If a shop drawing is submitted by the Contractor and stamped "approved" by the Architect, who is responsible for any deviations from the Contract Documents shown on the shop drawing?

The Contractor is responsible for any deviations from the Contract Documents shown on the shop drawing. When a shop drawing is submitted, it serves to demonstrate how the Contractor intends to execute a specific portion of the work, ensuring that the proposed method and materials align with the project's overall design and specifications.

Even when the Architect or Engineer stamps the shop drawing as "approved," this approval does not relieve the Contractor of their responsibility to adhere to the Contract Documents. The approval indicates that the design intent is met and the details are acceptable for construction; however, the Contractor must still ensure that the incorporation of any deviations is appropriate and complies with all applicable codes and standards.

Additionally, the schism between the approval of the shop drawing and the ultimate responsibility lies in the nature of the contract relationship. The Contractor is expected to fulfill the obligations defined in the Contract Documents and any modifications made in the shop drawing process must still operate within the framework of accepted practices and safety. Thus, the responsibility for any errors or deviations rests solely with the Contractor.