Consultant Roles in Architecture

Consultant Definitions

• Consultant: An individual or firm that provides design services to an architect. This can be a regulated or non-regulated profession, and the requirements for licensing vary depending on the specific field.
• Engineer: A professional licensed under provincial or territorial legislation, skilled in the design, development, and construction of physical works.
• Prime Consultant: The consultant retained directly by the client, usually responsible for managing and coordinating subconsultants.
• Design Team: All individuals and firms involved in creating the building and site design.

Consultant Roles in Architecture

• Architects rarely handle all design aspects of a project independently.
• Most projects benefit from consulting expertise to address specific areas of design, such as structural, mechanical, or electrical systems.
• The architect typically takes on leadership and coordination roles, drawing on the expertise of consultants to provide seamless service to the client.

Integrated Design Process

• Architects and consultants are increasingly collaborating from the beginning of projects through the integrated design process (IDP).
• This collaborative approach aims to reach sustainable design solutions.

Types of Consultants

• Engineering Consultants:
  • Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers are frequently used for building design.
  • Other types include acoustical, civil, building envelope, seismic, and traffic engineers.
• Specialist Consultants:
  • These consultants have specific expertise in areas like specification writing, building envelope consulting, interior design, code consulting, and marketing.
  • Many architects can become specialists themselves.
• Technical Service Providers:
  • Individuals or firms provide services like CAD drafting or hardware advice.

Agreements with Consultants

• Architects should have written agreements with all consultants directly involved in the project.
• These agreements should clarify licensing requirements, professional liability insurance coverage, capacity to deliver services, and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• The Canadian Standard Form of Contract Between Architect and Consultant (RAIC Document Nine) is recommended for agreements with engineering consultants, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, and food service consultants.
• Separate agreements can be used for consultants with limited roles, potentially excluding professional liability insurance requirements.
• The architect should ensure they receive copyright assignment for all consulting services provided for the project.

Managing and Coordinating Consultants

• The architect has a crucial role in managing and coordinating consultants, whether they are retained directly by the architect or by the client.
• Early involvement and structured team building are essential for a smooth project.
• The integrated design process (IDP) offers a framework for management, and consultant involvement in project planning and budgeting is encouraged from the start.
• The architect remains responsible for the overall work of the design team, even though consultants work independently.
• The project architect’s tasks:
  • Defining project objectives, including scope, cost, schedule, and stakeholder satisfaction
  • Establishing quality standards
  • Collaborating with the design team
  • Managing consultants through ongoing performance monitoring, commitment, motivation, and recognition
  • Developing and executing communications and risk management plans

Consultant Associations

• The Construction Industry Consultative Committee (CICC) and the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) are important organizations representing the construction industry.
• Key participating associations include:
  • Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada (ACEC)
  • Canadian Construction Association (CCA)
  • Construction Specifications Canada (CSC)
  • Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)