When it comes to construction, there’s nothing more frustrating for clients and architects than discovering that approved designs were altered on-site without prior discussion and proper communication. At first, these changes may look like small tweaks or minor adjustments. But when they go unnoticed until after installation, they can lead to costly disputes, delays, and design misalignment, simply because they were never properly discussed.

At Thom & Gery, we believe that maintaining design integrity throughout the construction process is essential to the success of every project we handle. Here’s how we prevent the frustration caused by sudden changes and ensure that our clients’ visions are always realized as intended.

It’s a familiar issue that both clients and architects face:

• Approved drawings are altered during execution
• Site teams simplify or modify details without approval
• Architects or clients only notice the changes after installation

Across online forums and design communities, the same statements are often repeated:

“We approved everything. Why does it look different now?”

These changes frequently result in unexpected costs, rework, and project delays. What was supposed to be a smooth construction process becomes a source of frustration and uncertainty.

Unauthorized changes are more common than most people realize. So what causes this disconnect between design and execution? Here are some of the main reasons:

• Lack of Clear Protocols for Site Changes: When there is no clear and defined approval process, site teams may feel compelled to make changes to avoid delays or to make tasks easier.
• Miscommunication Between Designers and Contractors: Sometimes, site teams interpret design instructions differently from what was originally intended, leading to unapproved modifications.
• Absence of Continuous Architect Oversight: When architects are not involved in regular site inspections, changes can easily slip through unnoticed.

At Thom & Gery, we treat design drawings as contractual instructions. They are not just blueprints, they are part of the agreement. We ensure that all on-site changes go through an official approval process, and no work proceeds without the architect’s sign-off. Here’s how we do it:

• Contractual Instruction: We treat drawings as a priority. Any alteration must be reviewed and approved by our clients.
• Architect’s Review Required: All on-site changes are reviewed by the architect to ensure the integrity of the design is preserved.
• No Unapproved Changes: We guarantee that no work is executed unless every detail has been approved.
• Clear Communication: Our teams ensure that all stakeholders are aligned, preventing surprises and unnecessary changes.
• Minimized Risk of Disputes: By following a clear approval process, we significantly reduce the chances of disputes.

To avoid design deviations on-site, Thom & Gery follows a strict execution system where no changes happen without proper approval. Every detail is clearly documented, thoroughly reviewed, and checked through consistent site supervision to ensure the work matches the exact design. We maintain close communication between our architect, contractor, and client, so there are no casual decisions or rushed fixes on-site.

When you choose Thom & Gery, you ensure that your design vision is protected from the very beginning. We follow clear approval protocols, maintain consistent architect oversight, and prioritize communication at every stage. This allows us to prevent design deviations and keep your project on track.

Our commitment to design integrity means no surprises and no unexpected costs. We value delivering a final product that truly matches your vision. Every time.