The architect for renovations at the Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown had a "positive" conversation yesterday with the hotel's owner but still no agreement that would allow work to resume at the site.

Architect Stephen Berry talked by phone with Atul Bisaria, chief executive officer of Shubh Hotels LLC, the Hilton owner, in an effort to resolve $308,575 in mechanics' liens the design firm filed for nonpayment of work related to the $25 million renovation project.

City Bureau of Building Inspection officials revoked the building permit for the renovations last week after Mr. Berry wrote to them asking for the return of his design plans and specifications.

Without them, work cannot resume at the Hilton.

City Solicitor George Specter has said the state construction code stipulates there must be a design professional working on the site for construction to proceed.

Of yesterday's conversation, Mr. Berry said, "It was positive and it looks like we're moving in the right direction." But he added he would not allow his design plans and specifications to be used until "we've got an arrangement that is acceptable."

"Put it this way: I want to be paid in full. They know it and that's what we're working toward," he said.

Mr. Bisaria could not be reached for comment.

Work on the Hilton renovations stopped in May when contractor P.J. Dick pulled its workers from the site after not being paid. The contractor filed a $317,273 mechanic's lien over the money it was owed.

According to court records, the lien was satisfied in full last month. But Dale R. Lostetter, vice president of contract administration for P.J. Dick, said in an e-mail yesterday the firm has yet to be paid the $317,273.

"We 'pulled' the lien in an effort to work things out with Shubh, but we have not yet been paid," he wrote.

Also yesterday, Niles Mirror & Glass Inc. of Niles, Ohio, filed a $26,155 mechanic's lien against Shubh for money it claims it is owed for Hilton work. In court documents, it said it provided commercial glass, glazing and installation at the hotel.