Architectural supervision principles concern checking construction against approved documents, coordinating disciplines, recording observations and following up corrections. This guide discusses general topics in the context of Iranian building projects. It does not replace the official scope of services, current requirements or specialist judgement on an individual site.
Understand the roles before work begins
The number of supervisors and disciplines required depends on building classification, qualifications and local procedures. A single floor-area threshold should not be applied to every project. In a multidisciplinary team, each professional retains their own scope while a coordinating supervisor supports communication and reporting under the project arrangements.
A list of construction stages does not make the architectural supervisor responsible for every structural, electrical and mechanical check. Concrete, steel and structural sections belong within the relevant specialist scope. The architect reviews how locations of structural elements and services affect spaces, clear heights, circulation and architectural drawing coordination.
Before construction: documents and site review
Gather the latest approved drawings and relevant project documents and check their revision numbers. Supervisors on each project need consistent communication to avoid contradictory site documents. Establish how changes are reviewed and observations are reported before problems arise.
A joint site visit can review building position, boundaries, levels, setbacks and neighbouring conditions. Compare the actual site with reference documents and record existing trees and other features that affect work. Where measurements are uncertain or documents conflict, refer the matter to the appropriate specialist or authority rather than making assumptions.
During construction: coordinate the interfaces
Construction work can progress through excavation, foundations, structure, walls, finishes and handover, depending on the project. Each phase involves discipline-specific reviews. Architectural topics include opening and wall positions, heights, access routes and agreement with the approved layout.
Coordinate how foundations and structure affect finished levels, usable heights, parking and stairs. During partition construction, review positions, thicknesses, finishes and services interfaces. Structural fixings and specialist technical details need the appropriate professional review: a visual resemblance to the drawing is insufficient.
Check work before it is concealed
Schedule reviews around elements that will later become hidden, such as waterproofing, substrates, services routes and non-structural connections. Correcting a defect after finishing may be more expensive. Photographs should identify location, date and the issue observed, but cannot replace measurements or a technical report.
Review facades, railings, parapets, doors, water-shedding details and accessibility at the appropriate stage. Do not leave every check until completion, when some work cannot be inspected without removing finishes. Use an evolving follow-up list matched to the project rather than a static generic checklist.
Changes and as-built records
Record differences from the approved design and refer them through the appropriate review process. An as-built drawing does not automatically authorise a change. Altered uses, stairs, openings or parking arrangements need project-specific review. This article does not determine acceptance of a violation or the legal responsibility of an individual.
Clear reports and correction tracking
Distinguish the observed condition, exact location, drawing reference and required action. Record who needs to respond and how correction will be demonstrated. When coordinating execution services, regular communication between designer, contractor and supervisors helps avoid conflicting verbal decisions without removing each role’s independent responsibilities.
Organise drawings, reports, instructions, correspondence, photographs and acknowledgements of receipt. Link each observation to the correct document revision and update the defects list after correction. Good records keep decisions understandable later and reduce information loss between teams.
Final review and handover
Review recorded defects and evidence of their correction before final reporting. Sign-off and handover follow the applicable scope and local process rather than a single historic procedure. Architectural supervision focuses on conformity, information quality and coordination; construction management and pricing remain separate topics.