Phase V: Construction Implementation

or may request substitutions of materials for the landscape architect to consider.

During the construction implementation period, the landscape architect serves as the construction administrator in place of the owner. The designer assumes the responsibility for carrying out the interests of the owner and makes decisions on the owner’s behalf. There are instances where the owner will be given the opportunity to weigh in, particularly when a decision may have a significant impact on the budget and may possibly extend the time to complete construction. The landscape architect reviews the documentation provided by the contractor for periodic payment and will recommend or deny progress payment requests submitted by the contractor based on what has been actually constructed and accepted.

The role of the landscape architect during construction is that of administrator. In this role, the designer’s main responsibility is to evaluate the adequacy of the materials and workmanship of the contractor and to provide guidance when questions arise (Figure 3.9). The responsibility is not to direct the work of the contractor but to determine the quality of the work and the acceptability of the materials and equipment (such as irrigation equipment or site furnishings) provided by the contractor. There is a well-defined protocol and relationship between the landscape architect and the contractor. It is not the landscape architect’s responsibility to tell the contractor how to build and install the required work but rather to determine if the work and materials are acceptable and meet the intent of the drawings and technical specifications. If the landscape architect determines if it is in the interest of the project to change the location, materials, shapes and dimensions based on actual conditions found in the field; the role of the landscape architect is not to direct the work involved in the changes but to discuss the changes, allowing sufficient time for the contractor to respond. If, for instance, the landscape architect were to ask one of the employees of the contractor to shift the location of a tree to another location and the employee does so but in the process damages a water or electricity line, causing harmful results, the landscape architect will be responsible for the cost of repairing the damage. If the landscape architect wishes to shift tree locations, they would advise the contractor’s foreman. The foreman will then follow a prescribed protocol that would include requesting the appropriate utilities locations to assess if underground lines or pipes are in the new location prior to digging the tree planting pits. If damage occurs, the responsibility for repair and resulting costs will be borne by the contractor.

As you can see, there is a close relationship and interaction between the landscape architect and the contractor. Having good communication and people skills are important attributes for the landscape architect tasked with administering construction in progress. There is an art to effective communication as well. Not all people are good at interacting with contractors. The skills indispensable to being an effective construction administrator can be learned for those willing

Figure 3.9 Construction site with rough grading with early stages of structural fabrication in the background.

Figure 3.10 Landscape architect taking field measurements to be used in resolving wood dock detail condition identified during construction.

to learn. For some designers, the art of construction administration can be as satisfying as design. It is during construction that many design decisions are made and the designer can have the satisfaction of being involved in the process.

Often unforeseen situations come up that were not contemplated during the design process (Figure 3.10). Being present in the field can result in a decision that turns the unanticipated into a significant design opportunity. Case in point: A boulder the size of an automobile was uncovered during grading for a new middle school in Anchorage,