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At Altereco, we take a different approach to construction support.

Date
11 Jul 2026
Author
Claire Thomas

Traditional architectural services often allocate a significant portion of fees to Contract Administration. We don’t believe that should be the default. Instead, we focus on producing clear, detailed, and highly resolved documentation from the outset—so builders can move through construction with confidence and minimal reliance on ongoing oversight.

But good projects don’t happen in isolation.

We advocate for a negotiated tender process, where the builder is brought in early—well before construction begins. This allows for meaningful input around cost, buildability, site constraints, and construction methodology. It’s a more transparent and collaborative way to set a project up for success.

Importantly, that collaboration should go both ways.

Builders shouldn’t be left to make design decisions on site, just as architects and designers shouldn’t be removed from the process once a permit is issued. The best outcomes come from ongoing dialogue—where each party contributes their expertise at the right time.

We think of it as a three-legged stool: client, designer, and builder. Remove one, or weaken its role, and the whole thing becomes unstable.

That’s where our construction support comes in.

We stay available to ensure the design intent is carried through on site, without imposing unnecessary structure or cost. Because while our documentation is thorough, every project is effectively a one-off prototype—and questions will arise.

When they do, we offer flexible support:

  • On-demand assistance to resolve architectural details and problem solve through a designers lens
  • A fixed-fee option covering a set number of hours, for cost certainty. Think of it like a bar tab—but for your house. You only use what you need, when you need it.

This approach keeps the process collaborative, the design protected, and the construction efficient—without the burden of traditional Contract Administration fees.

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