The contract with your architect is important because it helps to clarify each parties responsibility.  Read more on what should be included in the contract...

The contract with your architect is important because it helps to clarify each parties responsibility.  Putting a home, office, retail space, church or any type of building together is a complex process that involves meetings and specialists.  In general, people hold architects in high regard, which can be a double-edged sword because clients may have an unreasonably high expectation of an architect and his or her services.  If a contract is thoroughly written the client and the architect will clearly understand what is expected and what will cost extra.  This clear definition of services to be provided will help clarify misunderstandings and disputes. Here are some suggestions of items that should be included in any contract from the 2003 AIA Best Practices publication:

-Detailed description of the project, including square footage, number of floors, location, site conditions, etc.
-The documents the architect intends to provide, on a phase by phase basis
-The number of alternate designs or redesigns included in each phase
-The estimated or agreed-upon fee for each phase
-The project budget, including the identity of the party responsible for cost estimates
-The project schedule, including the identity of the party responsible for developing and meeting the project schedule; if the architect is the identified party, the agreement should make clear which aspects of the schedule are within the architect’s control, and limit the architect’s responsibility for meeting the schedule accordingly.
-The scope of interior design services to be included
-The renderings or models to be included in the base fee: if none are to be included, clearly state that.
-The understanding with respect to the hiring and supervision of engineers and other consultants, including liability for their work.
-A clear explanation of the code compliance procedure, including reference to the specific applicable codes and regulations that govern the project.
-A list of applicable reimbursable expenses that are not included in the base fee
-The number of meetings with third parties included in the base fee, including landlords, zoning authorities, and appeals boards, landmarks’ commissions, co-op boards, and other agencies whose approval is required before a building permit will be issued.
-The project delivery method, whether traditional design-bid-build or fast track
-The number of reviews of shop drawing submissions during the construction phase
-Whether or not there will be a general contractor or construction manager involved in the project
-The responsibility of the architect in the bidding and negotiation phase
-The hourly rate(s) for additional services
-A list of additional services that may be required; programming, site analysis, feasibility studies, filing services, zoning variance applications, additional meetings with third parties, building product selection/shopping, and bidding/negotiation services are typical of the services that an owner commonly assumes to be included in the case fee; be sure to distinguish clearly between reimbursable expenses and additional services.
-The name of the individual authorized to make design decisions on behalf of the Owner.
-Language regarding insurance and indemnification
-If the owner is a couple, both individuals should be a party to the agreement
-The amount of the initial retainer, and the point at which the retainer will be credited to the owner.

A thorough and clearly written contract will actually help the project move smoothly and efficiently.