The architect is on site to evaluate the completed work by the contractor. During the evaluation, the architect notices a structural connection that…

According to the AIA B101™–2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, the architect's primary responsibility during on-site observations is to act as the owner's representative. A core duty within this role is to keep the owner reasonably informed about the progress and quality of the work. The agreement explicitly states that the architect shall report to the owner any known deviations from the contract documents. While the architect will also communicate with the contractor to address the non-conforming work and consult with the structural engineer, the contractual reporting obligation is to the owner.

A. Structural engineer: The architect consults with the engineer on technical matters, but the primary contractual reporting duty for deviations is to the owner.

B. Contractor: The architect informs the contractor to reject non-conforming work, but the B101 agreement establishes the architect's reporting duty to the owner.

C. Building inspector: The architect has no direct contractual obligation to report construction deviations to the building inspector, who represents the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

1. AIA Document B101™–2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect. Section 3.6.2.1 states, "The Architect shall be responsible for reporting to the Owner known deviations from the Contract Documents and from the most recent construction schedule submitted by the Contractor."

2. Demkin, J. A. (Ed.). (2013). The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (15th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 10, "Construction Contract Administration," Section 10.4, "Site Visits and Observation," page 729, reinforces this duty: "The architect is required to report to the owner known deviations from the contract documents and defects and deficiencies observed in the work."

3. Harvard University Graduate School of Design. (2020). Proseminar in Practice I (SES-05301) Course Syllabus. The course materials covering Construction Administration emphasize the architect's role as defined by AIA contracts, including the duty to observe the work and report to the owner on its conformance with the contract documents. This aligns with the principles in AIA B101 § 3.6.2.1.