I have lurked for several days and must say I am mystified by many of the posts. As Architects, how can you prepare CD's without knowing the number, type and nominal size of all glazed units/walls? In this age of energy-consumption awareness do you not calculate the amount of glazing? In California (and I suspect elsewhere) submission of energy calculations including all this and other information is part of the entitlement process. Green, LEED and other programs make it necessary to have this information 'in the can'. Knowing this information as a basic part of the project data is without doubt an essential element of the standard of care for designers in the current era.
Any set of CD's for a project that is not in the 'smallest' category also contains a window and glazing schedule that would contain the same information being described in the original post. Thus the query was only for information that the Architect is already required to have at hand. It did not say the Architect was being asked to provide specific field-level dimensional and/or other shop-drawing or submittal information that would correctly be provided by the contractor during the construction process. A copy of the window schedule, or other spreadsheet, with nominal sizes and quantities, would seem to directly respond to the query.
In the same time frame that I am receiving missives about how the Architectural profession can re-invent itself or improve its image, I also see increasingly disparate lines of thought amongst Architects (and other professionals). First, that the Architect should return to his/her elevated position as the 'master' of the design and construction industry. Second, that the Architect should seek to avoid responsibility whenever possible, and should avoid doing anything beyond the bare minimum - all as a risk avoidance strategy.
If Architects want to return to a position of authority, they must also be willing to accept the concurrent high level of responsibility that befits their profession.
In the immediate case, I find it astounding that an Architect would not readily respond to a query about how many windows, etc. are in the project. Doing so does not create any 'new' liability, nor does it entail 'extra work'. Arguably it took longer to 'discuss' the query than it would to simply forward the data.
Per the original post, the information sought is 'basic' and MUST already be known by the designer that is performing its work at a professional level. If the Architect does not already have that information readily at hand it would seem at first blush that the firm is falling behind the standard of the industry - no less rising above that median. Certainly if I were in the Owner's shoes and asked my Architect how many windows were in the project I would expect an immediate and correct accounting.
I am not suggesting that an Architect should perform any function that will ultimately be required of the contractor, nor does it appear the original post touches on anything of this nature.
In fact, I am trying to sort through the various comments and understand why any design firm would be resistant to providing this limited information that would further the Owner/Client's ultimate objective - moving forward toward construction in the most expeditious fashion, and sharing data that will help ensure everyone is on the same page. This in no way relieves the contractor of its duties, contractual obligations or liabilities as based on the final CD's (including specifications) that are incorporated into its contract for the Work.
Why are Architects so desirous of being elevated to the proverbial pedestal, but fearful of undergoing scrutiny of their work - i.e. providing anything they perceive could 'pin them down' as to the accuracy or appropriateness of the design documents they are responsible for? Has the in-office level of knowledge, diligence and accuracy in preparing designs and CD's stricken our confidence so low that the mere prospect of litigation now rules all?
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Howard Littman AIA
Forensic Architect, Expert Witness
Howard I. Littman, AIA
Agoura Hills CA
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