What Does an Architect Actually do On Site

You’ve seen the drawings.

You’ve got the planning approval.

The builder’s ready to go.

So why is your architect still involved?

What exactly are they doing during construction?

In this blog, I’m going to break down exactly what an architect does on site — and why removing them at this stage is one of the biggest (and most expensive) mistakes you can make.

The Biggest Mis-Conception

Most people think once the builder’s on site, the architect becomes… what?

• A stylist?

• An optional observer?

• Or just there to answer questions?

  
  

Not even close.

Here’s the truth:

If you’ve appointed an architect for Contract Administration or Construction Stage Services, then they’re not just a bystander — they’re the client’s primary line of defence.

Key Construction Stage Roles

🧾 1. Contract Administrator

If you’re using a JCT (or similar) contract, someone needs to administer the contract fairly and independently.

That means:

• Certifying payments

• Issuing instructions

• Assessing extensions of time

• Managing variations

• Reviewing claims

  
  

Without this, the contractor becomes the referee — and you’re always on the back foot.

🏗 2. Design Guardian

Architects make sure that what’s being built:

• Matches the drawings

• Uses the correct materials

• Complies with regulations and approvals

• Meets performance expectations

  
  

If the builder substitutes or changes something — and no one spots it — you may not find out until it's far too late.

📐 3. Detail Resolver

Even the best drawings can't predict every real-world condition.

Architects on site:

• Issue clarifications

• Sketch junctions

• Resolve buildability conflicts

• Prevent delays by quickly solving unknowns

  
  

Without the architect, the builder either stops the job… or guesses. Neither is good.

📅 4. Programme Watchdog

Architects hold the contractor accountable to milestones — especially for:

• Key design approvals

• Material ordering

• Inspections and tests

• Practical Completion

  
  

We keep your build on track, not just on site.

🔍 5. Quality Control Partner

Yes — the builder builds.

But the architect:

• Attends regular site inspections

• Reviews workmanship

• Reports defects

• Flags non-compliant work early

  
  

This avoids “you should have said something earlier” at handover.

📞 6. Client Liaison

Clients — especially homeowners — get nervous during construction.

The architect helps translate what’s happening on site, explains what’s next, and avoids reactionary decision-making under stress.

They’re a stabiliser — especially when things get unpredictable.

🛡 7. Risk Reducer

In simple terms:

• Less guesswork

• Fewer disputes

• Clearer communication

• Reduced cost creep

  
  

The cost of one missed compliance issue could be thousands.

The architect is there to spot it before it becomes a problem.

What Happens without them

So what if you don’t have your architect involved on site?

Here’s what we typically see:

• Contractor self-certifies or under-communicates

• Substitutions made without approval

• Quality diluted to hit programme

• Disputes arise with no independent referee

• Client ends up paying to fix issues post-completion

• 
  

And you ask: “How did this happen?

”Simple: no one was watching the detail.

So to sum up...

If you're thinking of cutting architect involvement after planning — stop.

It’s a false saving, and a risky one.

Want to know what level of involvement you need?

Download the free guide below:📥 “What Your Architect Should Do During Construction”

It breaks down the different service levels, what you get at each, and what to expect in terms of cost, site visits, and accountability.

🎥 And in the next blog:

“Planning Conditions: The Silent Project Killer”

We’ll uncover why planning conditions — not the permission — can bring your project to a halt.