Architects

RFI Response Drafter for Architects

Draft a professional, clear, and contractually appropriate response to a Request for Information (RFI) from a contractor. This prompt helps architects structure RFI responses that address the contractor's question, reference the applicable contract documents, and protect the architect's professional liability.

This prompt takes the full text of a contractor's RFI, the applicable drawing and specification references, and project context, and drafts a structured RFI response covering a one-sentence question restatement, the controlling contract document reference, the architect's specific direction, a note on whether a supplemental drawing is needed, and a cost/schedule implication flag. The output is reviewed and issued by the architect of record — it does not address contractor means and methods and explicitly avoids language that could be construed as accepting liability for contractor scope. It is for licensed architects managing construction administration on projects with active RFI volumes.

Testedclaude-sonnet-4-6ValidatedMar 2026ScopeVerify all code references and calculations independently. T…TierProfessional
AI Role
You are a licensed architect with extensive experience managing construction adm…
Models
Claude
Confidence
Professional
Constraints
Verify all code references and calculations independently. This does not replace licensed professional review.
RFI responses must be reviewed by the project architect of record before issuance — AI-generated responses may not account for project-specific conditions or prior RFI precedents.
Never acknowledge deficiencies in the contract documents that could increase the owner's cost exposure without first consulting with legal counsel.
Do not address contractor means, methods, sequences, or safety in RFI responses — these are the contractor's responsibility under the contract.
Tested Models
claude-sonnet-4-6
Uncertainty
If the RFI question is ambiguous or the applicable contract document is unclear from the information provided, draft a response requesting clarification from the contractor before providing a direction, rather than guessing at the intent.
Last updated
2026-05-28Published

The prompt

1,978 characters
rfi-response-drafter.prompt
You are a licensed architect with extensive experience managing construction administration, responding to contractor RFIs, and maintaining clear contract document interpretation.

Draft a professional RFI response for the following:

Project information:
- Project name: [PROJECT_NAME]
- Contract type: [CONTRACT_TYPE — e.g., AIA A101, Design-Build, CMGC]
- Construction phase: [CONSTRUCTION_PHASE — e.g., foundation, structural, finishes]

RFI information:
- RFI number: [RFI_NUMBER]
- RFI date: [RFI_DATE]
- Submitted by: [SUBCONTRACTOR / CONTRACTOR_NAME]
- RFI question/issue: [PASTE RFI TEXT HERE]
- Drawings/specifications referenced by contractor: [DOCUMENT_REFERENCES]

Available context:
- Relevant drawing sheets: [RELEVANT_SHEETS]
- Relevant specification sections: [SPEC_SECTIONS]
- Project-specific conditions: [PROJECT_CONDITIONS]

Draft an RFI response that:

## RFI Summary
Restate the contractor's question in one clear sentence.

## Contract Document Reference
Identify the applicable drawing sheet(s), specification section(s), and detail(s) that govern the condition in question.

## Architect's Direction
Provide a clear, specific answer that resolves the contractor's question. If the contract documents are clear, confirm their interpretation. If a design decision is required, provide the decision with enough specificity for the contractor to proceed.

## Drawing/Specification Clarification (if needed)
If the contract documents require clarification or supplemental information, note what supplemental document will follow and its expected issue date.

## Cost and Schedule Implications Note
Note whether this response has potential cost or schedule implications that should be evaluated by the contractor and owner — do not pre-authorize costs.

## Response Status
[Response only / Supplemental Instrument to Follow / Pending — awaiting information]

Use professional, measured language. Do not accept responsibility for contractor means and methods.
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How to use this prompt

1

1. Paste the complete RFI text from the contractor's submission, including their specific question and any drawing references they have noted.

2

2. Review the draft response against the actual contract documents before issuing — verify that the referenced sheet and detail numbers are correct.

3

3. Log the RFI and response in your project RFI tracking system and retain both for the project record.

Customization tips

Add 'This RFI touches on a condition that was previously addressed in RFI [number] — note the precedent and reference the prior response' for recurring issues.
For contentious RFIs, add 'The contractor appears to be setting up a claim — draft the response to be factually precise and avoid language that admits responsibility or implies scope expansion.'
Append 'The project is on an accelerated schedule — if a supplemental drawing is needed, note a 3-business-day turnaround commitment.'

Sample output

Mar 2026Professional
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION — RESPONSE PROJECT: [Project Name] RFI NUMBER: RFI-047 DATE ISSUED BY CONTRACTOR: March 18, 2026 DATE OF RESPONSE: March 23, 2026 SUBMITTED BY: [General Contractor] RESPONDED BY: Project Architect QUESTION ASKED BY CONTRACTOR: "Structural drawings show column spacing at 12'-6" on center along the east elevation. Curtain wall shop drawings (submitted Submittal 022-A) show anchor locations at 14'-0" on center. These locations do not align. Please advise on which controls or provide direction for resolution." ARCHITECT'S RESPONSE: This is a legitimate coordination discrepancy requiring resolution before curtain wall anchor installation proceeds. Do not proceed with anchor installation until this RFI is resolved. FINDINGS: The project architect has reviewed both the structural drawings (Sheets S-201 and S-202) and the approved curtain wall shop drawings (Submittal 022-A, Revision 2). The discrepancy is confirmed. The structural column grid spacing on the east elevation is 12'-6" on center. The curtain wall manufacturer's anchor layout, based on the standard panel module for the specified system, assumes a 14'-0" column spacing. RESOLUTION DIRECTION: There are two technically viable resolution paths: Path A — Structural Supplemental Framing: The structural engineer can design supplemental horizontal framing members (tube steel or wide flange kicker) spanning between the existing columns at each affected elevation bay. These supplemental members provide anchor points at the 14'-0" module required by the curtain wall system. This approach preserves the specified curtain wall system without modifications to the panel module. Path B — Curtain Wall System Re-Engineering: The curtain wall manufacturer can re-engineer the system with anchor points at the 12'-6" structural module. This may require a custom panel layout or modification of the standard mullion spacing. The architect must review any revised shop drawings before installation proceeds. DIRECTION TO CONTRACTOR: Request a cost and schedule comparison from both the structural engineer (Path A) and the curtain wall manufacturer (Path B) within 7 days. The project architect will coordinate a decision meeting with the owner and structural engineer upon receipt. Do not proceed with curtain wall anchor installation until a resolution is selected and the relevant drawings are updated. Architect Signature: _________________________ Date: March 23, 2026

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Professional Disclaimer

This AI-generated content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace the professional judgment of a licensed architect. Always verify code compliance, structural calculations, and design decisions with qualified professionals.