What is the architect standard of care and how does design-build mitigate owner risks?
In architecture, the standard of care refers to the level of skill, competence, and diligence that a reasonably prudent architect would exercise under similar circumstances in a given project. It is not about perfection but ensuring that architects meet industry standards, legal requirements, and professional guidelines when designing and executing a project. This standard takes into account the typical practices of architects in the same region and context.
If an architect fails to meet the standard of care and causes harm or issues in the project, they could be held liable for negligence. If issues arise due to substandard work, project timelines can be extended, causing financial and operational disruptions for clients, contractors, and other stakeholders.
The design-build delivery method can mitigate the risks of the standard of care by fostering better collaboration, reducing fragmentation, and enhancing accountability. Here’s how it addresses key risks:
- Single point of responsibility: In design-build, the architect and contractor are part of the same team or entity, which creates a unified approach to the project. This reduces the potential for miscommunication and finger-pointing between designers and builders, which often leads to delays and disputes. The integrated team takes responsibility for both design and construction, minimizing liability and reducing the risk of unmet standards.
- Improved coordination: Because the design and construction teams work together from the start, there is a better alignment of goals, expectations, and timelines. This coordination helps avoid errors that could arise from poor communication, which reduces the risk of project delays, cost overruns, and construction issues tied to design flaws.
- Faster issue resolution: With design and construction handled by the same entity, problems that arise on-site are typically addressed more quickly. The design-build team can adjust plans immediately without waiting for external approvals, minimizing the impact of design errors or construction challenges.
- Cost and schedule efficiency: Design-build often results in more cost-effective and faster project delivery, which reduces the overall exposure to risks related to budget overruns or extended project timelines caused by design errors or misunderstandings between parties.
By streamlining the relationship between design and construction, design-build lowers the potential for negligence and associated liabilities related to the standard of care.
