Working with a local architect of record: how it works

Why a local professional is needed

• Licensing. In many countries, only a registered or licensed architect or engineer may sign, stamp or submit drawings for approval, or use the professional title.
• Local codes and approvals. Building codes, fire rules, planning, utility requirements and the way authorities work are local, and local people know them.
• Practice and language. Drawings, contracts, standards and conventions follow local practice, and in many places the authorities work in the local language.
• Presence and responsibility. A local professional can attend meetings, inspect the site and take responsibility under local law.
• Insurance and liability. Some projects require locally recognised insurance and a local party who can be held responsible.

Who does what

Arrangements vary, but a common split is:

• The design architect leads the concept, the character of the building and the main design decisions, working with the client and local partner.
• The local architect or engineer of record adapts the design to local codes, prepares or checks the drawings and documents required for approval, signs and stamps where the law requires it, deals with authorities and often visits the site and administers the construction.
• Local engineers and consultants do structural, mechanical, electrical, fire and other work to local standards.

The exact responsibilities must be written in the appointment agreements. A project can fail on the lines between roles when they are not clear.

The exact responsibilities must be written in the appointment agreements.

Choosing a local partner

• Check their registration with the relevant professional body or authority, and that it is current.
• Look at their experience with projects of the same type and size, and with the authorities involved.
• Ask about insurance and how liability is allocated.
• Meet the people who will do the work, and see how they work.
• Talk about design. A good partner respects the design intent and also tells you honestly when something will not work locally.
• Agree the fee and scope clearly, including what is covered during construction.

Making it work

• Agree who leads and who decides on each type of decision.
• Share information openly, using clear, agreed drawing and model standards.
• Plan for time zones and language. Regular meetings, written records and translation where needed.
• Respect each other's expertise. The design team brings vision, and the local team brings knowledge of the place.
• Be careful with signatures and stamps. Never sign for work you did not do or check, and never let anyone sign for you, unless the law and your agreement allow.
• Keep records of decisions and changes.

Common pitfalls

• Vague agreements that do not say who is responsible for what.
• Design changes made without the local partner's knowledge.
• Drawings that do not meet local standards, so that approvals are delayed.
• Misunderstandings over scope during construction.
• Overlooking visa, work-permit, tax and company-registration issues, which need legal advice.

In short

Use a properly licensed local partner, define roles in writing, communicate openly and respect local law and expertise. See also Working across cultures.

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