Firing an Architect
Unfortunately we are weighing the option of firing our architect. He has stopped all communication with us for three weeks now. He still communicates somewhat with the GC. He successfully superceded the job that was filed by the previous architect and former owner. But has yet to get the new plans approved after 12 weeks…
Unfortunately we are weighing the option of firing our architect. He has stopped all communication with us for three weeks now. He still communicates somewhat with the GC. He successfully superceded the job that was filed by the previous architect and former owner. But has yet to get the new plans approved after 12 weeks into our project and has had the sprinkler plan denied.
We are trying to decide what is reasonable and what is the best way to proceed.
1. Hope he finally comes through and eventually starts communicating with us again.
2. Fire the architect and start over with a new one.
If it matters this is for a 4 family conversion.
We’re actually in a similar boat, and have no idea what’s involved in getting the paperwork transferred over to a new architect. We basically fired the architect already from any construction supervision role as he had been incredibly unresponsive during the design process, but intended to have him take care of the final filings. Now the job is essentially done and we can’t get him to answer email or return a phone call. I guess what we need to do is get the job superceded by a new architect? Any advice would be very helpful… (New C-of-O, Alt-2 I believe, but I wouldn’t swear to it. Landmarked districted as well).
Thanks!
Cannot comment on your individual case but the timeframe depends a lot on the type of job and the plan examiner as well. If a CCD-1 or a ZRD-1 needs to be filed then it will still take some time as DOB drags very long as much as they can to your detriment.
The sprinkler denial has the same issues. These days 90% of sprinkler jobs in Brooklyn are being landed to a specific examiner who has somewhat of an attitude issue towards architects as well and can also drag your feet more than just a bit. This is in addition to the fact that you need a hydraulic test report which is being done by DEP and takes app. 4-8 weeks from submission date which hinders all calculations until received so that may be the reason
For what it’s worth (not much), and notwithstanding the communication problems, I don’t think 12 weeks for an Alteration Type I in Brooklyn is unusual these days. 10-12 weeks is our expectation. Initial disapproval of parts of an application, leading to subsequent examinations to remove Objections, is also par for the course. Individual examiners are just too different in their interpretations of code judgements, and therefore the process is somewhat unpredictable. That being said, it sounds like management of client expectations is a problem.
Have you tried going by his office? I would say his not responding to you is not a good sign.