OVERVIEW
Taggart Architects focuses on delivering thoughtful design solutions across multiple markets. To improve communication and reduce project inefficiencies, the firm relies on AIA Contract Documents (ACD). Standardized agreements help clarify responsibilities among owners, architects, and contractors from the earliest stages of the project.
Why Clear Architecture Contracts Reduce Change Orders
Many construction change orders stem from unclear or incomplete project specifications. Contracts that clearly define scope, responsibilities, and communication processes help reduce confusion and prevent unnecessary revisions during construction.
CHALLENGE
Reducing Change Orders While Keeping Project Teams Aligned
Architectural projects involve many moving parts, from early design discussions to coordination with contractors and consultants during construction. Without clearly defined agreements outlining responsibilities and scope, project teams can experience confusion, leading to delays or unnecessary change orders.
Taggart Architects recognized that while change orders are sometimes unavoidable in construction, excessive modifications can disrupt schedules and create inefficiencies for both clients and project teams.
To reduce the frequency of these issues, the firm needed a contractual framework that could clearly define scope and responsibilities across all project stakeholders.
Billy Mathis
Administrative Assistant for Architecture, Taggart Architects
“We recognize that change orders are part of the business we’re in. Our goal was to decrease the volume we were seeing across our projects.”
SOLUTION
Using Agreements to Clarify Scope and Responsibilities
To create consistency across its projects, Taggart Architects relies on AIA Contract Documents as the foundation for its project agreements. Two documents in particular have become central to the firm’s workflow:
The A101 establishes the contractual relationship between the project owner and the contractor when the basis of payment is a stipulated sum or fixed price. The B101 defines the architect–client relationship and outlines architectural services across design and construction phases. Together, they help clarify responsibilities between all parties involved in the project, from the architect’s design services to the contractor’s construction obligations.
By using trusted, industry-standard agreements, Taggart Architects can begin projects with clear documentation in place, helping reduce confusion and streamline communication between stakeholders.
Scott Taggart
Principal, Taggart Architects
“Using ACD contracts helps ensure everyone is aligned on the project’s goals and responsibilities from day one.”
Taggart Architects has also benefited from ACD’s digital document platform, enabling the firm to manage contracts more efficiently and reduce printing costs.
RESULTS
Clearer Collaboration and Stronger Project Outcomes
By using ACD contracts as the foundation for its project agreements, Taggart Architects has enhanced clarity across its projects and reduced the number of change orders during construction.
Standardized contracts help ensure that project scope, responsibilities, and expectations are clearly documented from the beginning. When all stakeholders understand their roles, project teams can focus more on delivering successful outcomes rather than resolving misunderstandings.
After nearly five decades in practice, and roughly two decades working with ACD, Taggart Architects has found that combining strong architectural services with structured contracts creates a reliable foundation for successful projects.
Billy Mathis
Administrative Assistant for Architecture, Taggart Architects
"Everyone knows what to expect from ACD. That’s important when it comes to construction because the less there is to worry about, the more you can focus on the project. When we can do this, some really good things, and some incredible designs, happen.”
ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS
How Architecture Firms Can Reduce Change Orders with Clear Contracts
Successful architectural projects rely on clear expectations and strong collaboration between owners, architects, and contractors. Taggart Architects’ experience highlights several strategies firms can use to strengthen their own project workflows.
- Clarify responsibilities across project participants. Clearly defining roles for architects, contractors, and owners helps reduce confusion during construction.
- Use standardized contracts to reduce change orders. Documents like A101 and B101 help establish scope and expectations early in the project lifecycle, and using coordinated documents creates a consistent framework that supports collaboration.
- Adopt digital contract workflows to improve efficiency. Using ACD’s platform enables teams to edit, track, and execute contracts in one centralized place, streamlining workflows while reducing administrative overhead.
- Treat contracts as part of the design process. Clear documentation allows project teams to spend less time resolving disputes and more time delivering strong design outcomes.
- Define scope early with architect–owner agreements. Contracts like B101 help establish responsibilities and reduce the likelihood of costly change orders.
Gain access to the full library of standards-backed agreements used across the design and construction industry.
