Latest Posts

2023 Annual Update: Protecting Practices

Protecting Ontario’s architectural practices is what Pro-Demnity does. It’s rooted in our history and informs our future. It’s why we matter to architects, and why architects count on us. This year’s annual update highlights how we rally to protect practices, and the protective measures we employ to enable architecture firms in their pursuit of designing a better world.
News & Announcements Thought Leadership annual update

Why architects should use OAA contracts

There’s just ONE contract to rule them all, and it’s from the OAA. Here’s a litigator’s perspective on how OAA 600 and OAA 800 protect architects.
Thought Leadership Documentation / Contracts Lawsuits

Navigating Risk:
What Practice Leaders Do

A fresh look at the facets of risk in architectural practice and how simple, methodical approaches help leaders (re-)evaluate risk. Risks inherently exist throughout the life of an architectural design project, rearing up intermittently throughout the beginning, middle and end, continuing years after and beyond the finished design or constructed architectural masterpiece.  Design innovation is […]
Thought Leadership Risk Management / Mitigation Risks

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.
Case Studies Podcast Client or Sub-contractor Relationship Management Podcast

Lenders’ Undertakings (aka “Bank” or “Funder” Letter)

Since 2020, Pro-Demnity continues to receive increased calls from architects who are faced with an unfamiliar but seemingly harmless request from their client: to sign a form of undertaking addressed to a third party – most often to a lending institution or financial partner – that is providing funding for the project.  Architects seeking advice […]
Thought Leadership Documentation / Contracts

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.
Case Studies Podcast Client or Sub-contractor Relationship Management Podcast

2022 Top Ten Risk Education Articles for Architects

The following Top 10 Reads of 2022 reflect the interests and needs of Ontario’s Architects. We hope it’s illuminating and powers you up to expand your knowledge and understanding of risks associated with architectural practice.
News & Announcements Risk Education Risk Management / Mitigation

Why do lawsuits against architects take so long to resolve?

One of the best parts of my practice as a defence lawyer at Pro-Demnity are initial meetings with architects at the outset of a case. I find it fascinating to learn about the diverse projects being designed and delivered by practices across Ontario.  Of course, I am under no illusion that the feeling is mutual, […]
Thought Leadership Lawsuits Lawyers