Qualified applicants for the Documents Committee are licensed architects and AIA members actively engaged in the design and construction industry through employment in architectural firms or construction companies, or for building owners or developers. New members are appointed to maintain a balance of viewpoints based on diversity of geography, firm size, practice type, and area of expertise. Appointments are made on an annual basis, but members may be asked to serve for several years (maximum 10 years). Typically, committee members are firm principals or managers charged with negotiating the firm’s agreements, handling risk management and legal issues, and resolving contractual matters during construction.

The full committee meets together four times each year and each meeting generally lasts two and one-half days. Meetings take place in Washington, DC or in another location selected by the committee’s management group in conjunction with AIA National staff. To prepare AIA Contract Documents, committee members work with AIA staff attorneys in small task groups assembled by document type. Members sometimes devote time between meetings to complete individual assignments and to attend in person task group meetings, or virtual task group meetings held by Web conference.

At full committee meetings, the entire committee enjoys a dinner together and, when possible, visits to notable buildings or museum exhibits. At plenary sessions, guest speakers sometimes share their expertise in areas related to the committee’s work, and legal and insurance counsel provide reports on the state of the industry.

Meetings generally require two-three nights in a hotel. The AIA pays directly for members’ lodging, and air and train travel to meetings. The AIA also provides breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack on meeting days, and one group dinner. On other evenings, members enjoy dinner “on their own.” The AIA covers other travel expenses via a per diem check based on each approved overnight’s stay at the hotel.

If you are interested in being considered for appointment to the Documents Committee please send a statement of interest and your resume through your AIA Component or directly to Ken Cobleigh ( kcobleigh@aia.org ). Decisions will be made in October for appointments commencing in January.