Who acts as contract administrator and maintains records of decisions and approvals under A201?

• A. The Contractor acts as contract administrator and maintains records.
• B. The Owner acts as contract administrator but keeps no records.
• C. Subcontractors maintain decisions and approvals records.
• D. The Architect acts as contract administrator and maintains records of decisions and approvals.

Answer: (D)

In AIA A201, the Architect is designated as the contract administrator, responsible for administering the contract and interpreting its terms on behalf of the Owner. As contract administrator, the Architect issues interpretations, approves substitutions, issues change orders or other directives, and keeps the official records of these decisions and approvals. This centralized role creates a single, authoritative trail of decisions affecting the work, ensuring consistency across the project. While the Owner and Contractor have their own responsibilities, the formal administration and record-keeping duty specifically rests with the Architect.