The Wichita County Commissioners on Nov. 14 voted to retain an independent architect to serve as the county’s owner representative and to develop the RFQ for the Burke Burnett Annex, a design-build delivery project.

County staff explained that design-build procurement in Texas requires the governmental entity to retain an independent architect or engineer to oversee the design-build firm’s work. The proposal presented to the court recommended selecting the firm listed in the meeting backup materials to prepare the RFQ and provide independent oversight throughout the project.

A motion to select Siblitigan Design Concepts Architects as the county’s representative for the Burke Burnett Annex project was made, seconded and approved by the court on a voice vote, 5–0. The judge and commissioners said the architect will draft the RFQ and specifications; staff targeted posting the RFQ and opening bids in December with a selection by year-end.

Commissioners noted that the independent architect’s role will be to review design-build submittals, inspect progress and act as the county’s advocate during construction. The contract will be paid from permanent improvement funds, with ARPA proceeds already moved into that fund to offset costs for this project.