New York Landmarks Conservancy
Common Bond May, 1993

Introduction

From time to time religious institutions- may need to consider securing the services of an architect. There are various issues that should be addressed in the selection process. The primary points to note are these: that an architect's skills should be equal to the project; that any combination of services may be assembled to meet your budget and your needs; and that any prospective architect should be willing to discuss such possibilities.

Licensed Professionals

An architect is a licensed professional, subject to the regulatory requirements of the state in which he or she practices. Providing services that are not legal or ethical could result in the loss of his or her license. Only a person possessing a valid state license and current registration may legally describe himself or herself as an architect and provide architectural services. In New York, for example, providing architectural services without a valid license is illegal and subject to prosecution under state law. Many architects are also members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), a professional association, although this is not a legal requirement to practice.

Some architects specialize in particular fields, such as hospital design, religious structures, or factories. Some only do new constructions, while others focus on the rehabilitation of existing buildings. A preservation or restoration architect specializes in the identification, documentation, restoration, preservation, and adaptive reuse of historic properties and resources. The National Park Service, which administers the federal historic preservation program, has established criteria (see sidebar) which define the qualifications required to work as a historic architect on federally-financed projects. These are minimum qualifications, and so it is best to look for preservation or restoration architects who have special training in this area along with substantial, credible experience. Since not all architects meet these criteria, you should question any prospective architect carefully regarding his or her qualifications to determine whether he or she is an appropriate choice for undertaking work with any significant historic preservation components.

Selecting an Architect

When selecting an architect, interview more than one experienced in work similar to that being proposed. Ask for references. Discuss previous projects, specific experience or expertise, possible services, fee structures, restrictions or limitations on your project, scheduling requirements, and the philosophy with which the architect would approach your project. Any architect who is interested in working with you will devote time to presenting himself or herself and to discussing your proposal. Keep in mind, however, that he or she cannot afford to spend excessive amounts of time providing information, consultation, and design suggestions for a project before being retained to do so. It is equally unfair and inadvisable to attempt to compare proposals for unequal services or skills, or different program requirements. It is in your best interest to make an "apples to apples" comparison. Most architects are willing, within reason, to revise their proposals to respond to variations in the program requirements. Conversely, it is very helpful to all architects You consider to have provided them with as clear an idea as possible about your proposed work concept, a general budget, scheduling and other parameters that will bear on the work you propose.

Architectural Services

It is essential that you carefully assess the services you require of an architect, and that you reach a sound agreement that clearly defines necessary services and applicable fees before starting any work. The services provided should satisfy your stated objectives. An architect is hired to provide specific services on behalf of a client for an agreed-upon fee and subject to conditions stipulated in the agreement for services. It is imperative that this agreement clearly describes all pertinent aspects of the arrangement to the satisfaction of both parties in order to avoid misunderstanding or disagreement later in the project.

In defining the scope of services desired, it is common practice (though not universal) to utilize standard contract forms prepared by the AIA. These forms are primarily designed for new construction but can be easily modified for use with rehabilitation projects or special services. As with all contracts, it is advisable to consult with your attorney and, if possible, to include him or her in the process of preparing an agreement. that satisfies the needs of both parties.

Basic Project services is typically divided into five distinct phases. While set up to respond to new construction, these categories are not rigid and can be modified for restoration projects in consultation with your architect.

1. Preliminary Design Phase, based on your proposed program, includes the preparation of conceptual designs for your review and approval. For existing buildings, this work is based on a conditions survey (see "Planning a Capital Improvement Campaign, Part ill Common Bond, Volume 2, Number 13 Winter 1986, for a discussion of conditions surveys). The Survey should be conducted at the outset in order to assess the existing state of the building and to prioritize necessary work. Preliminary budgeting is also done at this point.

2. Design Development Phase, which refines the conceptual design, incorporates your concerns and comments. This also includes developing a step-by-step plan for addressing the full scope of the project. At this stage outline project specifications are also provided.

3. Contract Documents Phase, entails the production of detailed working drawings and written specifications. These will describe the actual work that the contractor must include in his or her bid and will include the terms of the contract that will bind the owner and the successful probable costs which may be submitted at this time. However, architects should not be expected to warrant the results of the bidding process.

4. The Bidding and Contract Phase, involves assisting you, the client, in identifying suitable contractors to bid on the work, securing bids, and awarding a contract for construction.

5. Contract Administration Phase, entails periodically monitoring the work In progress to verify compliance with the general intent of the contract documents, and to approve payment for work completed properly. It should be noted that, except in very specific instances, the architect does not actually supervise or direct the construction work.

36 CFR Part 61 Professional Qualifications Standards for Restoration or Preservation Architects

The U.S. Department of the Interior has developed a series of "professional qualifications standards" which establish the minimum criteria that need to be met in order to be considered for preservation or restoration architect positions involving federally-financed preservation projects. The following requirements are those used by the National Park Service and have been published in the Code of Federal Regulations 36 CFR Part 61. Basically these requirements define the minimum education and experience required performing identification, evaluation, registration, and treatment activities. For architects practicing "historic architecture" the minimum requirements are a Professional degree in architecture. Or a State license to practice architecture, plus either one year of graduate study in architectural preservation, American architectural history, preservation planning or a closely related field. Or a least one-year of full-time professional experience on historic preservation projects. Graduate study or professional experience should include detailed investigations of historic structures, preparation of historic structures research reports, and preparation of plans and specifications for preservation projects.