Who Owns The Plans?

Davesnave

We had an architect survey the house and then produce plans to considerably alter it. These duly received planning permission.

While we had a reasonable relationship with this guy, we would be in no hurry to use him again.

As we've decided to revise the plans and now know of another nearby architect, who comes recommended, could we adapt the original plans using his services without going back to square one?

In other words, could architect 2 contact architect 1 for survey details and drawings held as PDFs, and then use them? We only have print outs. The internal re-design is likely to be substantially different from the original.

Sorry if this seems a really basic question, but I'd rather know the answer before contacting anyone.

Inch_High_2

What if architect 1 has made a mistake with the survey, do you think architect 2 will standby this?

BlueC

We were in a similar situation but after a bit of a falling out with our first architect.

It is possible but architect 1 probably won't give them up, and architect 2 will probably want to do their own anyway. There is some guidance from RIBA too, which I assume they are both members of? See here, specifically point 4.10

http://www.architecture.com/Files/RIBAProfessionalServices/Practice/ProfessionalConduct/GN4Appointments.pdf

Davesnave

Inch_High wrote: »

What if architect 1 has made a mistake with the survey, do you think architect 2 will standby this?

I can see there might be difficulties there, especially with some properties and locations, but I think the chance for a significant c0ck-up is low, partly because of the simple nature of the house, and also because it's been surveyed by a family member too.

Understandably, architect 1 wasn't prepared to use the family member's survey, but with two 'in the bag,' and agreeing, it seems poor value to have another.

These are the sort of issues that might drive us back to architect 1, however.

Ivana_Tinkle

I'd tell him that you're getting quotes for windows and they want to take the measurements from the plans, or that the structural engineer needs them, so please could he email them to you. Then you can do with them what you like. Saves having an argument about it!

comeandgo

I have just checked some drawings I have and they are stamped that they are copyright protected and the property of the architect so they is no way these could be passed on and used by others.

rustyboy21

Someone on here will say that is ok, wait for it !

Davesnave

comeandgo wrote: »

I have just checked some drawings I have and they are stamped that they are copyright protected and the property of the architect so they is no way these could be passed on and used by others.

Yes, I'm sure mine are copyright as they stand. I was assuming they'd have to be changed significantly before becoming copyright property of the second architect. My question was to find out if the practice of passing plans on was commonplace or not, and it appears not.

It's like the situation with dentists, where if you move and change, they don't send for the notes going back years, but just start from scratch with an xray. It's inefficient to my eyes, but then I worked in a profession where passing on of records was the rule, not the exception.

We'll just go back to our architect and get him to re-draw. It will be cheaper. We've done 90% of the thinking on this project, so there's no point in changing old habits now!

Many thanks for your replies.