A Simple Guide to Architecture and Construction Terms

Introduction

Navigating a building or renovation project can be overwhelming, especially when you encounter unfamiliar terms and jargon. From architects and contractors to contingency sums and provisional allowances, understanding the language of construction is key to making informed decisions and staying in control of your project.

To help, we’ve compiled a glossary of essential terms commonly used in architecture and construction projects. This guide explains what each term means, why it matters, and how it applies to your project—making the process more transparent and easier to follow. Whether you’re planning a new build, renovation, or extension, knowing these terms will give you confidence when working with your architect, builder, and consultants.

The Glossary of Terms

Brief: A brief is a document provided by the client that outlines their requirements for a project. It typically includes details about accommodation, budget, and project timeline.

Client: A client is the person who engages an architect to provide professional architectural services for a project.

Consultant: A consultant is a professional engaged to provide expert advice or services for a project.

Consultant – primary: A consultant, often the architect, whose responsibilities include direction and coordination of the work of specialist consultants. The primary consultant is in contract with the client.

Consultant – secondary: A secondary consultant provides specialist input under the direction and coordination of the primary consultant and is contracted directly with the client.

Consultant – specialist: A specialist consultant focuses on a particular area of expertise. They contribute to specific parts of the project rather than the entire design. When engaged, they usually become either a secondary consultant or a subconsultant.

Consultant – subconsultant: A subconsultant works under the direction and coordination of the primary consultant. They are contracted with the primary consultant rather than the client.

Contingency sum: A contingency sum is a portion of the budget set aside for unexpected costs that may arise during a project. It can be included in the contract or held outside it for unforeseen matters.

Contingency sum – design: The design contingency is an allowance in the project budget for unknown or unresolved costs during the early design phase. This sum is typically larger early on and decreases as the design develops.

Contract documents: Contract documents include all written documents that form the contract between the owner and the contractor. This includes agreements, special conditions, drawings, specifications,, and any other relevant documentation.

Contract price: The contract price is the total amount, including GST, that the owner agrees to pay the contractor.

Contractor: A contractor is the building professional responsible for executing the construction work.

Cost of building work: This refers to the actual net cost of the works, excluding GST.

Estimate: A judgement or forecast of the cost of a project based on knowledge, experience and available information.

Latent condition: A latent condition is a physical condition on or near the site that a competent contractor would not have anticipated through standard inspection and review of site information.

Owner: The owner is usually the landowner, but in some contracts, such as tenancy fit-outs, the term refers to the party with legal rights to the works rather than the land.

Particular person: A particular person is a firm or individual specifically selected by the owner and identified in the contract to perform work or supply items for the project.

Prime-cost sum: A prime-cost sum is an allowance in the contract for a foreseeable item whose exact details were not known at the time of signing.

Project budget: The project budget is the total funds available for the project, covering building costs, provisional sums, escalation, contingency sums, consultant fees, GST, furniture, approvals, and any other costs defined by the client.

Provisional sum: A provisional sum is a contract allowance for work that is foreseeable but cannot be fully described at the time of contracting due to unknown details.

Subcontractor: A subcontractor is a firm or individual hired by the main contractor to perform part of the work or supply/install items. The main contractor is responsible for their engagement, supervision, and payment. Subcontractors are distinct from those directly contracted by the owner.

Variation: A variation is any change to the scope of work, order of contract documents, dimensions, materials, or workmanship of the project.

Work: Work refers to the activities, labour, or processes carried out during construction.

Works: Works are the completed construction as specified in the contract documents—the finished product of the project.

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