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Aside from Architects, almost everyone involved in the process of building has a specific area of focus. Only the architect has the knowledge/skill to conceptualize, design, execute construction documents, revise construction documents, and administer the process of building while fighting an uphill battle against forces out of their control to keep things within a client's budget and conforming to municipal and international codes.But from where I stand the answer to your question is no. I think anyone who says they know how to construct a building in its entirety, or that they could just go build a building is lying or falsely confident. I do think an architect should make sure he/she has a very good idea of how the building he/she designs can/will be built and that he/she is surrounded by other's to fill in his/hers gaps in knowledge. That's kind of how practice works for architects.Buildings beyond rudimentary structures are too grand an undertaking for one person to take on or understand all by themselves. Architects do have the most knowledge of how buildings go together, and are held the most responsible for its successful construction. That is their job, making buildings. That's why they're licenced. Other's are there to follow the architects' instructions via construction documents - even if they don't see it that way. It takes teams of architects and engineers to fully execute a design through construction.I was talking with a friend I studied with tonight about what it takes to be an architect... (though I've been working for a real-estate developer since graduating nearly three years ago and have never worked for a firm. I have worked with many architects and have worked through the entire process as a client's rep). We came to the conclusion that you have to be a dilettante, with a lot of empathy, smarts artistic talent and technical interest to be an architect. Basically, a jack-of-all trades, master-of-none. Preferably, one who can draw - or at least kind of draw and hopefully have good ideas that are presented well. And if not presented well, at least be confident in what you aren't presenting well. The last part is probably the most important aspect of architect-client relationships.This dilettante's confidence is at least part of why architects are seen as self-interested, cliquish, arrogant know-it-all's. See:The Architectural OutsiderArchitect (role variant)yes, but why are they so arrogant?But that's mostly a defense mechanism. A protective shell forged out of 5+ years of working 15-60 hours at a time, daily, weekly, monthly, several hundreds of hours spent on each of your own projects each semester; only to have a panel of critics scrutinize every single detail you didn't think about, or even did think about, and tell you how terrible it is in the most passively cruel ways possible. Then they might give you a compliment or a comment to build back some self-esteem, but that's only if you have an outstanding project.I saw several people cry during critiques, and a few drop out after bad ones. These were also straight 'A' students in high-school, and probably college too. The average ACT score in my class was a 28. I personally failed a studio, despite having completed a full building design with construction documents because I didn't present my ideas well and my instructor determined that I should have gone to a different school. (I retook him and at final critiques, was commended for my project by two of three outside critics as being particularly strong in relation to my peers - rare. After this, my instructor told me that I was lucky a certain critic thought I was a rock-star and I might get a 'C'). Architecture school is like growing up the child of pathological narcissists: The Narcissist In Your LifeWhen you come out of it, you think you know everything and can do anything. You survived architecture school and everything from then on out will be easy as pie; including constructing a building (again, no single person knows everything, it's too complex). This is probably what leads to facebook pages like this: Architects, are just like regular people, only much smarter. ;)The dilettante bit and the above description on architecture school may not seem too favorable when talking about architects, but the field is terribly complex and no formal education can teach 18+ year-olds the skills necessary to master the design of a building, let alone the construction of one. However construction is only half of what an architect needs to understand: The Architectural Insider (thanks Dwell)I don't care how pushy a general contractor, or construction worker is when it comes to claiming that an architect screwed up a design, that an architect doesn't know what they're doing, or that they could do it better. An architect is responsible for the creation and execution of a concept for a building.. Start to finish. This is not an easy task and it's why architectural education is so rigorous. It sets you up for an immense workload, all done for people who will attack you the second something doesn't go according to your plans. You have to have a thick skin and have complete confidence in your designs and understanding of the construction methodology for your or your firm's project.In real-estate development, I've seen architects thrown under the bus for a perceived screw up (stall in construction, delaying schedules, bad spec, permitting issues, budget over-runs, change orders, bad detailing, etc.) more than any other profession I have worked with. I've even found myself faulting architects when GC's have gone on rants about the drawings being incomplete, call-outs missing, specs wrong, etc. Only to go back myself and check the documents and see that the GC either didn't look at the drawing, or wanted to shift blame for something they screwed up. 90% of the time this happened for reasons that we're not even remotely the Architects fault. The other 10%, well Architecture is hard...Yes, architects should have at least a basic understanding of aerodynamics, gardening, landscaping, geology, sociology, history and predictions in region, use and dynamics of materials *clipped from Martin Parinaj's comment. Much of these topics are imbedded in studio training and supplemental coursework for architects. Here is a link to the basic curriculum requirements from my Alma Matter: Page on k-state.edu - it really doesn't do the variety of the education justice, but just to get a sense...Essentially, an architectural education emphasises the importance of being well rounded. Most architects study anything that could be remotely related to a building or particular project (to some degree, no one is omniscient). It's a perfect focus for smart and earnest kids with ADHD. By that I mean that architecture is an extraordinarily rigorous education and requires an innate curiosity to do well. It is a PROFESSIONAL discipline. This is why most architecture schools are extremely selective and have a high drop-out rate early on.For as much shit at architects get on the job site, they are expected to know and manage an incredible amount of knowledge (more than anyone else on a job site) and put in insane hours for little pay.That said, architecture is an "Old-man's (and Woman's)" profession. It's rare for even a licensed architect to claim to be a "well-rounded" architect until they are in their 50's... (generally).Sorry for the rant, just kind of kept typing....

It depends on the project type and the terms and conditions contained within the contract the architect has with the owner. In general, most architectural contracts contain a section title “Construction Administration Phase.”In this phase the Architect shall provide sufficient organization, personnel and management to carry out the Basic Services requirements of the Agreement during the Construction Administration Phase in an expeditious and economical manner consistent with the interests of the Owner. The Architect shall provide administrative, management and related services to endeavor to coordinate the activities of the Contractors with each other and with those of the Owner and the Architect to complete the Project in accordance with the latest approved estimate of Construction Cost, the Project construction schedule and the contract documents for construction. In addition to the other specific requirements and provisions of the Agreement, Architect shall assign professionals duly qualified to provide Architectural Construction Administration Services. similar to those described in this Agreement to be stationed on theThe list of basic services are listed as follows:Owner’s RepresentativeSite visits and reportsReview Contractors Certificates of PaymentChange DocumentationRFI response and Supplemental DocumentationSubstancial Completion and Project Close OutConstruction Drawing updateNot all owners want to retain the architect for these services, especially if the Owner has a "very experienced" construction administrator on their staff. However, the architect should be retained.Keep in mind that the Architect and Contractor have no contractual relationship at all and the Architect cannot "supervise" or "direct" any work at the job site.

Based on your description it appears as if the process is a bit different than what I’ve seen. Here are generally the phases for US projects, and Matthew Lohden did a great job outlining them.The first few vary and may or may not be applicable:AIA (US) process:Master Planning: This phases would be for large projects, where a large parcel of land would be conceptually planned with the basic layout of where various buildings might go, along with streets and major elements. This is more to do with big ideas than specific sites.Conceptual Design: The beginnings of a design concept for the project. Work done in this phase would be very loose and aspirational, and not include actual floor plans. This phase is often omitted, unless the project is very large, or of a special nature.Schematic Design (SD): The initial phase of design where the project begins to take form. Documents produced in this phase are illustrative, and generally show all the spaces proposed in the project, exterior facade design and a site plan showing access, parking and open spaces. Basic building code research and initial pricing should be done during this phase.Design Development (DD): This phase advances the project design sufficient to understand all the major building systems. This is usually the first phase to have engineers join the team, unless the project is large or has unsual design features.Construction Documents (CD): This phase is when the technical drawings are prepared. This includes both the plans and the project manual, which includes the specifications, general conditions and instructions to the bidders.Bidding & Permitting (B&N): This phase is when the project is let for construction bids. Sometimes a client will retain a contractor early in the process, when this happens we strive to get them in at the start of Design Development.Contract Administration (CA): This is when the architect will represent the owner and manage the construction process. Services end after the project has been completed and accepted by the owner.Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of WorkThe following information is taken from "Services Supplement: Design and Management" from the RIBA publication "Standard Form of Agreement for the appointment of an architect"(SFA/99) available from RIBA Bookshops (http://www.ribabookshop.com) and you should refer to the whole document.Note the RIBA goes into far more detail. I found this info here:What are the stages or phases of a UK Architectural project?Architect's design services:All commissions1.1 Receive client's instructions1.2 Advise client on the need to obtain statutory approvals and of the duties of the Client under the CDM regulations1.3 Receive information about the site from the Client (CDM Reg 11)1.4 Where applicable co-operate with and pass information to the Planning Supervisor1.5 Visit the site and carry out an initial appraisalA Appraisal1 Carry out studies to determine the feasibility of the Client's requirement2A Review with client alternative design and construction approaches and the cost implications or2B Provide information for report on cost implicationsB Strategic Brief1 Receive strategic brief prepared by the clientC Outline Proposals1 Commence development of Strategic Brief into Project Brief2 Prepare Outline Proposal3A Provide an approximation of construction costs or3B Provide information for cost planning4 Obtain Client approval to Outline Proposals and approximate construction cost5 Co-operate with Planning Supervisor where applicableD Detailed Proposals1 Complete developments of Project Brief2 Develop the Detailed Proposal from approved Outline Proposals3A Prepare a cost estimate or3B Provide information for preparation of cost estimate4 Consult statutory authorities5 Obtain Client approval to the Detailed Proposal showing spatial arrangements, material and appearance, and a cost estimate6 Prepare and submit application for full planning permissionE Final Proposals1 Design Final Proposals from approved Detailed Proposals2A Revise cost estimate2B Provide information for revision of cost estimate3 Consult statutory authorities on developed design proposals4 Obtain Client approval to type of construction, quality of materials, standard of workmanship and revised cost estimate5 Advise on consequences of any subsequent changes on cost and programmeF Production Information1 Prepare production information for tender purposes2A Prepare schedules of rates and/or quantities and/or schedules of works for tendering purposes and revise cost estimate, or2B Provide information for preparation of tender pricing documents and revision of cost estimate3A Prepare and make submissions under building acts and/or regulations for other statutory requirements or3B Prepare and give building notice under building acts and/or regulations (not applicable in Scotland)4 Prepare further production information for construction purposesG Tender documents1 Prepare and collate tender documents in sufficient detail to enable a tender or tenders to be obtained2 Where applicable pass final information to Planning Supervisor for pre-tender Health and Safety Plan3A Prepare pre-tender costs or3B Provide information for preparation of pre-tender cost estimateH Tender Action1 Contribute to appraisal and report on tenders negotiations2 If instructed revise production information to meet adjustments in the tender sumJ Mobilisation1 Provide production information as requested for the building contract and for constructionK Construction to Practical Completion1 Make visits to the works in connection with the Architect's design2 Provide further information reasonable required for construction3 Review design information from contractors or specialists4 Provide drawings showing the building and main lines of drainage and other information for the Health and Safety File5 Give general advice on operation and maintenance of the buildingL After Practical Completion1 Identify defects and make final inspections2A Settle Final Account or2B Provide information required by others for settling final accountNBIf the architect is to provide cost advice Alternative A appliesIf a quantity surveyor is appointed Alternative B applies