Architect problem - advice needed

11 years ago

I don't know if I'm posting this in the right place, but I desperately need advice, so please read.

We are building a new home from scratch. We have been working with an architect for around 14 months. He has been very slow with everything, but we have now found out that he is clueless as to how to properly submit our permitting info to the city (husband worked with him successfully in the past; but all rules have changed in our city over the last number of years and this architect works mainly in the suburbs). We are very happy with the design. We have gone through the zoning part of permitting and moved into actual permitting, but he just isn't doing what needs to be done properly to get it going. We have lost over 2 months because he hasn't done things correctly according to the city's procedures.

My question is this: is it possible for us to hire another architect to take over and to pay off the old one to get all originals of the plans? We are willing to pay what is necessary as the delays are costing us big time. The question is whether or not it is feasible for a new architect to be able to work (it is just submissions to the city and any revisions they require) off of the old one's plans assuming we can purchase all working files from him.

Can this work? TIA

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Comments (5)

bunnyllg
11 years ago
We just finished a new home from scratch project. You must have a builder for your project? Our GC was the "go to" person who was responsible for filing for permits with the town. He interacted with the Town Engineer and presented any changes needed to the architect who then made the changes and sent them to the GC to bring to the town. Maybe if you had a GC then your architect wouldn't be hesitating. He would only be responsible for redrawing the necessary changes. It is usually the GC doing the legwork and that is why they charge a percentage.
PRO
Genevieve Flasch
11 years ago
I agree. If the Architect is struggling (which is strange because there are always people at the city he can call to ask questions to), then turn to the builder for what's left. Have you hired a builder?
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ootbubby
Original Author
11 years ago
We have a GC and he is wonderful. However, the city (Chicago) has an electronic submission system where everything must come from the architect and it is the only way in which they communicate questions/revisions, etc in the permitting process. And, because it is all electronic, it is difficult for him to ask questions (and I don't think he particular cares to at this point).

The question is whether or not it would be possible for another architect to take over assuming we can get all plans from the original ones -- can someone use someone's plans readily or is that very difficult?
PRO
Genevieve Flasch
11 years ago
For the most part, all plans are similarly drawn. There are standards all Architects and designers follow, adding their own little changes. You might have troubles finding a new architect who will take this on but there's no harm in asking. The original guy probably knows he's out of his element and won't mind having someone else take over.
ootbubby
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you. That is totally my thinking. NowI need to convince my husband of that too.