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Evaluate and Address Changes in Scope of Work and Scope Creep

By: Giovanni Zora
May 31st, 2026

Supplemental = prior to start of project

  • Not considered a scope change, since initially agreed upon
  • Long list of potential supplemental services
    • Mentioned by name in B101

Additional = occur after agreement has already been signed

  • Only way your scope of services change during design
  • Can include supplemental services, but considered additional after the contract is signed

What I know…
Changes in scope during design typically result in change orders. Change orders can be a tumultuous task, since owners don’t like paying for additional services, as these fall under that scope. Changes during construction can also result in change orders, along with construction change directives and simple communication from the GC to the subcontractor (the architect usually lets the GC know about this change first). Regardless, changes must be communicated thoroughly with the owner and contractor by the architect. Pricing can get complicated, but according to Article 6.7, if market conditions that the architect could not foresee require redesign, the architect should and will be compensated for that redesign. (This is only if prices go up after the project goes out to bid, for example, and the bids are all above the owner’s original budget or the architect’s original estimate).

Changes that affect the architect’s responsibilities:
Some changes that affect the architect’s scope and responsibilities include value engineering, selecting new upgraded interior finishes, and designing a building addition. A good way to remember additional services is to think of a client with an increased budget who asks the architect to add an addition to the project after work has already begun. Since this work falls outside the original scope, it is considered an additional service.

Changes during construction:
Changes are inevitable. As the architect you decide if it merits an additional service fee and if it will affect the construction schedule. If your time frame changes, you should also be charging for additional services fees that come from your consultants hired in the C401. A big proponent on changes during construction is the critical path. A change order is typically done in close collaboration with the contractor who provides proposed pricing, and as the architect you need to review that pricing and determine if it is fair. PAY ATTENTION TO WHETHER YOU USE A MARKUP OR PROFIT MARGIN WHEN CALCULATING A CHANGE ORDER. A MARKUP IS LIKE TAX (10,000 x .15% = $11,500) OR (10,000 / 1.00-0.15 = 11,765).

Items included in the cost of work estimate:
A cost of work estimate is the projected total cost to construct all elements of a project designed by an architect, which include the following:

  • Material costs
  • Contractor overhead and profit
  • Items paid for by the owner