2023 Update It is critically important that all architects have health insurance coverage for themselves and their families. Often younger people believe they are in good health and since health insurance can be expensive, they may opt to go without health insurance coverage. This could be a huge financial mistake. An accident or an unforeseen…
Read MoreResource Type: Report
Annual Survey of Professional Liability Insurers
Each year, the AIA, ACEC, and NSPE jointly survey the principal professional liability carriers. The three groups along with the AIA Trust also interview most of these carriers to discuss trends and developments. The results of the survey are published here. For more information about the insurers, you may also visit our Professional Liability Insurance…
Read MoreClaims Defense from the Attorney’s Perspective
By Gregory N. Ziegler, Esq. When a claim is made, counsel is retained by the professional liability insurance carrier to defend the claim. Defense counsel is experienced in defending design professionals and will work on behalf of the architect. Resolving a complaint requires a collaborative effort between the architect and attorney. The attorney’s role is…
Read MoreClaims Management by the Architect
By Greg N. Ziegler, Esq. and James B. Atkins, FAIA A liability claim made against an architect on a project typically begins with a written notice of claim and demand for payment and can escalate to a lawsuit. All claims have the potential of ending up in court if alternative dispute resolution methods are not…
Read MoreWhat to Do About Employee Benefits
Employee benefits are often defined as compensation paid by an employer to an employee over and above regular salary and wages. Employee benefits come in many shapes and sizes and are an integral part of an overall compensation package offered to employees. Employee benefits are essential in keeping current employees happy, and have become an…
Read MorePreventing Employee Lawsuits
Small firms are the most vulnerable to crises, disasters, and lawsuits. In fact, according to the US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, more than 40 percent of small businesses were either involved in or threatened with a lawsuit due to A) administrative oversights or errors, B) undelivered services or C) poor quality of service, much lower…
Read MoreUnderstanding Commercial General Liability
Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance is an important coverage for any business. Understanding this coverage is an important first step in managing CGL risks. This publication is for general information only. It is not legal advice and should not be construed to define the coverage of the Victor and CNA commercial general liability insurance policy.…
Read MoreArchitecture Firm Ownership Transitions
By Ed Hord, FAIA, 2014 Chair, AIA Trust & Ann Casso, Hon. AIA, Executive Director, AIA Trust The slowly improving economy has led to an increasing pace of mergers and acquisitions among architecture firms. In addition, ‘baby boomer’ firm owners now considering retirement also fuel various ownership transitions. Privately owned architecture firms in today’s consolidating,…
Read MoreAn Architect’s Guide to Virtual Practice
Today, a new reality in architectural practice is that most architects are no longer interacting across their workstations. Instead, they are ‘virtually’ sharing ideas and drawings across digital platforms. Nearly every practicing architect engages in some form of “virtual practice” because the pace and practicalities of life demand it–employees travel or relocate, must limit work…
Read MoreClaims Studies & Guides
Claims happen. It’s important to understand why, how to reduce your risks in advance of a potential claim, and how to handle one when you must. A general guide to assist the member in the handling of a claim, from anticipating, reporting & managing a claim, including utilizing pre-claim assistance, to defending against a claim,…
Read MoreClaims Studies & Guides
