Public Architect of Record

An Architect of Record (AOR) is the architecture firm that designs and prepares the construction documents for a new building project. If an architecture firm performed services for a project in civic architecture, the architecture firm’s name will appear on building permits and other public records for those specific commercial projects as the Architect of Record.

The licensed architect’s professional seal is affixed to the project construction documents and are directly and professionally responsible for the total design of the project for the client. The Public Architect of Record also takes on civil liability for plans, specifications, and contract documents they have signed/sealed.

At SSP Architects, as your Architect of Record, we guarantee you won’t have to worry about building applications. We can handle all relevant building applications so all public building projects will satisfy all regulations and building codes.

We’ve handled numerous public architecture projects, including schools, county offices, and iconic community destinations. Our team has the skills and experience to see your public building project through from building plans, to project completion, and beyond.

Architect of Record Responsibilities

Being the Public Architect of Record includes a specific set of responsibilities that our NJ architectural firm has extensive experience with. Whether you’re in education, community development, government, or any other public sector, some or all of the responsibilities below will apply to your architecture project.

• We establish familiarity with your operations and buildings, through on-site review of facilities, operational and/or educational priorities, as well as functional capacity/District enrollment projections.
• Our team will meet with your team to affirm current prioritization of your public facilities’ design needs.
• Our architects and support staff conduct facilities planning activities to facilities reviews and amend LRFP in preparation for projects.
• Energy Management project planning, including administration of Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA), Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) project development, and NJ Clean Energy Program grant applications and approvals.
• Prepare grant funding applications and all supporting design documentation.
• LRFP amendment and maintenance for submission to NJ DOE, NJSDA, and regulatory agencies.
• Project applications to NJ DOE and NJSDA.
• Referendum planning including project development, DOE submissions, and communication activities.
• Project design, building blueprints, and construction management.
• Obtain permits and approvals from required regulatory agencies, and maintain building permit records.
• Bidding services and advise on contractor selection.
• Complete construction administration services, including on-site activities by field representatives.
• Board meeting attendance by Principal or Associate to update planning/design timelines and construction schedules of all projects on a monthly basis.