This paper investigates the task distribution among “Design Architect” and “Architect of Record” by examining “Matrix of Responsibilities”. It is typically utilized in US projects, which clarifies tasks and responsibilities among architects in a descriptive manner. The authors obtained nine “Matrix of Responsibilities” from six US based design firms (Table 1).
First, the transition of Prime Responsibilities from “Design Architect” to “Architect of Record” was investigated based on the Project Phases. Then, the role and responsibilities of “Design Architect” and “Architect of Record” was investigated in each Project Phases. Finally, the equally distributed responsibilities are focused to identify the specific intent of the architects. The list of the findings as follows;
1. The prime responsibility of “Design Architect” is transferred to the “Architect of Record” mainly in the CD phase (Table 2, Fig. 1).
2. Design Management in the Design Phase: “Architect of Record” is responsible of consultants’ coordination and approval from the public agencies, especially in the CD phase (Table 3).
3. Design Document Preparation in the Design Phase: “Design Architect” is mainly responsible for the production of drawings until the DD phase. The prime responsibility of the production of specification is handed over to the “Architect of Record” earlier phase than the drawings. Preparation of presentation documents is in charge mainly by “Design Architect” in the SD and the DD phase. Documentation for authority approval is prepared solely by “Architect of Record” (Table 3).
4. Bidding and Negotiation phase: Neither of architects takes prime responsibility in the management of Bidding and Negotiation. “Architect of Record” takes full responsibility in the production of documents for Bidding and Negotiation (Table 4).
5. Construction Contract Administration phase: “Architect of Record” covers most of the responsibilities in the Construction Contract Administration. “Design Architect” sometimes controls “Material and Color” and other specific design elements (Table 5).
6. Both “Design Architect” and “Architect of Record” are assigned equal responsibilities of Design Management related issues in the Design Phase (Table 6).
