The architect doesn't design every system. A structural engineer designs the structure. MEP engineers design the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. A geotechnical engineer evaluates the soils and subsurface conditions. During construction, each of these engineers may also have observation or inspection responsibilities. The architect's role is to coordinate that collective expertise into a coherent conformance picture.

This isn't about managing the consultants ; they have their own professional responsibilities and their own clients. It's about making sure their findings reach the right people at the right time and that discrepant findings get resolved rather than ignored.

Structural observation visits by the structural engineer of record are distinct from special inspection. The structural engineer observes for general conformance with the design intent of the structural system ; connections, load paths, bearing conditions. MEP engineers observe that installed systems match the design drawings, equipment is properly connected, and clearances are maintained. The geotechnical engineer monitors subsurface conditions during excavation and foundation construction, reporting when actual soil conditions differ from what the design assumed.

For the ARE, the critical questions are: How does the architect integrate these consultant findings into the conformance evaluation? What happens when consultant reports conflict? Who evaluates findings that cross disciplinary boundaries? How do consultant observations affect payment certification?

Think of the architect as the hub. Every spoke of consultant expertise feeds back to the center, and the architect determines how the information gets used to protect the owner and the project.