Architect of Record
Architectural construction documents, developed and integrated
We develop and coordinate the architectural information needed to take a design to consistent construction documents, integrated with the engineering disciplines and suitable for construction.
Experience
Experience by sector
15+ years of combined team experience and 130+ projects across seven sectors.
Mixed-use and vertical development
Industrial
Hospitality and tourism
Healthcare
Commercial and corporate
Residential communities
Institutional, education and urban
Shared experience
Clients and collaborators
Approach
From design to construction documents
Between an approved design and its construction there is a stage of technical definition in which architecture, structure, MEP, materials and construction criteria must converge.
Architectural construction documents develop that information into documents that make it possible to understand, coordinate, price and build the project.
The work starts from the architectural intent and moves toward concrete definitions: dimensions, levels, materials, junctions, technical spaces, interfaces with engineering disciplines and documentation criteria.
When the scope requires it, this development is integrated with BIM processes and sustainability criteria to keep architectural, technical and performance decisions aligned.
Scope
Developing the architectural construction documents
The scope is structured according to each project’s stage, complexity and responsibilities. It can range from architectural development to the technical integration and documentation required for construction.
01
Architectural development
Development of the approved design to define the architectural information needed at each project stage.
The work can include plans, sections, elevations, masonry, finishes, ceilings, levels, architectural details, schedules and other information needed to describe the project.
The goal is to keep the different representations consistent and to develop the decisions that still need definition before construction.
02
Engineering integration
Architecture shares space and decisions with structure, MEP and multiple specialized systems.
Integration means incorporating that information into the architectural development, identifying interfaces and following up on the decisions needed to keep disciplines consistent.
Depending on the project, this can include coordination with structure, MEP, special systems, lighting, landscape, kitchens, façades and other consultants.
03
Construction documentation
The developed information is organized into a document set suited to communicating the project.
Drawings, details, schedules, specifications and models must describe mutually compatible criteria and meet the needs of those who will use that information during bidding and construction.
The level and type of documentation are defined according to the contracted scope and the project’s specific requirements.
04
Coordination and information control
During construction document development, decisions evolve and information from the different disciplines changes.
The coordination process makes it possible to identify these changes, review their implications and incorporate them into the architectural documentation in a controlled way.
When the project is developed in BIM, models can be used as a common environment to support this coordination and keep graphic and written information consistent.
Integration
Architecture, engineering and documentation
On projects with multiple participants, architectural design and construction document development may belong to different teams.
The Architect of Record works from the design intent and criteria to develop its technical definition, integrate engineering information and produce the corresponding architectural documentation.
Architectural design
Defines the project intent, its spatial organization, language and main design criteria.
Architect of Record
Develops the architectural definitions needed to document the project and integrates the interfaces with the engineering disciplines.
Engineering disciplines
Develop the criteria, calculations, designs and technical information for their respective disciplines.
Construction
Uses the coordinated documentation as one of the bases to plan, budget and execute the work.
Responsibilities are defined precisely for each project. This makes it possible to identify which information belongs to each participant and where the interfaces that require coordination lie.
Process
Information development and coordination
01
Initial review
Review of the design, contracted scope, available information, client requirements, participating disciplines and project-specific conditions.
This stage identifies deliverables, missing information, pending decisions and relevant interfaces before development moves forward.
02
Structuring
Definition of deliverables, documentation criteria, information organization, responsibilities and coordination milestones.
When BIM is used, this stage also sets the criteria needed to organize models and information exchanges.
03
Development
Progressive development of the architecture and its documentation.
Decisions are incorporated as information from the design team, consultants and other participants is received and coordinated.
04
Coordination
Review of the interfaces between architecture, structure, MEP and other disciplines.
Identified issues are documented and the decisions needed to incorporate them into the project are followed up.
05
Documentation and issue
Integration of approved decisions into the corresponding deliverables and consistency review across drawings, models, details, schedules and other documentation included in the scope.
Issues can be organized in phases according to project and construction priorities.
Methodology
BIM as support for development and coordination
When the project’s characteristics require it, construction documents can be developed using BIM methodology.
Models relate geometry, information and documentation within a common environment, making coordination between architecture and engineering easier and making certain interfaces visible before construction.
Its scope is set according to the BIM uses defined for each project.
Model uses in construction documents
- Multidisciplinary coordination
- Documentation
- Quantity takeoffs
- Change management
The methodology does not replace each discipline’s design and calculation responsibilities. Its role in construction documents is to help organize, integrate and communicate information.
Next step
Let’s review your project’s scope
If you have a design that needs to move into construction documents, we can review the available information, the disciplines involved and the required deliverables to define the scope of work.