Change Architect with DOB
We are in a difficult situation as our architect has abandoned us prior to the completion of our CO paperwork with the DOB. The construction has been completed (some plumbing paperwork still needs to be signed off but plumber is eager and ready to finish the paperwork). We are looking for an architect who can…
We are in a difficult situation as our architect has abandoned us prior to the completion of our CO paperwork with the DOB. The construction has been completed (some plumbing paperwork still needs to be signed off but plumber is eager and ready to finish the paperwork). We are looking for an architect who can take over the project, who has experience in Brooklyn, and who has his/her own expeditors to process this asap. We have spoken to several architects, all of whom say we need to go back to our original architect but that is not an option. We tried to use a 2nd architect but he took a deposit and is MIA for the last few months. We’ve gotten great advice from this group and are hoping you can help us during the last leg of the process
Hi anugupta
What was the Scope of the Work?
For your own sake and to better shop for architects, you need to have an architect identify in writing what has been done and what remains to be done from the DOB’s perspective in terms of paperwork, inspections, filings, violations etc. We can do this for you. We realize this is a stressful experience, but there is a way out with the right architect and assuming the building conditions match the approved plans. It will take time and be costly, but we can do it. We are completing a similar dilemma in Sunset Park now. This is not the ideal job architects seek as it requires assuming full responsibility for the previous architect’s plans. Most architects do not want to do this which makes it more costly.
Please call and we can discuss the problem. Good luck.
J.C. Calderon, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
212 369 2766
http://www.jccarchitect.com
Try Scott Schnall. He is right across the street from Brooklyn DOB, and has an inhouse expeditor. I have done a couple jobs with him, and hes been great. 718-875-2036
Thank you to everyone who has posted. This is an emotional issue. In our case the situation is not one of mistakes (though they were made PRIOR to the start of construction when the plans had to be redone because of incorrect zoning information), nor is it one of things not being done according to code as we wanted to change the CO all along and didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize any of our inspections. In fact, we chose the original architect because he was so particular about following the code. We didn’t check references for the 2nd architect and when we did, we were told that this was his MO
And of course there is the architect that outright lies, as in “The plans are in the DOB on the examiners desk and he went on vacation”, when in fact, the plans were never drawn, I eventually speak to the examiner and he is NOT on vacation and at no time are plans left on his desk.
And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Too many in the profession are much more impressed with themselves than they are impressive.
I think often clients view both “draftsman” and “designer” as being the same as “architect”.
Because a designer can agree with you about where to put the kitchen island, it doesn’t mean they have the chops to get through the entire project in an informed and appropriate – not to mention legal – way.
While you wouldn’t dream of using a law clerk to negotiate your divorce, for example, many people mistake any designer as capable of all architectural design or redesign tasks.
A licensed architect will provide documents that not only serve as design guides, they serve as legal documents also.
Hilarious post, bklynexpeditor! This thread is great, bringing out a lot of strong feelings.
Another point to consider —
Ultimately, the architect’s responsibility is NOT to the client. It often corresponds to the client’s wishes, obviously, but the architect’s ultimate professional responsibility is to the safety and public good of the project. This is demonstrated when clients request things that are outside the realm of safety or construction codes, for example, which happens more frequently than people outside the business might expect.
I have had to leave a project before — and I know other architects who’ve done the same thing — when a client insists on building something improperly over ones objections. I’m not to sound high or mighty or ethically pure or anything, but I’m not willing to risk my stamp just because someone refuses to spend the money to vent a restaurant exhaust flue properly.
So without knowing both sides of some of the above arguments, I want to throw in to the mix the idea that there are scenarios where the responsible action for an architect does actually involve removing their stamp from a project.
Common problem but a lot of times it is not the architect’s fault and therefore the new architect will try to get the ok from the original architect before he will take the job. In addition, the dob has to ok to supercede the old applicant of record as well but that is not such a hard issue as having someone willing to take over.
The biggest problem that I have seen in multiple cases is a simple lack of understanding and to quote a few:
Client: When am I getting my permit ?
Architect: Job is approved but you need to submit a TR-2 and 3 from a concrete lab.
Client: I will get them for you. You will have it in a day or 2.
Concrete lab: You have to wait 28 days for initial design mix.
Client: Flunky architect couldn’t tell me that. I will blast his chops. Calls up architect. Yo’ there! can you get me this damn thing waived? Architect. I will try but will have to charge you a couple of dollars.
This is the first disagreement. in addition to be labeled a “flake”.
Finally, you get the permit where the client freaked out for the waiver fee which was charged on a one visit basis even after chief enginner threw out the architect 4 times before he waived it and each time wasting a full day at the DOB. By now the architect is a “blackmailer” as well.
The architect did not file for the TR-1 and only indicated because the client was screaming at him and when he tells him it is only temporarily andyou gotta get another guy for that you don’s want to submit to the architect’s “whim”.
A lot of discrepancies can be dealt with for an informed client
Oh yeah. The architect’s dilemma. Suppose you have a non-paying client, or one who who thinks that they are privileged to services beyond their contract. If you stop providing these additional services, you are a “flake.” If you insist on payment for them, you’re a “blackmailer.” And if you submit to their whims, you’re “broke”.
We also had an architect flake out on us. I really don’t understand why… whether the project was too much for him or too small to bother with, but nearly from the start it was clear (and he admitted) that he wasn’t giving us his full attention. After helping us through the bid process, we agreed to settle up and utilize his services for construction-related questions at an hourly rate, at which point he stopped returning our calls entirely. Luckily we were able to find a family friend to take care of the sign off. I love design, have several architect friends, but there’s a lot that’s sketchy about the profession. Good luck! (And thanks for providing the forum to vent a little!)