Latest Posts

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.
Case Studies Podcast Client or Sub-contractor Relationship Management Design Substitutions / Material Failure Podcast

The Architect as Expert Witness

As an architect, you may be asked to appear as an expert witness. The first thing you may ask yourself is: “What would I be getting myself into?” Many architects have wisely asked Pro-Demnity that same question. So here is a brief but hopefully illuminating answer that summarizes our guidance, while reminding you that, as always, every case is different.
Thought Leadership Architecture Lawyers

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. These articles provide a considered and enlightened look at what it takes to mitigate risks when working with clients. My Client Was My Friend, Until […]
Newsletter Client or Sub-contractor Relationship Management Clients Risk Management / Mitigation

How to manage your clients and minimize claims

Once you’ve decided to take on a client, it’s important to be risk-proactive.
Thought Leadership Client or Sub-contractor Relationship Management Risk Management / Mitigation

My client was my friend, until they sued me

Fourteen guidelines for architects on how to deal with personal– professional relationships.
Thought Leadership Client or Sub-contractor Relationship Management Risk Management / Mitigation

Limitation Periods: Is an architect ever safe from litigation?

By the very nature of the profession, when an architect is sued, it has to do with a dispute centred on a building.  Since most buildings are designed to last decades or longer, does this mean an architect should remain fearful of litigation about each project indefinitely, or could they ever rest easy knowing the […]
Thought Leadership Claims-Made Insurance Claims-made policy Lawsuits Lawyers Risks

What Architects need to know about 30.10 motions

Imagine this scenario: a busy architect is out making a site visit when it happens: their phone buzzes and an email pops up from a colleague alerting them that legal documents were served on the firm at reception. When the architect opens the attached pdf, they see a bunch of legal documents, possibly under a […]
Thought Leadership Lawsuits Lawyers

Inattention to Detail

Episode 3 of Architects’ Claims Stories highlights two different situations where the clients’ desire for a grand architectural gesture results in a debacle for the architects involved. Physical and emotional injuries arise from Inattention to detail.
Case Studies Podcast Client or Sub-contractor Relationship Management Delays Documentation / Contracts Podcast