PARTNERSHIPS

We view construction administration as a key element to the success of any project, and we are committed to seeing a project through to completion. Construction administration services consist of periodic onsite reviews during construction, coordination with the contractor, and architectural presence at various meetings, among other tasks. As part of our services, we are also able to review pay applications, shop drawings, and any suggested Requests for Information submitted by the contractor to ensure construction goes according to plan and design. While we consistently provide these services for Phog Architecture’s design projects, sometimes other clients or firms need help running a construction project, and we can be hired to act as the agent for construction from the architect’s point of view. In this sense, we serve the purpose of the architect to oversee and observe construction, attend project meetings, and provide progress updates to the hiring agent. Regular communication with the hiring agent is usually important for a smooth transition and to keep the designer’s and client’s vision in mind throughout the construction phase.

Montana architecture firms hire the team at Phog Architecture to regularly observe projects under construction. During a usual site visit, we take photos of the construction progress and confirm that what is being built complies with the drawings and associated documents. We will check in with the project architect after each site visit and write a report based on their input and our observations in the field, communicating any potential issues that need to be resolved and minimizing any potential construction delays. The goal of consistent field observation during construction is to ensure that the outcome is built as intended according to the construction documents.

Firms across the country hire Phog Architecture to review sets of drawings, usually near the completion of the construction document phase. Through this process, we perform a thorough quality control check on sets of drawings. We review the drawings and identify items that are amiss, don’t coordinate, or aren’t understandable from an outsider’s point of view.

Condition assessment reviews of buildings are commonly seen in the government sector. While common for government buildings, these services are recommended for any commercial building in order to keep up with maintenance and to keep the quality of the building at a high level. When conducting condition assessment reviews, we assess the status of buildings and their visible building components and create reports that detail improvements that are needed to ensure that the current condition of the building is maintained and safety issues are addressed. Occasionally, we are brought in to investigate a continuing maintenance issue and determine, to the best of our expertise, the causes and possible solutions to the problem at hand.

Montana and out-of-state architecture firms alike call on us when they need to contract with additional experienced architects to help complete a set of construction documents. In cases such as these, the firm is often already through the design phases and well into the construction document phase. We are able to develop and refine the drawings into a construction document set or simply help pick up redlines as part of the overall team. We offer our expertise to help finish the drawings to get the project out to bid or into construction in a timely and efficient manner to meet deadlines and client expectations.

Typically, drawings tell the contractor what materials are needed and where they go, while specifications are the portion of the construction documents that define the type and quality of these items and materials. The specifications offer guidelines to ensure that the project installation is executed according to the highest level of client expectations. Usually included with a commercial building’s construction documents, the project manual includes project information and the specifications for required materials. When architecture and design-build firms are looking for assistance in developing these project manuals and specifications, we provide our skill and expertise in offering this service.