Product substitutions are a normal part of construction; few projects get built without at least one substitution request being submitted (if not approved). But the architect must manage the process to ensure that only substitutions that truly benefit the owner or are for a legitimate cause are submitted, that the rules for requesting substitution are clearly described, and that the design team is appropriately compensated for the additional services. Properly managed, approved substitutions can, by lowering the construction cost, shortening the construction schedule, or improving the quality, even result in a better project.