Document Guides

Design-Build AIA Contract Document Guide

Explains traditional and progressive design-build delivery, the roles and risks of key project participants, and best practices for using ACD’s 2024 design-build documents.

Guide for 2025 Volumetric Modular Construction Agreements

Explains how to use ACD’s coordinated volumetric modular construction agreements while addressing project relationships, design coordination, off-site fabrication, transportation, installation, payment, and risk.

B503–2017, Guide for Amendments to AIA Owner-Architect Agreements

Provides guidance and model language for tailoring owner-architect agreements to project-specific issues such as scope, standard of care, liability, insurance, compensation, and ownership of instruments of service.

Guide to AIA Collaborative Projects Documents

Explains the development and use of AIA’s A135 and B135 collaborative construction management documents, including how they differ from traditional CMc agreements and what additional project-specific issues parties should consider.

Design Collaboration on Construction Projects: Part II

Provides practical guidelines for using design assist and delegated connection design on fabricated structural steel projects, with an emphasis on clearly defined roles, scope, communication, budgeting, and scheduling.

Guide, Instructions, and Commentary to the 2013 AIA Digital Practice Documents

Explains how E203, G201, and G202 are used to establish project protocols for BIM and digital data, including ownership, transmission, authorized uses, reliance, model responsibilities, and levels of development.

2022 BIM Documents Guide

Explains ACD’s 2022 Digital Practice Documents and how project teams can use them to define BIM execution plans, model sharing, authorized uses, reliance, and whether models become contract documents.

B561–2022, Guide to International Practice and Contracting for U.S. Architects

U.S. architects identify and manage the cultural, legal, contractual, insurance, payment, tax, and compliance risks involved in providing design services for international projects.

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

Explains how design architects and architects of record can define, coordinate, and document their respective services, responsibilities, reliance, design rights, and risks on dual-architect projects.

B509–2020, Guide for Supplementary Conditions for Use on Condominium Projects

Provides guidance and model language for adapting the B109 owner-architect agreement to address the distinctive legal, insurance, liability, construction, and post-occupancy risks of condominium projects.

Design Collaboration on Construction Projects: Part I

Defines informal involvement, design assist, and delegated design while explaining the roles, responsibilities, and risk considerations associated with each collaboration method.

A533–2019, Guide for Supplementary Conditions, Construction Manager as Adviser Edition

Provides instructions and model language for adding project-specific provisions to A132–2019, A232–2019, and other contracts used in the construction manager as adviser (CMa) delivery model.

AIA A521-2012: A Guide to Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

Introduces the principles, team relationships, contractual considerations, and collaborative practices used in integrated project delivery to improve value, efficiency, and project outcomes.

A503–2017/2019, Guide for Supplementary Conditions

Provides guidance and model provisions for tailoring A201–2017, owner-contractor agreements, and construction manager as constructor agreements to project-specific legal and administrative requirements.

Hidden in Plain English: A Comparison Guide to E&O Policy Language

Compares professional liability insurance forms from several carriers to help architects understand important differences in coverage terms, exclusions, reporting requirements, and supplemental protections.

Guide to AIA Contract Documents for Small Firms, Sole Practitioners, and Custom Residential Architects

Helps small architecture practices identify the AIA agreements, short forms, specialized documents, purchasing options, and support resources most relevant to smaller projects.

D101–1995, Methods of Calculating Areas and Volumes of Buildings

Defines methods for calculating architectural building area and volume, including how different floors, covered areas, mechanical spaces, and other building elements should be treated.