Small Project Design

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: CRAN Custom Residential Architects Network and Small Project Practitioners .
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I recently renovated a house that was damaged by a fallen tree during the recent high wind storms in upstate NY. I met the client at a school social and introduced myself as an architect who could help with the repairs. I promoted my knowing local contractors who could do the work at a reasonable cost. I hired the help of painters and framers and did the work and more, providing solutions for a wet basement, plumbing issues  and fencing repairs. All this for a preagreed cost matching the funds provided by her insurance for the original damages for the tree but extending the scope of work so that she can rent the house. Note that the house had not been used in 17 years and is now in much better shape.
My client recently told me that she had been confused about me doing it all and being an architect and, as I understand, charging for the construction costs. I told her that she probably would have paid much more using separate contractors. I feel a bit guilty but I don't really know why. I knew the budget before the bid, I offered a lower price for the work than my competitor and she had the best professional help that she could expect.
Did I do anything wrong? How could I have been more clear?
Please advise
Thanks
 
PS: Is it ethical to work both as an architect with construction knowledge, hire subs and charge clients for construction, effectively working as a construction manager?
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Christian Fekete
Architect
Advancing Concepts in Architecture of NY, P.C.
Rhinebeck NY
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It is ethical, as long as your jurisdiction permits it, and you and your owner are both clear on what your scope and responsibilities are. In our county, you do it as an owner-builder project, with the Architect signing a CM-agency agreement with the owner as an extension of basic services. The AIA Documents have a contract for this...I woukd suggest using it to clarify your services to the Owner. Ideally, if you want to do this kind of work, I would also suggest you take design-build classes and get certified by DBIA. Much luck in your endeavor. I have found it very rewarding. ------------------------------------------- Tonya Dale AIA Principal 4D Designs LLC Kailua HI -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 11-04-2011 12:02 From: Christian Fekete Subject: Design and Subcontracting This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: CRAN Custom Residential Architects Network and Small Project Practitioners . ------------------------------------------- I recently renovated a house that was damaged by a fallen tree during the recent high wind storms in upstate NY. I met the client at a school social and introduced myself as an architect who could help with the repairs. I promoted my knowing local contractors who could do the work at a reasonable cost. I hired the help of painters and framers and did the work and more, providing solutions for a wet basement, plumbing issues and fencing repairs. All this for a preagreed cost matching the funds provided by her insurance for the original damages for the tree but extending the scope of work so that she can rent the house. Note that the house had not been used in 17 years and is now in much better shape. My client recently told me that she had been confused about me doing it all and being an architect and, as I understand, charging for the construction costs. I told her that she probably would have paid much more using separate contractors. I feel a bit guilty but I don't really know why. I knew the budget before the bid, I offered a lower price for the work than my competitor and she had the best professional help that she could expect. Did I do anything wrong? How could I have been more clear? Please advise Thanks PS: Is it ethical to work both as an architect with construction knowledge, hire subs and charge clients for construction, effectively working as a construction manager? ------------------------------------------- Christian Fekete Architect Advancing Concepts in Architecture of NY, P.C. Rhinebeck NY -------------------------------------------

Christian,

I have done what you describe on several projects, however they were mostly for very close business friends and acquaintances. Inherently there isn't a problem leveraging your construction and design knowledge to benefit a client.  This is especially true when the project is many discrete pieces that do not really require a GC's advanced expertise or skills. Project management is a lot of work that takes you away from design work and/or running a practice, and should be compensated fairly.

Communication is paramount in this situation, so if your client was genuinely surprised then maybe you could have done better at explaining your role.  If your client was just coy to try and squeeze you a little, well, we have all been there before.

A few caveats when undertaking such endeavors:  Your PL insurance will likely not cover your CM activities, and I suggest a conversation with your PL agent to explore the risks. Also, the other GC's that you know might get peeved if you start to tread on their turf and undercut their business. I still receive numerous referrals from GC's, and have learned to not underestimate the effect of a chatty sub-contractor.

HTH.

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Andrew Fethes AIA
President
Andrew Fethes Architects PA
Oradell NJ
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