Despite being in the industry for years, many architects and engineers are still surprised at the complexity of the litigation process. In this article, we take a look at the anatomy of an AEC lawsuit, including the party roles, causes of action, stages and timelines of a typical legal claim, plus what to do to [...]
A few percentage points of added costs can greatly throw off estimates and valuations. While over-budget projects are always a possibility for professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, it’s a risk that is heightened today in the current economic and geopolitical climate. Client expectations in the industry are always high, no matter [...]
The professional world can be a minefield for a skilled profession like architecture. That’s because when a project encounters a problem, there’s often a significant economic loss. Impacted stakeholders may consider legal action over revenue lost due to a delay, unforeseen costs incurred due to budgeting errors or construction mistakes, and even payments made as [...]
In a profession like architecture, it’s not unusual for friends and family to reach out for free advice on design projects. While it’s natural to want to use your skills and expertise to help those you know, it’s a situation that can lead to a costly lawsuit without the proper protections in place. Architects, engineers [...]
Architects are often held in high esteem by new potential clients, who understand that professional design entails a high degree of skill in science, art and technology. Yet for many clients, that’s where the understanding ends. Without consistent attention to good communication during the design process, misunderstandings can creep in, leading to hard feelings and, [...]
When it’s practiced consistently, good client screening can reduce the risk of taking on a problem client or working on a project outside your firm’s areas of expertise. No architect, engineer or other design professional wants to get bogged down chasing unpaid bills or trying to attend to the needs of a high-maintenance client. With [...]
Fire exits are an important contingency when designing a building, even though you hope no one will ever have to use them. Contingency planning for your own professional design business works much the same way. Even though you hope you’ll never need it, it’s important to have a plan in place in case you suddenly [...]
If you have a bad feeling about a client, it may be better to listen to your gut and pass on the job. That’s because working with problematic clients puts you at higher risk of a claim. Professional liability claims involve lawsuits that often put your business and personal assets at risk and can cause [...]
A green revolution is sweeping the country, with carbon neutrality, net-zero energy and other initiatives making their way throughout various industries, including architecture. Yet the risks of green building performance standards are numerous, posing new challenges for you and your firm. Green building performance standards are regulations that require a completed building to meet certain [...]
With nearly every project, architects, engineers and other design professionals have to make decisions about construction observation services. Choices about whether and how often to conduct observations and how to document them can greatly impact the risk of a claim or lawsuit. To better manage the construction observation risks you face, it helps to remember [...]