Shop Drawings Are Contractor-Generated, Not Architect-Generated
A common misunderstanding about shop drawings: they are not produced by the architect. Shop drawings are prepared by contractors, subcontractors, or manufacturers to show how they intend to fabricate, install, or construct a specific element. A steel fabricator's shop drawings show the exact dimensions and connections for each steel piece; a window manufacturer's shop drawings show the exact profile, hardware, and glass configuration for each window unit. The architect reviews shop drawings to confirm they are consistent with the design intent of the contract documents - not to redesign the work. This distinction matters enormously for professional liability.
AIA A201 Requirements for Shop Drawing Review
Under AIA A201, the contractor must submit shop drawings and product data as required by the contract documents (Division 01 specifies which submittals are required and how many copies). The contractor must review and approve submittals before sending them to the architect - by sending a submittal, the contractor represents that it has determined and verified dimensions, field measurements, field construction criteria, and that the submittal is consistent with the requirements of the contract documents. The architect must act on submittals with reasonable promptness (AIA B101 sets this as a basic service obligation).
Review Stamp Language
Architects use stamp language on reviewed shop drawings to communicate their review status. Common designations:
- Approved / No Exceptions Taken: The submittal is consistent with the contract documents. Work may proceed.
- Approved as Noted: The submittal is approved with specific corrections noted. The contractor must incorporate all noted corrections before fabrication or installation.
- Revise and Resubmit: The submittal has significant issues requiring correction and resubmission for review before work proceeds.
- Rejected: The submittal does not conform to contract requirements and is not approved for use.
What "Approved" Does NOT Mean
Approval of a shop drawing does not mean the architect has accepted responsibility for the means and methods shown in the submittal, nor does it mean the architect has verified dimensions or calculations. The AIA stamp typically includes language such as: "Review is for general conformance with the design concept and contract documents. The contractor is responsible for dimensions to be confirmed and correlated at the job site, information that pertains solely to the fabrication process, and the coordination of the work of all trades." This language protects the architect from liability for contractor-provided information while confirming design intent review.
Contractor Deviations on Shop Drawings
Sometimes contractors include deviations from the contract documents in shop drawings - either intentionally (hoping the architect won't notice) or unintentionally. Under AIA A201, if the contractor incorporates deviations in submittals, it must specifically notify the architect of each deviation. If the architect approves a submittal without noticing an undisclosed deviation, the contractor may try to argue it was approved. Thorough shop drawing review is essential to catch these issues before they become change orders or defects.
Key Exam Points
- Shop drawings: prepared by contractor/fabricator, not architect.
- Architect reviews for conformance with contract documents - not means and methods.
- Four stamp categories: Approved, Approved as Noted, Revise and Resubmit, Rejected.
- Approval does not transfer responsibility for dimensions, calculations, or means and methods to architect.
- Contractor must flag deviations from contract documents.
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