Understanding the architect's role in construction is essential for anyone implementing construction management software like Procore. This guide explores how architects collaborate with construction teams and why integrating architectural workflows into your technology stack creates project efficiency.
What Are the Key Phases of Architectural Work in Construction?
Schematic Design
Schematic design is where the project vision takes shape. Architects develop initial concepts, spatial relationships, and preliminary floor plans. This phase establishes project scope, basic massing, and the overall aesthetic direction. Construction management software must support these early-stage documents to ensure proper version control and stakeholder review.
Design Development
During design development, architects refine schematic concepts into detailed specifications. This includes finalizing materials, structural systems, and mechanical layouts. The documents produced here serve as the foundation for accurate cost estimation and contractor bidding, making proper document management critical for construction teams.
Construction Documents
Construction documents are the legally binding blueprints that guide physical construction. These comprehensive packages include detailed drawings, specifications, and schedules that contractors use for permitting and building. Integrating these documents into platforms such as Procore ensures that all stakeholders have access to up-to-date information.
Construction Administration
Construction administration keeps architects involved throughout the build phase. Architects review submittals, respond to requests for information (RFIs), conduct site visits, and verify work meets design intent. This ongoing collaboration requires seamless communication channels between design and construction teams—a key capability in modern construction technology.
What Is Field Measure and Why Does It Matter?
Field measure involves architects or surveyors taking precise measurements of existing conditions on site. This data captures as-built dimensions, structural elements, and existing utilities that may not appear on original plans. For renovation projects, field-measurement documentation is an essential input to construction management systems, ensuring accurate planning and coordination.
What Is Existing Conditions Documentation?
Existing conditions documentation captures the current state of a site or building before design work begins. This includes surveys, photographs, environmental assessments, and utility mappings. Accurate existing conditions documentation prevents costly surprises during construction and establishes a baseline for all project consultants.
What Is Expediting in Construction?
Expediting refers to the process of tracking, accelerating, and coordinating material deliveries and approvals. While often handled by project managers or dedicated expediters, architects contribute by responding quickly to submittals and clarification requests. Efficient expediting prevents schedule delays, making integrated workflow tools essential for project success.
Who Are the Key Consultants in Architectural Projects?
Architects coordinate numerous specialty consultants throughout a project. Understanding these roles helps construction teams manage document flow and communication:
• Structural Engineers: Design load-bearing systems, foundations, and structural frames. Their calculations and drawings are essential for safety and code compliance.
• MEP Engineers (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing): Design building systems including HVAC, electrical distribution, plumbing, and fire protection. MEP coordination is critical for avoiding conflicts during construction.
• Civil Engineers: Handle site design, including grading, drainage, utilities, and roadways. Their work ensures proper site preparation before building construction begins.
• Environmental Consultants: Assess environmental impacts, conduct phase assessments, and ensure regulatory compliance. Their reports influence site development decisions.
• Surveyors: Provide precise boundary locations, topographical data, and site measurements that form the basis for all design work.
• Traffic Engineers: Analyze traffic patterns, design parking layouts, and ensure adequate access for commercial and multi-family projects.
• Inspection and Asbestos Consultants: Conduct building inspections and hazardous material assessments required before renovation or demolition work.
• Architectural Rendering Specialists: Create photorealistic visualizations that communicate design intent to clients, stakeholders, and approval bodies.
What Documents Do Architects Provide to Construction Teams?
Construction teams receive various document types from the architectural team:
• Blueprints: The traditional term for construction drawings, now typically produced digitally but still referenced as blueprints in the industry.
• CAD Drawings: Computer-aided design files that provide precise, scalable drawings for construction. These integrate directly with construction management platforms.
• BIM Models: Building Information Modeling files containing 3D geometry plus data about materials, systems, and scheduling. BIM integration is increasingly critical for construction technology.
• Specifications: Written documents describing material requirements, quality standards, and installation methods that complement the drawings.
What Are Reimbursable Expenses from Architects?
Architectural contracts typically include reimbursable expenses billed separately from professional fees:
• Printing and reproduction of large-format drawings
• Travel expenses for site visits and client meetings
• Specialty consultant fees when coordinated through the architect
• Permit and application fees
• Physical model construction
• Specialized rendering or visualization services
Tracking these expenses requires proper integration of project accounting with your construction management system.
Why Does Architect-Construction Integration Matter for Technology?
When implementing construction management platforms like Procore, understanding the architect's workflow ensures your technology configuration supports real project needs. Document management, RFI tracking, submittal review, and change order processing all require seamless architect involvement. Organizations that configure their systems around these workflows experience faster approvals, fewer errors, and better project outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do architects help with construction management?
Architects support construction through submittal reviews, RFI responses, site observations, and verification that work meets design specifications. This ongoing involvement ensures the built project matches the approved design.
What is the difference between schematic design and design development?
Schematic design establishes overall concepts and spatial relationships. Design development refines these concepts into detailed specifications ready for construction documentation.
Why is MEP coordination critical in construction?
MEP systems occupy significant building space and must coordinate with structural and architectural elements. Poor coordination leads to costly field conflicts and rework.
What software integrates architectural documents with construction management?
Platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and PlanGrid offer document management, drawing coordination, and workflow tools that connect architects with construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.
How can technology consulting improve architect-contractor collaboration?
Technology transformation consulting helps configure construction platforms to align with architectural workflows, establish robust document controls, and create efficient communication channels between design and construction teams.
Conclusion
Architects are integral partners throughout the construction process, from initial concepts through project completion. Understanding their work phases, consultant coordination, and documentation requirements enables better technology implementation and project delivery. When your construction management platform correctly supports architectural workflows, the entire project team benefits from improved communication, faster decisions, and successful outcomes.
Need help integrating architectural workflows into your construction technology? Assetsoft specializes in Procore implementation and construction technology transformation. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.
