What communication with the owner must the architect have regarding his observations?

• A. He must keep the owner informed of the general progress, known deviations from the contract documents and schedules, and defects and deficiencies observed within the work, and the architect has no responsibilities over acts or omissions by the contractor or subcontractor.
• B. He must report to the owner only at the end of the project.
• C. He must report to the contractor first.
• D. He must not communicate unless asked.

Answer: (A)

The architect’s role includes ongoing site observation and timely communication with the owner. He must keep the owner informed about general progress, known deviations from the contract documents and schedules, and defects or deficiencies observed in the work. This direct reporting to the owner helps the owner manage the project and address issues as they arise. At the same time, the architect’s responsibility is not to guarantee contractor performance or to oversee every action of the contractor or subcontractors; the architect is not responsible for their acts or omissions. Because of this, communication occurs during the project as issues are observed, not only at the end, and not only after being asked. This combination—prompt, factual reporting to the owner about progress, deviations, and defects, with limited responsibility for contractor conduct—best reflects the architect’s duties.