ABSTRACT
A main function of the architect/engineer is to act as the focal point for communication between the employer and the contractor. The employer will no doubt wish to limit the extent to which the architect/engineer is entitled to vary the contract without prior consultation. In deciding whether the cause of the delay was such as to entitle the contractor to an extension of time and, if so, on the period of extension to be granted, the architect/engineer is again acting in an independent role. Under some forms of contract the control and administration of the contract on behalf of the purchaser is given to an individual or firm named the project manager. The project manager would then be responsible, as leader of the client's team, for the monitoring of the performance of all other consultants involved and initiating corrective action in agreement with the client.
