If an architect hires an interior design firm and they are too busy to finish, can they farm the work out to a subconsultant without written permission?

• A. Yes, with informal approval.
• B. No, they can't farm it out without written permission.
• C. Yes, if the subconsultant is licensed.
• D. Yes, if the owner approves after the fact.

Answer: (B)

In architectural practice, changing who performs parts of the design work requires formal authorization. Even if the interior design firm is qualified, you can’t simply hand off portions of the work to a subconsultant without written permission because the contract with the owner defines who is responsible for the services, how those services are coordinated, and how changes to the team are approved. Written permission ensures the owner is aware of who is on the project, approves the substitution, and agrees to the revised scope, fees, and accountability.

Relying on informal approval, licenses, or after-the-fact owner approval can lead to disputes about scope, liability, and whether the architect remains responsible for the quality and coordination of the work. The architect still bears professional responsibility for the overall design and coordination, so any delegation outside the agreed terms should be explicitly authorized in writing.