A Home is Not a House
An architect fails to record client instructions, confusing residential ambiance with institutional requirements, and shoddy workmanship goes unobserved by the engineer.
False Start
Work on a small office building, starts before a permit has been issued. A gross error is discovered in the drawings, so the building is redesigned, but the desired design is not possible. The modified design is built, but it contains further flaws, so the owner sues the architect.
Tennis Anyone?
Many claims arise from matters that “common sense” or “careful practice” rather than technical or practice knowledge could have avoided. This is one of them.
Frozen Assets
It’s easy to fall into the trap of taking responsibility where your knowledge and ability to control events is limited. This is one of those stories.
Approved But Unproven
Many claims arise from matters that “common sense” or “careful practice” rather than technical or practice knowledge could have avoided. This is one of them.
Firmness, Calamity and Delight
The Straight Line Newsletter — Issue #16 In this issue, we discuss three important architectural books* that dig deep into the core of architectural practice: the everyday concerns, risks and […]
Dispute resolution wordings
The Straight Line Newsletter — Issue #15 In This Issue Dispute resolution wordings – Arbitration can be a good and useful tool, when used appropriately. Unfortunately, some client-authored contracts include […]
Loss Control Through Claims Experience
On a difficult site, an architect exceeds the limits of his expertise and fails in his duty to the owner as “inspector of work,” assuming liability for incorrect work.
What Records Should I Keep
There is no simple rule. Which records prove to be most important will depend on the particulars of the claim and will differ in each instance. When litigation occurs, it […]
Client-Authored Contracts for Architectural Services
Risk Transfer Concerns with Insurance Implications The following draws on material originally developed by Pro-Demnity and its legal counsel, to assist the RAIC respond to questions arising from a presentation […]