Engineer’s Standard Terms of Engagement
Many architects are used to seeing an attachment to an engineer’s fee proposal titled “Standard Terms of Engagement” or similar. Sometimes these are signed and returned by the architect…often they […]
Indemnification Clauses
Many client drafted Client / Architect contracts include “indemnification” language that will expose the architect to obligations and liabilities that are beyond what are already the architect’s at law, and […]
Retaining Surveyors, Geotechnical and Hazardous Materials Specialists
A recently issued OAA Practice Tip PT.30 reminds architects that the OAA recommends against architects retaining any of these three specialists. Consistent with this advice, standard forms of Client / […]
Glass used in Balcony Guards
In the summer of 2011, there was considerable media attention focused on “falling glass” from breakage of the glass panels used as guards on several condominium buildings in Toronto. In […]
Why You Must Understand “Claims Made” Insurance…
“Claims Made” insurance and the implications of such policies can be misunderstood by architects and their engineering consultants. Failure to understand the features and consequences of a “Claims Made” insurance […]
Protecting Yourself: What can you do when your client doesn’t follow your advice?
This bulletin discusses some of the options an architect might consider when a client doesn’t follow your advice or makes changes to your design without your knowledge. Suggestions include: Limit […]
Request for “Claims Experience”
Occasionally, provision of “Claims Experience” is a requirement of a Selection Process for architects. If faced with such request, act with extreme caution. Most settlement agreements contain provisions prohibiting any […]