Risk management tips Archives - Lockton Affinity Architect and Engineer

AI Risk Management for AEC Firms

Artificial intelligence has taken off over the last several years, with a promise to potentially reshape the way people live and work. With the AI revolution, comes opportunities for businesses and others to benefit from cost savings and streamline their key processes. For architects, engineers and other design professionals, the possibilities are exciting. One survey [...]

By | December 16th, 2025|Cyber liability risks, Insurance information, Risk management tips|Comments Off on AI Risk Management for AEC Firms

5 Secrets to Managing Risk as an Architect

Originally published July 7, 2021. Last updated September 30, 2025. Managing risk as an architect is key in today’s litigious environment. Problems with a project are not uncommon and can result in significant economic losses for which the architect is often blamed. Lawsuits that follow can take years to resolve, even when the architect is [...]

By | September 30th, 2025|Insurance information, Professional liability insurance, Risk management tips|Comments Off on 5 Secrets to Managing Risk as an Architect

Anatomy of an AEC Lawsuit

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 [...]

By | August 28th, 2025|AEC lawsuits, Professional liability insurance, Reducing liability, Risk management tips|Comments Off on Anatomy of an AEC Lawsuit

Tariffs, Inflation and AEC Risks During Uncertainty

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 [...]

By | July 22nd, 2025|Professional liability insurance, Reducing liability, Risk management tips|Comments Off on Tariffs, Inflation and AEC Risks During Uncertainty

8 Liability Risks for Architects

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 [...]

By | March 20th, 2025|Professional liability insurance, Reducing liability, Risk management tips|Comments Off on 8 Liability Risks for Architects

Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Architects and Engineers

Do a web search for “architect near me” and you’ll find a long list of colleagues and competitors in your professional space. Many will have glowing online reviews, too — Cares about their clients... Impressed with the translation to design... Skilled, knowledgeable and professional... With a little work, similar public accolades could be celebrating you. [...]

By | November 22nd, 2024|Risk management tips|Comments Off on Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Architects and Engineers

Cyber Coverages Explained

Cyber insurance has dramatically evolved since the first coverages were added to other policy forms in the 1990s. Traditionally, cyber coverages were only considered necessary in the technology industry — or for those providing technology-related professional services. It was the dawn of the digital age and growing cyber risk exposures across all industry classes that [...]

By | September 4th, 2024|Cyber liability risks, Insurance information, Risk management tips|Comments Off on Cyber Coverages Explained

Good Communication Cuts Risk for Designers

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, [...]

By | February 7th, 2024|Reducing liability, Risk management tips|0 Comments

Architecture Client Screening Best Practices

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 [...]

By | December 29th, 2023|Reducing liability, Risk management tips|0 Comments

How Wage and Hour Laws Can Pose a Significant Risk for Architects

The Risk of Wage and Hour Laws for Architects Architects and architectural firms are becoming increasingly aware of wage and hour claims, which are among the most typical legal challenges they may confront in their careers. These allegations are dangerous because employers must guarantee that they are following federal, state and even municipal laws. Employers [...]

By | July 20th, 2023|Risk management tips|0 Comments