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Why Architects Should Ask for Certified Peer Reviews

Certified architectural peer review can make a major difference in the outcome of a project. If you're an architect, there are many reasons why you might ask for a review. These five, however, loom large within the industry.

A Second Set of Eyes

One of the most basic reasons for an architectural peer review is to get a second set of eyes on a project. Someone with a fresh perspective may shop issues you missed. While it can be challenging to hear these things during a certified architectural peer review, the potential modifications could make a huge difference in the final results.

Likewise, they can use their professional experience to consider the pros and cons of even the most basic decisions. Simply getting a second set of eyes on a project will allow you to move the development project forward. Remember, you can bounce ideas off a peer to try to flesh things out, and a reviewer is often an excellent choice.

Independent Perspective

A peer who is reviewing a project will provide an independent perspective. They will come at the potential problems with a fresh perspective. Similarly, they won't be invested in the project. That can allow them to step back from what's going on.

Notably, this can be especially beneficial if you're trying to still solve an issue. Oftentimes, a peer can bring their independent perspective to a job and spot something right away.

Assurance and Due Diligence

Frequently, third parties need reports and other documents to provide assurances and due diligence. A bank might, for example, need a report regarding the structural plans. The bank will file it away to address concerns about liability and financial risk exposure. Unsurprisingly, many insurers come at projects with the same attitude.

Regulatory Compliance

Similarly, the government often wants to know what the risks associated with a new structure might be. An architectural peer review will satisfy usually these requirements. You may need to provide expert answers on standardized forms. However, an architect can usually address these questions alone.

Usually, a local government agency will attach these forms and reports to the property record. This not only creates a record for the government's benefit, but also provides valuable information to future potential owners of the structure.

Professional Liability

You will also want a review to address your professional liability risks. If a plan is too aggressive, for example, a reviewer can catch those issues so you can make modifications. This can save significant money if it happens before a shovel goes into the ground.