Contract documents

AIA Contract Documents released the following set of documents that are intended for projects involving a Design Architect and an Architect of Record:

·         B111-2022, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Design Architect

·         B111-2022, Exhibit A, Design Architect Services

·         B112-2022, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect of Record

·         B112-2022, Exhibit A, Architect of Record Services

·         B511-2022, Guide for Projects Involving a Design Architect and Architect of Record

·         E205-2022, Architects’ Scope and Responsibility Matrix

There are several reasons that an owner may employ two architects on a project, including: expertise, name recognition, desirable location or staffing, bandwidth brought to the project by one or both architects and more.

Dual-architect projects have unique issues and risks associated with them. In the following videos, experts discuss scenarios where a Design Architect works alongside, or in tandem with, an Architect of Record and how AIA Contract Documents can assist in defining relationships, delineating services, and managing risks associated with such projects.

How are contracts structured on projects involving two architects?

In this video, we discuss how contracts are structured on projects involving two architects, and two architects allocate design responsibilities amongst themselves.

Why would an owner hire two architects to design one project?

In this video, we discuss common scenarios that would lead an owner to hiring two architects on one project, and the benefits and downsides of doing so.

Who owns the design when two architects perform services on one project?

In this video, we discuss how two architects share credit for a project where they both provided design services, and what ownership rights they have to the project’s design.

How do two architects coordinate their services on a project, and can they rely on information provided by each other?

In this video, we discuss how two architects coordinate their services on a project, how consultants are retained and integrated into a project, and the degree to which an Architect of Record can rely on information provided by a Design Architect.

AIA Contract Documents has provided this article for general informational purposes only. The information provided is not legal opinion or legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship of any kind. This article is also not intended to provide guidance as to how project parties should interpret their specific contracts or resolve contract disputes, as those decisions will need to be made in consultation with legal counsel, insurance counsel, and other professionals, and based upon a multitude of factors.