According to standard practice, shop drawings must be reviewed and approved by whom before fabrication begins?
Correct Answer
B) The architect or engineer of record
Shop drawings must be reviewed and approved by the architect or engineer of record to ensure they comply with the design intent and specifications before fabrication or installation proceeds.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Shop drawings must be reviewed and approved by the architect or engineer of record because they are the design professionals responsible for ensuring the fabricated components meet the project's design intent, specifications, and performance requirements. This review process is a critical quality control step that verifies the contractor's interpretation of the contract documents is correct before expensive fabrication begins. The architect/engineer has the technical expertise and legal responsibility to confirm that shop drawings comply with building codes, structural requirements, and aesthetic standards.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: The general contractor only
While the general contractor reviews shop drawings for coordination and constructability, they do not have the final approval authority. The contractor's role is to facilitate the submittal process and ensure shop drawings are complete before sending them to the design professional for official approval.
Option C: The building inspector
Building inspectors review construction for code compliance during inspections, but they do not approve shop drawings. Their role comes later in the construction process when they inspect the actual installed work, not the pre-fabrication drawings.
Option D: The material supplier
Material suppliers prepare shop drawings but cannot approve their own work. This would create a conflict of interest and eliminate the independent review that ensures quality and compliance with the design requirements.
Memory Technique
Think 'Designer Decides' - the person who designed it (architect/engineer) must approve how it will be built before fabrication begins.
Reference Hint
AIA Contract Documents - General Conditions Article 3 (Contractor responsibilities) and Article 4 (Architect responsibilities), specifically sections on submittals and shop drawings
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