Architect of record
Encyclopedia
Architect of record is the architect
or architecture firm whose name appears on a building permit
issued for a specific project on which that architect or firm performed services. Building permits are issued by a government agency
with the authority
in a certain jurisdiction
to regulate building construction
and enforce building codes. Generally, the building contractor submits the application for the permit to the regulatory authority, along with a building project's drawings and specifications (called collectively "construction documents"). But in some jurisdictions, the architect is required to submit the construction documents needed to obtain the building permit. And with some construction projects, more than one building permit is issued. That occurs when several different architects perform services on discrete parts of a single building project. More than one architect of record, therefore, would exist in such a case.
When an architecture firm from one location is working on a project that is outside of their geographic location or range of expertise, the firm can also work with an architect that is either local to the project site or skilled in a particular area. In this case, the primary architect works with the local architect in order to complete the project, and the local architect becomes the "architect of record." This type of working relationship is common when brand-name architects win competitions but find themselves in need of architects with more practical skills or knowledge of local conditions. Or more pragmatically, the brand-name architect simply needs an architect who is local to the project site, facilitating quicker site visits and project oversight.
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
or architecture firm whose name appears on a building permit
Construction permit
A construction permit or building permit is a permit required in most jurisdictions for new construction, or adding on to pre-existing structures, and in some cases for major renovations. Generally, the new construction must be inspected during construction and after completion to ensure compliance...
issued for a specific project on which that architect or firm performed services. Building permits are issued by a government agency
Government agency
A government or state agency is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions, such as an intelligence agency. There is a notable variety of agency types...
with the authority
Authority
The word Authority is derived mainly from the Latin word auctoritas, meaning invention, advice, opinion, influence, or command. In English, the word 'authority' can be used to mean power given by the state or by academic knowledge of an area .-Authority in Philosophy:In...
in a certain jurisdiction
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction is the practical authority granted to a formally constituted legal body or to a political leader to deal with and make pronouncements on legal matters and, by implication, to administer justice within a defined area of responsibility...
to regulate building construction
Construction
In the fields of architecture and civil engineering, construction is a process that consists of the building or assembling of infrastructure. Far from being a single activity, large scale construction is a feat of human multitasking...
and enforce building codes. Generally, the building contractor submits the application for the permit to the regulatory authority, along with a building project's drawings and specifications (called collectively "construction documents"). But in some jurisdictions, the architect is required to submit the construction documents needed to obtain the building permit. And with some construction projects, more than one building permit is issued. That occurs when several different architects perform services on discrete parts of a single building project. More than one architect of record, therefore, would exist in such a case.
When an architecture firm from one location is working on a project that is outside of their geographic location or range of expertise, the firm can also work with an architect that is either local to the project site or skilled in a particular area. In this case, the primary architect works with the local architect in order to complete the project, and the local architect becomes the "architect of record." This type of working relationship is common when brand-name architects win competitions but find themselves in need of architects with more practical skills or knowledge of local conditions. Or more pragmatically, the brand-name architect simply needs an architect who is local to the project site, facilitating quicker site visits and project oversight.