David v Goliath: Enhancing Negotiation Strategies for Architects
A summary, and highlights, from the presentation made at the 2025 OAA Conference.
Why Architects Should Not Hire Contractors for Investigative Work
Leslie Parker, Senior Architect, Risk Services shares the risks of engaging contractors for investigative work.
Poor Choices
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.
Client Demands
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.
Inaccurate Certificates
Under the various pressures of contract administration, architects can sometimes exercise too little care when issuing certificates. Inaccurate, false or misleading certificates are potential sources of claims.
Season 1 of Architects’ Claims Stories
Season one is packaged up to include 4 full episodes and one bonus episode from Season 2.
Each episode includes lessons learned and offers tips to help architects be more risk-aware in your practice.
Relying on Consultants
Architects sometimes take on projects that require the skill and experience that only a specialist consultant can provide. And, it’s easy to fall into the trap of taking responsibility in areas where your knowledge, and your ability to control events, are limited.
Exploring New Products
Episode 4 of Architects’ Claims Stories examines how architectural creativity often involves exploring new products, or in some cases, finding new uses for existing products. But be aware that the associated risks of experimenting with new products can be burdensome, and as the architects in these two stories discovered, the penalties can be severe.
The Client Edition
The Straight Line Newsletter — Issue #19 Client management requires consistency, discipline, a focus on shared goals, and managing the path to the successful and claims-free realization of your design. […]
How to manage your clients and minimize claims
Once you’ve decided to take on a client, it’s important to be risk-proactive.