How Author’s Supervision Determines the Success of Large Construction Projects?
In large-scale construction projects—such as industrial halls, logistics centers, or public buildings—any design or construction error can cost hundreds of thousands of zlotys. That’s why more and more investors understand that author’s supervision by the architect is not a formality but a real safeguard for the investment.
The architect who knows the project from the ground up is best equipped to ensure its proper execution. This article explains what author’s supervision is, how it works, how it differs from investor supervision, and why having it carried out by a design office such as ARCH-STUDIO is essential to a project’s success.
What Is Author’s Supervision?
Author’s supervision is a control process conducted by the project’s author—an architect or design office—during construction.
Its main goal is to ensure that the contractor carries out all works in accordance with the building, technical, and execution design, as well as applicable laws and construction standards.
In practice, it involves the designer’s presence on site, review of technical solutions, approval or adjustment of changes, and prompt resolution of technical issues.
Through author’s supervision, the project is consistently realized according to its original concept.
Author’s Supervision vs. Investor Supervision – Key Differences
Although the names sound similar, their functions are very different.
Investor supervision represents the investor’s interests towards the contractor. The person performing this role (usually an investor’s supervision inspector) monitors the quality of works, compliance with the schedule, and adherence to building codes and regulations.
Author’s supervision, on the other hand, is carried out by the project’s creator—the architect.
Its purpose is not to control the contractor in a formal sense but to ensure that the building is executed in line with the design intent and architectural concept.
In short:
• Investor supervision = quality and compliance control,
• Author’s supervision = design, aesthetic, and functional consistency control.
In practice, both types of supervision complement each other. Missing either one often results in decision-making chaos and unnecessary costs on site.
Why Is Author’s Supervision So Important in Large Projects?
In large-scale developments—such as industrial halls, office buildings, or public facilities—the project scope is highly complex. Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers often work simultaneously on multiple building systems.
In such conditions, even a small modification (for example, shifting a ventilation duct or altering the façade) may require adjustments to other installations or structural details.
Without the designer’s involvement, overall project coherence is easily lost.
Author’s supervision helps prevent this by:
• providing immediate responses to on-site technical issues,
• approving necessary design changes and proposing alternatives,
• maintaining control over aesthetics and material quality,
• supporting the investor in technical decision-making.
As a result, projects progress more smoothly, and the risk of conflicts between investor, contractor, and designer is greatly reduced.
Scope of Author’s Supervision – What It Looks Like in Practice
By law, the project author is required to:
- verify that works comply with the design documentation,
- provide explanations regarding the project,
- approve alternative solutions if changes are necessary.
In practice, author’s supervision includes:
- regular on-site visits during key construction phases,
- participation in coordination meetings,
- review and approval of materials proposed by the contractor,
- response to errors or deviations from the design,
- documenting changes through drawings or annexes.
ARCH-STUDIO often combines author’s supervision with ongoing technical consulting for the investor, allowing for faster and more confident decision-making on site.
Common Investor Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them
Omitting or limiting author’s supervision is one of the most common mistakes in large projects.
Some investors view it as an unnecessary expense, but in reality, this leads to:
- misinterpretation of design documentation by contractors,
- uncontrolled material substitutions,
- complications during final inspections,
- loss of aesthetic and functional consistency.
Over time, the cost of corrections and repairs can be several times higher than the cost of author’s supervision.
Experienced investors—especially in industrial and public sectors—treat author’s supervision as an investment, not an expense.
Case Study – Industrial Hall in Opole
During the construction of an 8,000 m² industrial hall, the investor commissioned ARCH-STUDIO to provide not only building and execution designs but also full author’s supervision.
The results:
- no project delays despite numerous supplier changes,
- avoidance of a costly installation clash detected early thanks to the designer’s site visits,
- high-quality finishing consistent with the original design concept.
This clearly shows that author’s supervision has a measurable, positive impact on investment success.
Why Should Author’s Supervision Be Performed by the Design Office?
Some investors wonder if author’s supervision can be carried out by someone other than the project’s author.
Formally—yes. In practice—it rarely works well.
Only the designer who created the documentation fully understands the relationships between all disciplines and can quickly react to potential technical conflicts.
A design office such as ARCH-STUDIO ensures continuity throughout the project—from concept and documentation to supervision. This guarantees that every on-site decision aligns with the project’s logic and vision.
Summary
Author’s supervision is a key factor in the success of any large construction project.
It ensures that the project is executed according to the design, minimizes technical risks, and prevents costly errors. Combined with professional investor supervision, it forms a strong safeguard for the investor’s interests.
For ARCH-STUDIO, author’s supervision is not an add-on but an integral part of the investment process.
Thanks to it, our industrial, office, and public projects maintain their quality, functionality, and aesthetic integrity—from the first sketch to final acceptance.
If you’re planning a major investment and want to be sure your project will be executed exactly as designed—contact ARCH-STUDIO.