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. 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.

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. For several reasons, it is ideal to have each Committee member commit to serve for 10 years. Some qualified candidates may be reluctant to make a 10-year commitment. In those circumstances qualified candidates may be asked to make an initial commitment of 5 years, with the prospect of extending service to a full 10-year term.

The Committee meets four times annually – once online and three times in-person at different locations across the US. Meetings generally last two and one-half days. To prepare AIA Contract Documents, Committee members work with staff attorneys in small task groups assembled by document type. Members often devote time between meetings to complete individual assignments and to attend task group meetings held by video conference.

At in-person Committee meetings, the entire Committee enjoys 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.

In-person meetings generally require two to three nights in a hotel. Committee members’ lodging and airfare for in-person meetings are coordinated through AIA. Committee members are provided food, snacks, and drinks for meeting days and one group dinner. On other evenings, members enjoy dinner on their own. The Committee members’ normal and customary travel expenses are taken care of in accordance with standardized AIA reimbursement policies.

If you are interested in being considered for appointment to the Documents Committee, please submit a statement of interest and your resume through the volunteer page: Volunteer opportunities | The American Institute of Architects. If you have questions or would like to discuss this opportunity before submitting a statement of interest and resume, please email Alisa Schneider ([email protected]) and Austin Peterson ([email protected]) with your questions and/or contact information. Decisions will be made in the last quarter of the year (subject to AIA Leadership confirmation) for appointments commencing in January.