By Wolf Saar, FAIA, August 28, 2018
IN ADDITION TO THE “FLAGSHIP” CONTRACT KNOWN AS B101, AIA OFFERS SEVERAL OTHER OWNER-ARCHITECT AGREEMENTS THAT ARE CRITICAL TO ANY COMMERCIAL DESIGN PROJECT.
Choosing the right owner-architect agreement is critical to any commercial design project. This is because the agreement establishes a foundation for the contractual relationship between the owner and architect and communicates the expected design and other services that the architect will provide. Architects and owners can choose from several AIA owner-architect agreements, which suit various project delivery methods, sizes, and complexities. AIA agreements provide a time-proven and court-tested framework to discuss and negotiate key terms, including the architect’s scope of services and compensation. They are widely accepted and used in the construction industry, signifying a consensus of individuals and groups who represent the interests of architects, owners, and contractors.