Building Design and Construction: An Architect's Perspective

Offers experience-driven guidance on navigating the full building design and construction process Building Design and Construction: An Architect’s Perspective provides the foundational knowledge necessary to lead complex projects with confidence. Drawing on over 40 years of combined experience in both construction and architectural practice, author Sam Andras delivers a comprehensive understanding of how building projects succeed—beginning with a clear grasp of the roles, responsibilities, and collaboration required among all stakeholders. This highly practical resource fills a crucial gap between academic instruction and real-world application—connecting professional principles to actual project experiences through detailed case studies and lessons learned. Rather than simply explaining processes, the author provides a roadmap for decision-making at every stage—from concept to completion. Readers will gain insight into key delivery methodologies, contract structures, and design phases while learning how to evaluate and select the best approaches for each unique project. Throughout the book, practical examples underscore how missteps were corrected, or could have been avoided, through cooperation, collaboration, and shared goals, helping students and professionals alike avoid common pitfalls. With a clear, step-by-step structure and emphasis on collaborative success, Building Design and Construction: An Architect’s Perspective: Features a dedicated “Roadmap to Success” chapter that integrates key lessons from preceding chapters while setting the foundation for the integration and understanding of post-chapters Explains industry-standard terminology, tools, and documentation to build a shared understanding among project stakeholders Includes clearly defined processes for selecting project teams, delivery methods, and contractual frameworks Provides strategic approaches to troubleshooting project challenges, including key aspects of project planning that directly impact long-term project outcomes Addressing both design intent and construction execution to demonstrate how integrated thinking drives project success, Building Design and Construction: An Architect’s Perspective is ideal for architecture, engineering, and construction management students. It is also a valuable reference guide for owners and project managers seeking a working understanding of what drives successful project delivery.

Table of Contents:
Foreword xi Preface xiii Acknowledgments xix Disclosure and Disclaimer xxi 1 The Beginning of the Journey 1 2 The Perfect Client 7 The Perfect Client 7 3 The Players 15 Defining the Team Members 15 Owner (Client) 15 Owner’s Representative 16 Program Manager 16 Architect 17 Interior Designer 18 Environmental Engineer 18 Geotechnical Engineer 19 Civil Engineer 19 Landscape Architect 20 Mechanical Engineer 20 Electrical Engineer 21 Low-Voltage Engineer/Designer 21 Fire Protection Engineer 22 Structural Engineer 22 Jurisdictional Authorities/Code Officials 23 General Contractor 23 Construction Project Manager 23 Superintendent 24 Subcontractors 24 4 Glossary of Words and Terminologies: Laying out the Lingo 27 Trim Size: 7in x 10in Single Column Andras373499 ftoc.tex V1 - 07/03/2025 9:44am Page vi _ 5 Types of Development 35 Defining the Categories 35 Renovation 37 Addition 42 New Construction 44 6 Delivery Methodologies 49 Design-Bid-Build 49 Pros 50 Cons 50 Team Delivery Methodologies 52 CM at-Risk 52 Pros 53 Cons 53 Design-Build 58 Pros 58 Cons 58 Design-Builder 59 Pros 59 Cons 59 Bridging 61 Pros, Scenario 1 62 Cons, Scenario 1 62 Pros, Scenario 2 62 Cons, Scenario 2 62 7 Murphy’s Law 63 Pre-Design Phase 63 Design Phase 64 Construction Phase 64 No Defined Vision 65 Selection of a Site and/or Building Without Proper Investigation 65 Misalignment Between Vision Stipulated CapEx and Actual Project Costs 66 Funding Not Secured 67 Improper Selection of Project Team Members 68 Failure to Define Expectations 69 Project Initialization/Pre-Design 73 Design 73 Typical Meetings During the Pre-Design and Design Stages 74 Consultant Reviews/Coordination 74 Jurisdictional Authority Review Meetings 74 8 The Roadmap to Success 75 9 Defining the Vision 83 10 Selecting the Delivery Approach and Implementing the Process 97 11 Contract Options 99 A-Series – an Overview 100 A-Series Documents 100 B-Series Documents 103 C-Series Documents 104 D-Series 107 E-Series 107 F-Series 108 G-Series 108 AIA B101-2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect 117 1. Initial Information 118 2. Architect’s Responsibilities 118 3. Scope of Architect’s Basic Services 119 4. Supplemental and Additional Services 120 5. Owner’s Responsibilities 122 6. Cost of theWork 122 7. Copyrights and Licenses 123 8. Claims and Disputes 123 9. Termination or Suspension 123 10. Miscellaneous Provisions 124 11. Compensation 124 12. Special Terms and Conditions 124 13. Scope of the Agreement 125 AIA A101-2017: Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor Where the Basis of Payment is a Stipulated Sum 125 1. The Contract Documents 125 2. TheWork of this Contract 125 3. Date of Commencement and Substantial Completion 125 4. Contract Sum 126 5. Payments 126 6. Dispute Resolution 126 7. Termination or Suspension 126 8. Miscellaneous Provisions 126 9. Enumeration of Contract Documents 127 Exhibit a Insurance and Bonds 127 AIA A201-2007: General Conditions of the Contract for Construction 127 Deficiency One: Deviations Between Construction Documents and As-Is Field Conditions 128 The Issue 128 The Contractual Language 128 Addressing the Issue(s) 128 The Contractual Language 128 AIA B101-2017, Article 5, Section 5.12 128 AIA A201-2017, Article 4, Section 4.2.4 128 AIA A201-2017, Article 7 Changes in theWork, Section 7.1.2 129 The Breaches in Contract 129 Why It’s Important 129 Deficiency Two: Inaccurate Proforma(s) 129 The Issue 129 Contract Language 129 AIA B101-2017, Article 6 129 Article 6.1 129 Article 6.5 130 Why It’s Important 130 Deficiency Three: Value Engineering 130 The Issue 130 Contract Language 130 Why It’s Important 130 Example One 131 The Issues 131 Example Two 131 The Issues 131 Example Three 132 The Issues 132 12 Making Your Draft Picks: Choosing Your Team and Defining Who Will Lead the Process 133 Design-Bid-Build 136 Understanding Team Deliveries: CM Deliveries (CM as Advisor, CM–Cost Plus, or CM at-Risk), Design-Builder, and Bridging 136 CM Deliveries (CM as Advisor, CM–Cost Plus, or CM at-Risk) 138 Design-Builder 138 Design-Build 138 Bridging 139 13 Preliminary (Investigative) Stage 143 Topographic Surveys 143 ALTA Survey 144 Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Assessment 145 Geotechnical Surveys 145 Traffic Studies 145 PotentialWork Force 146 Noise 146 Codes 146 Zoning 147 Security 148 Existing Buildings 149 Property Condition Assessment 149 Test-Fit 151 14 Design Stage 155 Basis of Design 155 Continuation of Design Stages 159 Programming 159 Conceptual Design 161 Schematic Design 161 Design Development 162 Construction Documents 164 Bidding and Permitting 165 15 Construction Stage 167 16 Project Closeout 181 17 Cutting the Ribbon 185 About the Author 187 Index 189

About the Author :
Sam Andras is a licensed architect with over four decades of combined experience in construction and architectural practice. He is the co-founder of 2WR + Partners, where he led the expansion into government and institutional markets. A graduate of Florida A&M University, Andras has served in key leadership roles throughout his career, offering expertise in strategic planning, project execution, and professional service delivery. His practice and teaching emphasize the collaborative nature of successful building projects.