Lowest Bidder Loses

The Claims-Free Architect: Season 3, Episode 3

What happens when a bidding process is unfair, and the lowest bidder doesn’t get the job?

Being fair and transparent in the bidding process is crucial because choosing favorites or making changes at the last minute can lead to serious trouble. Even if you think you’re helping, it might cause others to feel cheated and lead to lawsuits. In the end, what seems like a small decision can create big, expensive problems.



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Welcome to The Claims-Free Architect, the podcast that helps architects sidestep insurance claims, learning crucial lessons from our 6000+ past insurance claims.

Season 3 is rebranded from Architects Claims Stories in Seasons 1 and 2, brimming with new situations, predicaments and projects that architects find themselves in and need to extricate themselves from.

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General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com. 
 

The Level Made Me Do It.

The Claims-Free Architect: Season 3, Episode 2

How reliable is a survey? When a fire hydrant used as a survey benchmark is replaced by a new fixture, and a site is over-excavated as a result, who is responsible, and how does a seemingly minor 20 cm error in site levels lead to a massive $1.2 million lawsuit? You’ll discover how a small, unnoticed alteration in a survey datum point can snowball into a major headache. This story illustrates the importance of obtaining accurate information, and keeping scrupulous records, especially for complex buildings.



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Captions available on podcast platforms.

Welcome to The Claims-Free Architect, the podcast that helps architects sidestep insurance claims, learning crucial lessons from our 6000+ past insurance claims.

Season 3 is rebranded from Architects Claims Stories in Seasons 1 and 2, brimming with new situations, predicaments and projects that architects find themselves in and need to extricate themselves from.

Did you listen to the podcast? Share your feedback.

Podcast feedback

General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com. 
 

Out of Site. Out of Control.

The Claims-Free Architect: Season 3, Episode 1

A retrofit presents special difficulties. In this case, a bid document requiring x-ray vision was unreasonable and unenforceable; a stipulated sum contract proved to be the wrong vehicle for unknowable site conditions; and a failure of mechanical and electrical co-ordination created costly delay and chaos.



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Captions available on podcast platforms.

Welcome to The Claims-Free Architect, the podcast that helps architects sidestep insurance claims, learning crucial lessons from our 6000+ past insurance claims.

Season 3 is rebranded from Architects Claims Stories in Seasons 1 and 2, brimming with new situations, predicaments and projects that architects find themselves in and need to extricate themselves from.

Did you listen to the podcast? Share your feedback.

Podcast feedback

General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com. 
 

The Claims-Free Architect Podcast

Season 3 of the podcast has a new name and is brimming with fresh episodes, situations and risk advice.

The Claims-Free Architect podcast takes a deep-dive into situations faced by licensed architects and architectural practice owners, that lead to claims against them.
 
The episodes look at predicaments and projects that vary in size and complexity, from small home renovations to large commercial complexes. When a project goes sideways, the consequences can include every kind of loss—financial, reputational, physical and personal.

The Claims-Free Architect (formerly Architects’ Claims Stories) presents the timeless stories originally penned by former VP, Claims, David Croft. Now updated, revised and brought to life in an audio format, making them accessible and invaluable to today’s professionals. This podcast will enable you to gain wisdom from the missteps of others. You’ll gain the insights needed to identify potential risks, and learn how to manage, minimize, mitigate, transfer, avoid or even accept risks, and ultimately, protect your practice from claims.


The re-brand to “The Claims-Free Architect” better captures the aspirations of licensed architects, practice owners and interns, to be better-informed about the risks associated with architectural practice. The relatable situations, pulled from Pro-Demnity’s case files, deliver valuable lessons and risk advice that any architect can apply in their practice immediately.

Subscribe to The Claims-Free Architect from your favourite podcast provider. Rein in risk while unleashing your creativity.


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*Actual participants and some circumstances have been fictionalized, to protect the identity of the parties involved.

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General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com. 
 

The Claims-Free Architect Podcast (formerly Architects’ Claims Stories)

Two full seasons featuring 10 episodes and 24 stories

The Claims-Free Architect recounts the circumstances of a real claim,* inspired by the 6,000+ that Pro-Demnity has defended over the years. The “cast of characters” involve the Architect, the Client/ Owner, the Sub-Contractors and others, whose situations are part of an unfolding drama, from the origin of the claim right up to the often-surprising outcome. Seasons 1 and 2 are packaged together for 3.5 hours of educational and entertaining stories for architects, foreign-trained architectural professionals and architectural interns.



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*Actual participants and some circumstances have been fictionalized, to protect the identity of the parties involved.

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Podcast feedback

General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com. 
 

Visual Evidence

Season 2 – Episode 7

It’s often been said that seeing is believing, and this is certainly true in legal proceedings. Ever since movies were first allowed into a courtroom, film and video have provided a reliable way of capturing reality and presenting it as evidence. Who knows how many people have been convicted or exonerated on the basis of images on a screen? In this episode, featuring two stories, Architects find themselves confronted by video evidence that may reveal either guilt or innocence. And neither is certain.



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Architects’ Claims Stories have been fictionalized, to protect the identity of the parties involved, but each recount the circumstances of a real claim, inspired by the 6,000+ that Pro-Demnity has defended over the years. The “cast of characters” involve the Architect, the Client/Owner, the Sub-Contractors and others – whose situations are part of an unfolding drama, from the origin of the claim right up to the often-surprising outcome.

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General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com. 
 

Poor Choices

Season 2 – Episode 6

It’s an infrequent mistake, but it happens: Consultants and projects are chosen unwisely, and the architect must assume responsibility for the consequences. In these two stories, those errors are about to doom the projects . . . until a second—extremely rare—phenomenon occurs: Fate steps in and saves the day. The odds of winning Lotto Max are about 33 million to one. The odds of your project being saved by blind luck are in about the same range.



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Captions available on podcast platforms.

Architects’ Claims Stories have been fictionalized, to protect the identity of the parties involved, but each recount the circumstances of a real claim, inspired by the 6,000+ that Pro-Demnity has defended over the years. The “cast of characters” involve the Architect, the Client/Owner, the Sub-Contractors and others – whose situations are part of an unfolding drama, from the origin of the claim right up to the often-surprising outcome.

Did you listen to the podcast? Share your feedback.

Podcast feedback

General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com. 
 

Client Demands

Season 2 – Episode 5

Many architects will tell you that some of their greatest professional rewards come from their relationships with their clients, working as a team toward a common goal. But occasionally, these relationships break down, and what starts out as professional affection deteriorates into outright animosity. It’s a fine idea to make friends of clients, and even clients of friends, but remember: business and friendship can sometimes make poor allies.



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Captions available on podcast platforms.

Architects’ Claims Stories have been fictionalized, to protect the identity of the parties involved, but each recount the circumstances of a real claim, inspired by the 6,000+ that Pro-Demnity has defended over the years. The “cast of characters” involve the Architect, the Client/Owner, the Sub-Contractors and others – whose situations are part of an unfolding drama, from the origin of the claim right up to the often-surprising outcome.

Did you listen to the podcast? Share your feedback.

Podcast feedback

General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com. 
 

Unchecked Qualifications

Season 2 – Episode 4

“Trust but verify” is a diplomatic term that applies just as well to architectural practice. Give your team members enough space to exercise their own skills, but always maintain a discreet watchful eye. Lack of professional oversight contributes to several problems, and those problems lead to claims.



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Captions available on podcast platforms.

Architects’ Claims Stories have been fictionalized, to protect the identity of the parties involved, but each recount the circumstances of a real claim, inspired by the 6,000+ that Pro-Demnity has defended over the years. The “cast of characters” involve the Architect, the Client/Owner, the Sub-Contractors and others – whose situations are part of an unfolding drama, from the origin of the claim right up to the often-surprising outcome.

Did you listen to the podcast? Share your feedback.

Podcast feedback

General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com. 
 

Poor Site Planning

Season 2 – Episode 3



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Captions available on podcast platforms.

Architects’ Claims Stories have been fictionalized, to protect the identity of the parties involved, but each recount the circumstances of a real claim, inspired by the 6,000+ that Pro-Demnity has defended over the years. The “cast of characters” involve the Architect, the Client/Owner, the Sub-Contractors and others – whose situations are part of an unfolding drama, from the origin of the claim right up to the often-surprising outcome.

Did you listen to the podcast? Share your feedback.

Podcast feedback

General disclaimer

The contents of this PDF are derived from a website and offer information for general purposes only. The material presented does not establish, report or create the standard of care for Ontario architects. The information is by necessity generalized and an abridged account of the matters described. It should in no way be construed as legal or insurance advice and should not be relied on as such. Readers are cautioned to refer specific questions to their own lawyer or professional advisors. Efforts have been made to assure accuracy of any referenced material at time of publication; however, no reliance may be placed on such references. Readers must carry out their own due diligence. Professional Liability Insurance provides valuable coverages and benefits however does not cover everything. Please refer to the Policy wordings for specific coverages, benefits, exclusions and limitations. This PDF should not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without written permission of Pro–Demnity Insurance Company. Please contact mail@prodemnity.com.