OVERVIEW
DAO Architecture delivers client-centered design solutions while managing projects with evolving scopes and changing requirements. By adopting AIA Contract Documents (ACD), the firm established a consistent framework for managing agreements, revisions, and project responsibilities. This approach helps DAO maintain clarity with clients while allowing projects to evolve collaboratively.
Why Flexible ACD Contracts Support Early-Stage Projects
Many design projects begin before the full scope is defined. Flexible architecture contracts allow firms to formalize relationships with clients while continuing to refine project requirements and design goals throughout early project phases.
CHALLENGE
Managing Projects Without Clearly Defined Scopes
When founder Dan Orecchio launched DAO Architecture in 2009, he knew entrepreneurship in architecture would bring uncertainty. Projects often began with incomplete scopes or evolving client ideas, making it difficult to establish agreements that balanced flexibility with clear expectations.
In many cases, clients approached DAO Architecture with opportunities that were still taking shape. Without a clearly defined scope of services, the firm needed a reliable way to formalize agreements while still allowing room for the project to evolve.
At the same time, managing multiple revisions and agreements across projects could easily lead to confusion about responsibilities and terms if the documentation wasn’t consistent or well-connected.
SOLUTION
Using Flexible Contract Structures to Support Collaboration
DAO Architecture relied on ACD to create a consistent framework for managing agreements across projects.
One of the firm’s most valuable resources is B102™ – Agreement Between Owner and Architect Without a Predefined Scope of Architect’s Services, which is designed for situations where the scope of services is not fully defined at the outset. This allows the firm to begin formalizing the relationship with the client while continuing to refine project goals and expectations.
Instead of starting from scratch with every new engagement, the firm can reference previous agreements in ACD’s platform and adapt them to fit new circumstances. This ability to build upon prior documents reduces the need for extensive rewrites and minimizes delays.
Orecchio also emphasized the benefit of how ACD documents coordinate with each other. When projects require addenda, amendments, or revisions, the relationships between documents are clearly defined, helping teams maintain alignment.
Dan Orecchio
Founder, DAO Architecture
“Lawyers love AIA contracts because they’re simple and fair. They’re also balanced, making negotiations easier.”
Another advantage is how easily the agreements move through legal review. Because AIA Contract Documents are widely recognized and balanced, attorneys are often comfortable reviewing them quickly.
Dan Orecchio
Founder, DAO Architecture
“In instances where a customer isn’t quite sure what they want their project to look like, we’ll use B102. With this document, we’re able to walk with the customer, understand their needs, and give them exactly what they’re looking for.”
RESULTS
Building Trust and Efficiency Across Architecture Projects
By standardizing agreements with AIA Contract Documents, DAO Architecture created a repeatable process for managing contracts across its growing portfolio.
The firm benefits from:
- Faster agreement preparation using familiar document structures
- Reduced negotiation friction thanks to widely recognized contract language
- Clear responsibilities across all parties involved in a project
- Easier management of amendments, revisions, and related documents
These efficiencies allow the team to focus more on design and client collaboration instead of administrative complexities. Plus, the reliability of AIA Contract Documents provides peace of mind as the firm continues to grow.
Today, DAO Architecture continues to build long-term client relationships and expand their portfolio with confidence using agreements supported by a trusted contract framework.
Dan Orecchio
Founder, DAO Architecture
"Unforeseen situations arise during nearly every project. It’s part of the industry we work in. It’s comforting to know that ACD has seen or considered them all, and the contracts contain language that adequately addresses each one.”
ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS
Lessons On Flexible Design Contracts
Architects and design firms frequently encounter projects where details evolve over time. The experience of DAO Architecture offers practical strategies for managing these situations more effectively.
- Choose contracts that support evolving scopes. When projects begin without fully defined requirements, agreements like B102 can provide a structured starting point while allowing the scope to develop collaboratively.
- Use standardized documents to streamline negotiations. Contracts that are widely recognized across the industry often move through legal review more efficiently and reduce negotiation friction.
- Maintain consistency across projects. Reusing and adapting familiar document frameworks helps teams reduce administrative work and avoid costly delays.
- Ensure documents are clearly coordinated. When contracts, amendments, and related forms work together within a structured system, responsibilities remain clear even as projects evolve.
- Prioritize clarity and fairness in agreements. Balanced contracts help build trust between architects, clients, and partners while protecting everyone involved.
- Choose contracts designed for evolving scopes. Agreements like AIA Document B102 help architects formalize relationships while allowing flexibility as project requirements develop.
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