Architects face a wide range of professional liability claims—some predictable, others surprising. This session explores actual claims case studies to uncover the design decisions, documentation practices, and collaboration dynamics that led to disputes. Through interactive discussion and peer-led analysis, participants will examine what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and how to apply these insights to their own practice. The session will highlight how collaboration with consultants, clients, and insurers can mitigate risk and strengthen professional resilience. An interactive peer discussion will invite participants to reflect on what they might have done differently in these situations, comparing their insights with Pro-Demnity’s conclusions. The session concludes with key risk management takeaways, including effective documentation strategies, collaboration with IBECs and other consultants, and ensuring alignment with insurance coverage requirements.

Learning Objectives
1. Analyze real claims to identify common risk factors in architectural design and documentation.
2. Understand how collaboration with consultants, clients, and insurers can reduce exposure and improve outcomes.
3. Apply the Technical Requirements Schedule to design decisions involving
envelope systems and water ingress.
4. Understand when you are potentially facing a claim and how to handle it with Pro-Demnity by your side.

This session is presented by: Leslie Parker, M.Arch, OAA, MRAIC, Senior Architect, Risk Services, Pro-Demnity together with Philip Ghosh, BA, JD
Managing Counsel, In-house Litigation, Pro-Demnity.

To register for this session during the 2026 OAA Conference in Kitchener Waterloo, click here.

To learn more about this session’s speaker(s), click here.