to place their
responsibilities on the architect, design team and
contractors. Clients can vary from governments,
commercial or individuals who want to build a house.
The architect is required by law to show the necessary
qualifications that prove they are able to design a structure fit for purpose. They must promote
sustainable construction methods and comply with legal legislations such as Planning Laws, Building
Regulations and Management Regulations and the Disabled and Disabilities act. They must also have
public liability insurance to protect third parties from any defected work they have done.
, The architectural technologist must understand technical guidelines and structural design. They
should have a complete understanding of legal structures. They should also have insurance to
protect third parties from design problems they might have performed.
The landscape architect is a crucial part to most modern design projects. They design the external
environment of a project. An example of this would be producing sustainable planting schemes
which are in line with the local planning authority. They must abide by all aspects of legislation and
have public liability insurance to protect third parties.
The structural engineer must be qualified to perform specialist calculations which determine if the
load bearing elements of a design, such as the substructure and superstructure, are strong enough.
They also advise the contractor throughout the construction phase of a project. Structural engineers
must have public liability insurance in case issues are raised with regards to standard of
workmanship.
The building services engineer are responsible for aspects of design that will improve function and
human comfort of the building. Typically, these are employed by the architect but they are expected
to have public liability insurance in case concerns are raised with the design and installation of their
services.
The production team consists of contractors and the subcontractors who are responsible for
upholding by all relevant legislation such as The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Contractors
legal responsibilities generally depend on the contracts they agree with the client (employer). Their
responsibility is to ensure the job is done to the exact specifications in the architectural and
engineering plans. Contractors must have insurance to protect third parties from any issues that may
arise from their work.
Following our recent talks with the client I have had to come up with some design changes to
reduce the cost of the project. I have altered the shape of the roof giving it a sloping shed type
roof at an angle of 20° supported by with softwood timber beams, tanilised timber battens and
concrete tiles and a lead flashing pointed to the external brickwork. I have also suggested we
reuse the current UPVC door.
Would these alterations be okay with you?
Regards
Stephen O’Brien
From: contractor@outlook.com
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