Who is responsible for reviewing and approving shop drawings before submission to the Architect?

The responsibility for reviewing and approving shop drawings before submission to the Architect falls to the Contractor. This process is a crucial part of the project delivery system where the Contractor must ensure that all shop drawings align with the design intent and specifications provided in the construction documents.

Shop drawings typically provide detailed information about specific components or systems and illustrate how the Contractor intends to execute the project. By reviewing these drawings, the Contractor confirms that they meet both the technical requirements and the architectural vision before presenting them to the Architect for final approval. This step aids in identifying any potential conflicts or discrepancies early in the construction process, thus minimizing delays or revisions later on.

While the Architect will ultimately review and approve the shop drawings to ensure compliance with the design intent, the initial review conducted by the Contractor is critical for quality control and for streamlining project execution. Other roles, such as the Owner or the Project Manager, do not typically engage in this specific review process.