What is the architect’s role regarding shop drawings?

The architect's role concerning shop drawings is defined by standard industry contracts. The architect reviews submittals, such as shop drawings, for the limited purpose of checking for conformance with the information given in the contract documents and for compliance with the design concept. This review is not an approval of the means, methods, techniques, or safety precautions, which remain the contractor's responsibility. The architect's action (e.g., "No Exceptions Taken," "Revise and Resubmit") confirms that the submitted item, as detailed, aligns with the project's established design intent.

A. The contractor, subcontractors, or suppliers prepare and submit shop drawings to the architect for review.

C. The general contractor is responsible for coordinating and distributing reviewed shop drawings to the appropriate subcontractors.

D. The architect cannot unilaterally approve changes that affect cost, schedule, or design intent; such changes require a formal change order approved by the owner.

1. American Institute of Architects. (2017). AIA Document A201™–2017, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. Section 3.12.6 states the Architect will review submittals "for the limited purpose of checking for conformance with information given and the design concept expressed in the Contract Documents."

2. American Institute of Architects. (2014). The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (15th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 10.4, "Submittals," pp. 718-720, details the architect's review process, emphasizing that the review is for "conformance with the design concept."

3. Piotrowski, C. M. (2011). Professional Practice for Interior Designers (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 18, "Construction Drawings, Schedules, and Specifications," p. 451. This text, used in university architecture and design programs, clarifies that the architect or designer reviews shop drawings to ensure they conform to the design intent of the contract documents.