Public works projects and private construction projects follow completely different rules. From procurement and contracts to decision-making and change orders, the type of client you work for changes everything about how you practice architecture.
In this episode, we break down 12 key differences between public and private projects. We cover how government contracts are non-negotiable, the RFQ vs RFP process for selecting architects, why design bid build dominates public work, how the low-bid system creates an adversarial dynamic in construction documents, and what it's like to present a change order on live television at a city council meeting.
You'll learn why public works funding is locked by bond measures and legislation, how prevailing wage laws increase construction costs, why getting paid by the government is painfully slow, and how public hearings and open records laws mean every email you write on a public project could become public record.
📝 Key Topics Covered:
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Government contracts vs private contract flexibility
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RFQ vs RFP: how architects get selected for public projects
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Design bid build and why public projects are locked into it
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The low-bid system is adversarial by design
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Public works funding, prevailing wage, and getting paid by the government
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Change order approval on public projects, including getting on TV
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Public hearings, open records, and why your emails are public record
⏱️ Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:27) Free Study Notes
(2:14) Public Works Projects Defined
(3:29) Government Contracts vs Private
(4:47) RFQ vs RFP in Public Work
(7:12) Design Bid Build Explained
(8:50) Government Project Management
(10:04) Construction Documents for Bidding
(12:13) Sustainability Mandates
(13:05) Permitting Challenges
(14:06) Public Works Funding and Payment
(17:32) Change Orders on Public Projects
(19:31) Public Hearings and Open Records
(21:10) Public vs Private on the ARE
📖 Read the full blog post
📝 Download the FREE Public vs Private study notes
🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership
🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp
📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:
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PcM 101 (Practice Management)
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PjM 101 (Project Management)
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CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)
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AIA Contracts 101
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PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)
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PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)
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PDD 101 (Project Development and Documentation)
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Building Codes 101
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CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)
