Question regarding Commercial

[keara]

This is more of a Commercial question but was wondering if someone could help me. Can you tell me if an architect is ever hired as the general contractor as well. Are there any risks associated with having the architect act as the GC. It seems as thought it would be a conflict of interest to me but I am told that it happens quite often. I would appreciate it if someone could get back with me as soon as possible as I need the answer to this question immediately.

[Rich]

An architect is typically not the GC - but more of a CM acting as an agent of the owner. Essentially the architect will provide scheduling, pricing info, and control the work flow through direction from the owner. I wouldn't say it's a conflict of interest. The biggest problem is that the architect may not have the skills to perform this work unless they've been doing it for a very long time or have done many design/build projects.

[Tom R]

I once worked for an architect/GC.

He had his own carpenters.

IMO, - - it can be somewhat of a conflict.

I wouldn't suggest it.

He can 'control' the job, - - and 'name' his price.

If you don't go along, - - things can become difficult.

And slow.

[Vector]

There are a lot of "Design/Build" firms that incorporate both architecture and the general-contractor side of things (even though the roles may be filled by different people). Most of the reputable remodel firms in this area work that way.

[grumpydasmurf]

I think having an architect and having a gc is a good system of checks and balances. Each one will be critiquing the other.

On the other hand not all architects want to get involved with the scheduling or pricing. Some just supply prints and move onto the next house. They leave the prints to the home owner to find a GC who does the scheduling and pricing. That usually doesn;t happen in commercial though.