When a design professional agrees to provide services for a client, that design professional assumes the same level of responsibility for those services whether they are performed directly by the design professional or by a consultant. Design professionals often must rely on the services of consultants who are not a part of the design team…
Read MoreTopic: Professional liability
Green Design – What Can Go Wrong?
Over the last 25 years, the green design movement has grown but fortunately, despite predictions, there has not been a flood of litigation nor a drastic change in the design professional standard of care. This paper explores the potential impact of new risks and legal theories associated with green design along with two case…
Read MoreWalking the Thin Line on Indemnification
With increasing frequency, architects and other design professionals are being asked (and in some cases, even required) to sign agreements in which they undertake to indemnify their clients against any loss that the clients may suffer in connection with projects for which the design professionals have provided services. In some cases, the indemnification clause is…
Read MoreBusiness Coverage Professional Liability
The Perils of Substitutions
While you may have spent years developing a reliable specification based on research and product performance to be sure your work is exemplary, you may be asked to review proposed product substitutions with which you have limited knowledge or experience. Since you may be perceived as obstructionist if you object or viewed as approving the…
Read MoreThe Perils of Substitutions
Substitutions are ingrained in the project delivery process. Potential cost savings lead others to assume the architect’s role and change the project scope–without needed proof of product performance. Unfortunately, resistance is not an endearing client service strategy, so developing a viable approach to handle these requests is needed. While an architect may have a reliable…
Read MoreManaging Cyber Threats
It can happen to anyone. An event on a system or network detected by a security device or application: malicious activity that is attempting to collect, disrupt, deny, degrade or destroy information system resources or the information itself. As an architect, if you don’t think you need cyber protection or don’t believe someone would want…
Read MoreDesigning Hedonism
The AIA Trust just published two guides that address some of the unique design issues associated with each of these growing areas of design and construction: marijuana facilities and craft breweries. The AIA Trust Guide to Marijuana Facilities Design examines some of the necessary considerations for the safe and efficient delivery of product to the…
Read MoreAn Architect’s Guide to Managing Cyber Threats
By Victor Insurance Managers LLC Summary It can happen to anyone. An event on a system or network detected by a security device or application: malicious activity that is attempting to collect, disrupt, deny, degrade or destroy information system resources or the information itself. As an architect, if you don’t think you need cyber protection…
Read MoreAn Architect’s Guide to Flood Insurance
By Insurance Buyers Council, Inc. Since 1948, Insurance Buyers’ Council, Inc. (IBC) has a mission to provide their clients with unbiased information. IBC is not affiliated with companies that sell insurance to assure that the information they provide is completely unbiased; they do not benefit financially from any insurance recommendations. Combined, IBC’s staff possesses over…
Read MoreFour Keys to a Successful Condominium Project
Condominium work for developers, construction managers, contractors, and design firms continues to be strong after being scarce following the 2008 economic collapse. Many millennials and other first time buyers can and want to invest in condo units in urban areas. And renting is less attractive to a maturing class of residential market participants as they…
Read MoreFour Keys to a Successful Condominium Project
