Can I change architects during renovation project?

Question

I'm in the middle of a 203K renovation and had drawings done before close in October. Unfortunately, the contractor the architect recommended did not follow the plans and I am in need of new drawings. Can I get another architect to do the drawings? Would they be willing? What should I be aware of?
No drawings were ever submitted to the city and permits were not applied for until February.

Account Closed · Answer

I don't think it would be easy but yes you can. Perhaps you can find one willing to take on the project, someone who really understands your specific concerns.

Mariah Pierce · Answer

The architect is very clearly irritated with the situation. He and the contractor had a business relationship and I think this has soured it. He was pleasant at first but now communication is snippy and short. Also, he does not have self-certification so I was thinking to use a self-certified professional since I am already delayed with permits. It was my understanding he would have submitted permits but two months after the close date he put that responsibility to the contractor who "missed the email" and it was not caught until February even though the consultant repeatedly asked for permits.

Jared W Smith · Answer

Agree with @Stuart Udis. If the drawings were code compliant, then it's on the Contractor to follow them explicitly OR contact the Architect if changes are necessary for the constructibility. Also sounds like your Architect is hands-off. Was this person responsible for doing the permit filing or was that the responsiblity of the Contractor? Also, was the Architect retained for construction phase services? Sounds like they weren't or they would have caught the non-compliant work and stopped the Contractor and alerted you. Like @William Hutch alluded to, if the drawings are Code Compliant, why bother getting new drawings from a new Architect? Get a new Contractor to follow the drawings you already have and retain the Architect to do site visits to observe the progress of the work. This would be your easiest route.

-Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC (Licensed in NY & CT)

Stuart Udis · Answer

This sounds more like a contractor issue rather than architect problem. How extensive are the contractors deviations from the plans and why weren’t the plans followed? It would be helpful to better understand the construction performance to date.

William Hutch · Answer

Depending on the project but the architect owns the drawings. So you can’t use his design without his permission. Did you use any of the AIA contracts? I’m an Architect and I would be wary to inherit someone else’s mistakes. if someone isn’t code complaint the new architect is on the hook. Why were the drawings not filed? Did you not have to file drawings to get a permit?

Mariah Pierce · Answer

Honestly, I just want to get the job done. It's month 5 and it looks the same as it did in November. I feel like going after them is going to prolong the already delayed process. I found another contractor and am trying to see what my options are with the architect. Thanks for the reply.

Jose Jacob · Answer

Changing architect and contractors in the middle of a project are not easy and not advisable. You will be more frustrated with new ones, cus they can make your life miserable and expensive.  My suggestion is eat the pain and try to talk to them and get it done what you need to.  Good luck

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Most architects (and Contractors) do not like to follow up on their colleagues work.

My first thought though was that you should go after the Contractor (and possibly the Architect) for non-performance. You're not planning on just eating this are you?