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Construction

The specifications are legal documents that spell out what materials, fixtures and contruction techniques are to be used.

The construction documents (called "blue prints" by lay people) are drafted drawings that the building contractors will use to build the project.

Most people typically believe that the primary task of the architect is to draft up the "blue prints". Actually, the designers rarely get involved in the actual construction documents, except to review them. In larger firms, the drafting is actually performed by an outside contractor - often a CAD-based facility.

When these legal documents are completed, the local building department must review them to make sure that the project meets federal and state guidelines, meets local ordinances and fits within the urban planning requirements.

If the project is large or has media visibility, you then go through a (hopefully) final public review. There were probably other public reviews before, but the public often doesn't bother to show up until the last one - after the architectural firm and client has already spent lots of money on design, reviews and drafting.

Assuming that the project is approved, contruction begins. Typically, the architect will follow the construction progress to make sure that the specified materials and fixtures are used, and that the detailing is being handled correctly.

Note: the owner subsequently decided to change the color scheme of the project to chocolate brown. If you happen to be in the area, judge for yourself <grin>.