Common Mistakes Architects Make During Construction Stage (And How to Avoid Them)
For young architects involved in project delivery, construction stage is often where everything becomes real — drawings are interpreted, built, and evaluated. Mistakes at this stage can result in costly rectifications or time-consuming delays.
Here’s a breakdown of common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Blind Approval of Submittals
What’s the mistake? Approving shop drawings, material samples, and method statements without cross-checking against tender drawings, specifications, or coordination with other trades.
Impact:
Cost: Wrong materials or systems installed that do not meet the design intent.
Time: Rework and site instructions needed to rectify, delaying progress.
How to prevent it:
Develop a submittal review checklist: check alignment with tender drawings, specifications, and coordination with other trades.
Loop in relevant consultants during reviews (e.g. M&E for coordinated drawings).
Always mark up submittals with “Approved with Comments” or "No Exceptions Taken" with disclaimers to protect yourself. The onus is on contractor to comply to tender drawings and specifications regardless.
When in doubt, do not approve and seek your QP's view on the submittal.
2. Not Reviewing Combined Services Layouts
What’s the mistake? Skipping thorough reviews of Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE) sessions, Combined Services Drawings (CSD) review, which integrate architectural, structural and M&E services.
Impact:
Cost: Clash between structure, ceiling heights, and services like ducts or sprinklers may require site rework.
Time: Delay in completion due to late clash discovery and need for rework.
How to prevent it:
Conduct combined services coordination meetings with consultants and contractor before installation.
Mark underground structural footing locations, critical service zones and service corridors early in design.
Use BIM or clash detection software when available, like Navisworks.
3. Not Reviewing Construction Drawings Post-Tender
What’s the mistake? Assuming the tender drawings are complete and skipping detailed design development during the construction stage.
Impact:
Cost: Missing details lead to contractor assumptions or disputes.
Time: Late RFIs, site queries, or mock-up rejections.
How to prevent it:
Do a post-award drawing audit: identify gaps and ambiguous detailing.
Update and issue construction issue drawings in a timely and coordinated manner.
Hold internal QA reviews before releasing drawings.
4. Starting Work Without Necessary Approvals
What’s the mistake? Proceeding with works (e.g., structural elements or site clearance) before receiving approval from authorities or QP endorsements.
Impact:
Cost: Possible stop-work orders and penalties.
Time: Project halts until retrospective submissions are cleared.
How to prevent it:
Maintain a construction start checklist tied to approval statuses.
Coordinate with the C&S, M&E, and other QPs for endorsements before issuing approval to proceed.
Include authority approval milestones in the construction program. Monthly progress meetings should include tracking for authority clearances.
5. Amendment Plans Not Submitted
What’s the mistake? Failing to submit updated plans to authorities after design changes or value engineering decisions.
Impact:
Cost: Non-compliance can result in rejected TOP/CSC submissions. Rework might be required to tally approved plans.
Time: Back-and-forth with authorities during TOP period delays occupation.
How to prevent it:
Track all design changes via an amendment log.
Schedule regular reviews to determine if submission of amendment plans is required.
Communicate clearly with your submission consultant to align timelines.
6. Not Visiting the Site Regularly
What’s the mistake? Relying too much on drawings and reports without physically inspecting progress, workmanship, or site challenges.
Impact:
Cost: Missed quality issues or incorrect installations become permanent.
Time: Late identification means more work to undo and redo.
How to prevent it:
Set a routine for site inspections — even once a week can make a difference.
Attend key milestone checks: e.g., rebar inspection, waterproofing works, service mock-ups.
Document site walks with photo reports and issue timely architect's instructions (AIs) when needed.
Final Takeaway:
A successful construction phase depends on proactive involvement, structured checks, and coordination. Young architects must go beyond design and become accountable for delivery — because at this stage, errors cost money and time.
Build good habits now: Review carefully, ask questions, walk the site often. That’s how you’ll grow from a drawing architect into a trusted project leader.
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