Below you will find precise explanations on the different phases of the architect's mission.

We have broken down the classic complete architect mission into 3 phases to allow you to choose only what you need.

PHASE 1: FEASIBILITY / APS

1. Background Analysis :

Following the analysis of regulations, urban, architectural and technical planning, the architect establishes a report to inform the client on :

- The general condition of the building indicating in particular the structural, technical and architectural works that can be preserved, those requiring an upgrade and those requiring replacement ;

- The particular status of these constituent elements and the equipment, in particular if they are likely to be modified ;

- The possible need to entrust additional studies to the architect or other specialists.

If at the end of this diagnostic phase, the architect concludes that the technical conditions are not met for the completion of the project, he informs the client and his mission is completed.

2. Sketch : Spatial feasibility

The architect offers a complete solution that meets the client's expectations, respecting the elements of the program defined by the project owner and the objectives of the operation.

He establishes the plans of the different levels and some details and sketches to express the overall volume.

3. Conception Preliminary design : Financiel feasibility

If the diagnosis and the sketch have shown the spatial and technical feasibility of the operation, the architect specifies the overall solution chosen by the client which results in a Summary Preliminary Project (APS), the main elements of the program and the verification of the adequacy of the budget envelope with this program.

Summary Preliminary Project (APS)

The architect specifies the plan and volume of the general design, provides the most appropriate technical provisions of the program.

He establishes a provisional estimate of the cost of the work and estimates the overall duration of the operation.

Faisabilité Project feasibility

The architect sends the client his conclusions on the feasibility of the operation.

PHASE 2 : APS + PROJECT

Étude Final Draft Study (APD)

The architect checks compliance with the various regulations related to operation.

From the overall solution chosen by the client to the end of the APS, the architect:

• determines the surfaces of all the elements of the program
• produces plans, sections and facades of the structure
• justifies the retention of architectural solutions
• and establishes the descriptive note specifying the nature of the materials

The architect provides the final estimate of the work.

DPC - Building Permit, Demolition File or other regulatory authorizations.

The architect prepares the building permit application file according to the standards in force.

The client signs all documents, including graphic pieces. The file is submitted to the investigating services.

The architect assists the client in his relations with the administration and responds to possible appeals.

Upon receipt of the authorization, a regulatory display is planned on the ground and a bailiff's report attests to this display.

PCG - General Design Project Planning

The architect specifies on the plans, sections, elevations and different shapes of elements, the nature and characteristics of the materials and the conditions of their implementation.

Through the technical file, it determines the location and size of all structural elements and all technical equipment as well as the precise costs of supply.

The architect establishes all the detailed specifications of the works as well as the specific technical conditions of the contract (CCTP - Cahier des Clauses Techniques Particulières) including, for each trade:

• a written description of the work, specifying their technical characteristics. This document being common to many market lots, it defines the limits of each lot.
• where applicable, accompanying documents providing contractors with additional data for the execution of the work.

DCE - Business Consultation File

The client determines with the architect the method of consulting contractors (separate companies, consortium or general contractor).

Entrusting the batch work contract to several companies requires a complementary OPC mission (scheduling, management and coordination) to coordinate the different companies.

The client prepares, with the help of the architect, the list of companies to be consulted.

The DCE (Business Consultation File) allows consulted entrepreneurs to evaluate the nature, quantity, quality and scope of their services and establish their offers.

It includes plans, sections, elevations on a sufficient scale, detailed technical proposals as well as all the necessary details.

PHASE 3 : APS + PROJECT + CALL FOR TENDER + SITE MONITORING

MDT - Works Management and Management

The architect assists the client when opening bids from companies, carries out a comparative analysis and prepares the report.

He advises the client in choosing a company with sufficient skills and appropriate insurance to cover their professional risks.

The client and the contractor sign the contract documents.

The construction site opening date is set and the construction site opening declaration is sent to the competent authority.

VISA

When the execution studies are entirely or partially carried out by companies or other stakeholders, the architect examines conformity with the general design he has established, and puts his stamp if the provisions of the project are met. The conformity examination aims to detect possible anomalies.

DET - Works Execution Department

The client takes out Work Damage (DO) insurance and signs the construction start order.

He organizes and leads site meetings, writes reports which he distributes to all interested parties. He checks the progress of the work and compliance with the specifications.

He checks the contractor's situations and sets payment proposals based on progress.

At the end of the project, the architect establishes acceptance of the work and any reservations to be raised.

For carrying out the work, the architect's task is distinct and independent from that of the contractor, who is responsible for :

• carry out the work in compliance with the rules of the art and unified technical documents (DTU)
• comply with the requirements of the CCTP (specific technical specifications)
• respect the costs and deadlines indicated in its contract
• respect health and safety rules
• comply with obligations relating to the management of construction and demolition waste.

The architect records in a report any failure of the contractor to fulfill his obligations.

Assistance with reception operations 

Reception is pronounced. The client declares to accept the work with or without reservation.

This reception marks the start of the guarantee of perfect completion (GPA), a period of one year during which the contractor is required to repair all defects reported by the project owner.

After receipt, the declaration of completion (DAACT) is sent to the town hall to signal the end of the work.

DOE - Executed Works File

To enable the operation and maintenance of the works, the following documents are collected and given to the project owner :

• General plans and execution details, in particular graphic documents of the works
• The use and maintenance manuals, collected by the contractor and validated by the architect
• Written and graphic contractual documents and, if necessary, any additional documents established by the contractor.

Mission completion

 

The architect's mission ends at the latest on one of the following three dates:

- Either at reception when it is pronounced without reservation

- Either upon lifting of reservations,

- Either after acknowledgment of receipt of the DOE by the client,

and, in any case, no later than one year after receipt.