In matters of compliance with the Contract Documents, which party should the Architect favor?

In the context of compliance with Contract Documents, the Architect's role is fundamentally one of impartiality and adherence to the defined contractual obligations set forth between the Owner and the Contractor. The Architect acts as a neutral party, responsible for ensuring that the project aligns with the design intent and meets the standards specified in the Contract Documents.

By favoring neither party, the Architect can maintain an objective stance, facilitating communication and collaboration while protecting the interests of both the Owner and the Contractor. This impartiality helps to ensure fair enforcement of the Contract Documents, promotes adherence to contractual terms, and fosters a constructive working environment, ultimately contributing to the successful completion of the project.

Supporting either the Owner or the Contractor could create biases and conflict, potentially jeopardizing the project’s integrity and the Architect's professional responsibility. Thus, the Architect's role is best served through neutrality, ensuring that compliance is measured against the standards and requirements established in the Contract Documents without partiality.