Architect as project Administrator - RIBA Contract

[Jothetaxi]

I’m not sure whether I am posting in the right area, so apologies if it isn’t in the right place.  
 

We have had our architect overseeing an RIBA contract with our builder and the architect will be responsible for signing off the completion certificate. 
 

In recent months the project has become rushed (due to the absence of the builder for 2.5 months). They are now trying to meet the deadline of the build, this month, to fall within the contract period. 
 

The architect has also had enough of it all and seems to want to draw a line under the project. Our concern is that their checks for sign off will be inadequate. We have considered hiring a surveyor as part of the check off, but wondered whether this will be helpful? Or even worth it?

We have been told it is pointless doing this, as it doesn’t mean the builder will enforce it; they will argue the contract is administered by the architect and therefore down to them to sign it off. 

 

We have asked the architect to outline the standard expected in their sign off but to date haven’t received a reply. 

 

 

[Nickfromwales]

You can contact this person to say you will escalate it to RIBA as a complaint, if they continue to fail to respond pragmatically and in good time.
 

They should have elasticity as it’s not uncommon for these things to happen and you shouldn’t feel like there’s a compromise.

[Jothetaxi]

Thank you Nick.  

When you say it is not uncommon for these things to happen, do you mean getting surveyors involved? or for the work to overrun?  apologies if I haven't understood.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

Edited 16 hours ago by Jothetaxi