We used a CT-based architect for our UWS gut renovation because he was already the architect and contractor for my parent's project in CT and had NYC experience and we figured "the devil you know..". We only wanted him for drafting/permits, and he agreed that was all he had time for. He saw the apartment once, before we started any work. Our contractor was incredible and we are so happy with the... [more]
We used a CT-based architect for our UWS gut renovation because he was already the architect and contractor for my parent's project in CT and had NYC experience and we figured "the devil you know..". We only wanted him for drafting/permits, and he agreed that was all he had time for. He saw the apartment once, before we started any work. Our contractor was incredible and we are so happy with the results. Unfortunately, the architect was a nightmare during the rest of the CT project. Terrible communication, hostility to subcontractors over his mistakes, massively over-schedule, and threats to my mother (in writing). His minimal NYC experience cost us thousands and a month that could have been easily avoided had he bothered to consult our contractor. Then I learn I need his sign off at the end of the project but it sounded simple enough. Ha! He is refusing to sign off because he didn't do site visits and can't attest to the work. In ONE email a month into work and the footnote of an invoice a month later he asked me to notify him when we were doing inspections. I thought he meant electrical and plumbing and given his complete lack of involvement (which was fine with me given the CT nightmare) which we wouldn't need him there for anyway so it didn't even dawn on me when the time came months later. I also learned he left special inspections on our plans against advice of our expeditor that he's claiming were the inspections he was supposed to do. They weren't in our DOB paperwork and aren't listed on the DOB website so he's the only one thinking these are necessary. Other than one email and the invoice footnote, he made no attempts to visit the apartment or tell me it was needed for him to sign off. He has my mom's, contractor's, and my phone number and email and was in regular communication with my mom where he could have raised these concerns ages ago. We signed a standard AIA B-105 contract and my reading of the "owner's representative", "locally accepted standards for professional care and skill" including site visits, sure makes it seem like he's in breach of contract. We just want this done and are hoping not to have to hire and pay a new architect and expeditor for new plans, filings, etc.. I just don't want to go down a legal rabbit hole with the architect if we don't have a case. Thoughts? Suggestions? I really appreciate it!
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