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Architect

01Service

Architectural construction administration and site reviews

OAN Architect provides construction administration to support the architectural design as work moves from drawings to the site. We address design questions, carry out site reviews and coordinate architectural information with the owner, contractor and consultants within the agreed scope. Based in Welland, we support projects across Ontario, with the level of involvement and site attendance defined for each project.

An architect reviewing a stair opening and architectural drawings with a contractor inside a building under construction.
Construction administrationIllustrative scene

02Who we work with

  • Property owners moving an architectural project into construction
  • Homeowners building a custom home, addition or major renovation
  • Business owners and developers coordinating a building or renovation
  • Owners who need architectural support for construction-stage questions

When to get started

  • The contractor needs clarification of the architectural drawings
  • An existing condition or proposed change affects the design
  • You need architectural site reviews at an agreed level of involvement
  • The owner, contractor and consultants need coordinated design information

01In detail

Architectural support during construction

Questions can arise when drawings meet existing conditions, material choices and work on site. Construction administration provides a defined point of contact for architectural decisions and coordination.

An architect and contractor discussing an existing masonry opening in relation to renovation drawings.
Clarifying the design on siteIllustrative scene

Drawing clarification and design questions

We help explain the architectural intent and respond to questions about the design documents. Where a question involves another discipline, we coordinate input from the consultant responsible. The aim is to give the project team the architectural information it needs to address the issue.

Proposed changes and existing conditions

A discovered condition or proposed change may affect the layout, details or other design disciplines. We discuss the architectural implications with you and the project team, then prepare the agreed clarification or revisions. Any additional design or application work is identified as the issue becomes clear.

02In detail

Site reviews and project communication

The level of construction-stage involvement should be established before work begins. We agree the architectural review scope and how observations and questions will be communicated.

An architect recording site observations on a tablet in an unfinished corridor, with printed drawings and a clipboard nearby.
Recording site observationsIllustrative scene

Architectural site reviews

Site reviews provide an opportunity to observe work in relation to the architectural documents and identify matters for follow-up within our scope. Visits occur at the level agreed for the project. They are not a promise of continuous attendance or a review of every part of the work.

Coordination with the construction team

We communicate architectural observations and design responses with the owner, contractor and relevant consultants. Clear responsibilities help the team know who needs to address a question and what information is outstanding. Engineering matters remain with the licensed consultants responsible for those designs.

03Scope

What we deliver

  • Architectural responses to construction-stage design questions
  • Site reviews and communication of relevant observations within the agreed scope
  • Architectural clarification or revised information for agreed design changes
  • Coordination with the owner, contractor and relevant consultants

Scope and responsibilities

  • The contractor carries out the construction work
  • Site attendance and review responsibilities are defined in the appointment; continuous site supervision is not assumed
  • Licensed engineering consultants address engineering matters within their own scope
  • Additional construction-stage services are included only where agreed for the project

04Stages

Our construction administration process

  1. 01

    Agree construction-stage support

    Establish the architectural services, communication arrangements and level of site attendance for the project.

  2. 02

    Clarify the design

    Respond to architectural questions and coordinate the consultant input needed to explain the design documents.

  3. 03

    Review work on site

    Carry out the agreed site reviews and communicate observations that need attention or further discussion.

  4. 04

    Coordinate design changes

    Discuss proposed changes and provide architectural information within the agreed scope as construction progresses.

05Common questions

Questions about construction administration

  • Does OAN stay involved after the drawings are complete?

    Yes. We offer construction administration, including architectural questions, site reviews and coordination within an agreed scope. Discuss the support you need before construction begins so the responsibilities and level of involvement are clear.

  • How often will the architect visit the site?

    Site attendance is established for each project in the appointment. It depends on the work and the scope of architectural review. Contact us to discuss the proposed construction and the level of support required; there is no universal visit schedule.

  • What happens when the contractor has a design question?

    We address architectural questions within our scope and coordinate input from other consultants where needed. If a question requires a design change or additional services, we discuss the next step with the owner and project team.

  • Does construction administration include continuous site supervision?

    Continuous supervision is not assumed in our construction administration scope. The contractor carries out construction, while OAN provides the agreed architectural support and site reviews. Your appointment sets out the specific services and attendance arrangements.

Tell us about your construction administration project

Planning a home, commercial space or multi-unit building? Share the location, your goals and the stage you are at. We can discuss whether OAN Architect is the right fit.