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Final Push for PJM

By: Giovanni Zora
June 9th, 2026

Construction Type Contingencies
Some things that are dictated by construction type include the allowable building height, structural spans, and maximum floor area. Structural spans are important because, for example, if you go from steel construction to wood construction, the spanning distance is reduced. Steel can span much greater distances, while wood construction will require shorter spans, which can affect the structural layout by decreasing the distance between columns and bearing walls. Another factor is maximum floor area, which should not be confused with floor-area-ratio (FAR). FAR is determined by land use, zoning regulations, and density requirements. Maximum floor area, on the other hand, is dictated by building codes based on the construction type. For more information, refer to Chapter 5 of the 2018 International Building Code.

All occupancies are allowed in buildings of all construction types.

Risks for Architect When Determining Fees
Some risks for architects when determining fees include specific site conditions, such as working with new terrain they are unfamiliar with. For example, they may need to redesign a residential project with a walkout basement in mind, or they may encounter wetlands that require piling to be installed for the foundation. A tight schedule is also risky. As I’ve discussed previously, a fast-track schedule is one of the riskiest because moving faster than usual increases the chance of missing something. Lastly, a new owner can be a risk as well. Not knowing an owner is kind of like hanging out with one of your boy’s friends for the first time; you don’t really know their vibe, and you’ll have to learn more about them as the night goes on, or in this case, as the project progresses.

Factors the Architect Should Consider When Selecting Consultants
The biggest thing an architect should consider is whether they have worked with a consultant previously. This is how you truly know if the relationship between the two of you on a project will go seamlessly or not, at least most of the time. Additionally, project expertise is a big one because a consultant may be added to the team to provide a critical missing piece of knowledge that the other members of the design team cannot provide. Along with their expertise is their design process, including how the firm thinks and even what programs they use. For example, BIM could massively streamline a project, creating a better experience for both the design team and the owner, ultimately leading to a better project. Lastly, firm size is a strange one but, nonetheless, an important consideration. If the project you are working on is large, you must make sure the consultant have the staff available to complete the work.

According to AIA B101-2017, the architect or owner can file claims up to 10 years from substantial completion.

What period of time is considered during a life cycle analysis?
From final completion through a building’s useful lifetime.
A life cycle analysis reviews costs or energy usage of a building over its “useful lifetime,” or the period of time in which “it can be reasonably expected to carry out its intended function.”

Project changes should be submitted through addenda, an RFI, or a bulletin for tracking. Making project changes in a field report runs the risk that the change will not be properly communicated and documented.

Choosing the Right Contract and Project Delivery Method
When selecting a contract or project delivery method, it is important to consider whether cost, schedule, or risk is the owner’s main priority. For projects with minimal design requirements where meeting a deadline is more important than controlling costs, a cost-plus fixed fee contract is often the best choice because it allows flexibility and can include incentives for the GC to finish on time. If controlling costs is the primary concern, a stipulated sum contract provides a fixed project price, but it offers less motivation for the contractor to accelerate the schedule. Partial cost guarantee contracts can help limit some cost risk, but they do not provide schedule guarantees.

Project delivery methods also influence budget certainty and risk distribution. Design-build is often the best choice for owners with a fixed budget because the architect and contractor work together under a single contract, improving coordination and helping keep the project within budget. In contrast, design-bid-build can create uncertainty because construction costs are not known until bidding is complete. Construction manager as agent (CM-A) places most cost risk on the owner, while construction manager as contractor (CM-C) transfers more cost risk to themselves through a guaranteed maximum price (GMP).