Client Management as a Risk Management Strategy
Seven client-focused things architects can do to reduce liability claims.
Failure to Communicate
Episode 2 of Architects’ Claims Stories shares how a simple exchange of information, promptly delivered, duly recorded and correctly remembered, might have saved everyone a lot of grief.
No Written Record
This pilot episode of Architects’ Claims Stories deals with the consequences of an architect failing to keep written records.
Who’s In Charge?
Three architects, a construction manager and one engineer, all reviewing one mason’s work, cause confusion on a job site. An expert is hired but his advice is ignored.
Field Level
An architect’s duty to the Owner as “Inspector of work” is tested; limits of expertise are exceeded, and liability for incorrect work is incurred.
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.