Custom Residential Architects Network

Does anyone have any experience in working with fire restoration companies and can offer some guidance? I am currently in the process of drafting up a proposal for a single family project, which has been damaged by fire. Project is in New York City and plans and architectural services will be required for the restoration, including special inspections. The restoration company wants to engage me to do the architectural services portion of the work. From my experience and knowledge, New York State Law mandates that architectural services contract is directly with a property owner. I am getting some pushback from the restoration company as they want to be the contact with the client and handle all fees and construction restoration operations including architect and his fees. 

My response has been that I do not mind if the restoration company handles all communication and process, as long as my contract is signed and executed by the owner and that it is understood that I am performing the project in the best interest of the owner and the property as far as compliance with code. 

Would appreciate if anyone has any experience with a similar situation or offer any input on ways to work with a third party company to provide architectural services to a property owner. 

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Arben Sela AIA
BuildPlus Architecture PLLC
West Nyack NY
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The Restoration company's behavior is a red flag for me. You want to contract directly with the owner for a variety of reasons. Buts, also your suggestion of allowing the restoration company to "handles all communication and process" is essentially agreeing to be a partner with them and they don't have the same standard of responsibility as you.

My personal experience:

I worked with a general contractor who suggested just this sort of arrangement. I thought we were working together well until we issued the set for permit. She took issue with the fire-rated ceiling of the garage (with a bedroom being added above). She just didn't want to build it and demanded that I change my drawings before submitting them for permit. It was at this point that she made it clear that because she had brought me on to the job, she thought she should have control over my work. Thankfully for us at that point the design was complete and most of our fees had been paid, so the owner decided to find a new contractor. 

Regardless of the Restorations Companies good intentions at this point, you don't want to set your self up in a situation where you will be in conflict with the HomeOwners best interest vs the person who's paying your fees.

In future, hiring the Restoration on as your consultant would be a better move. 

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Sara Costa AIA
ocurrente, pllc
San Diego CA
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