Contracts Flashcards
What are the contract-related questions on the ARE based on?
The AIA standard contracts
What are the most commonly used main categories of AIA contracts (and the ones used in the ARE)?
B100s owner-architect agreement
B100 SPs owner-architect agreement for sustainable projects
A100s owner-contractor agreement
A100 SPs owner-contractor agreement for sutainable projects
A200s general conditions of the contract
A200 SPs general conditions of the contract for sust’ projects
A500s & B500s supplementary conditions of the contract
C400s architect-consultant agreement
architect-consultant agreement for sust’ projects
What other intitution’s standard contract is often used and in what cases?
Contracts from the Design-Build Institute of America
- Usually used for clients that have past construction experience
- Usually used for clients that have clearly defined needs (which can be explicitly stated in the contract)
Contracts by ConsensusDocs
- Developed by a consortium of almost 50 construction- and specification-industry interest groups
- Generally less favorable toward the Architect, and should therefore be reviewed by the Architect and Owner’s legal counsel before use
B101
What generally is this contract used for?
- Defines the roles of the Owner and the Architect
- Defines the scope of services of the Architect
- For standard Design-Bid-Build projects
- Not for large complex or very small projects
- Not for projects with CM roles
- Not for projects that require specialized services, such as Interior Design
B101, Article 1
What generally is included in Article 1?
“Initial Information”
- Certain information that is known at the time of execution.*
- Project Objectives
- Site Information
- Program / Use
- Owner Budget
- Owner Time Constraints (delivery, commencement, ETC)
- Key Representatives on both sides
- Owner Consultants standard: civil & geotech
- Architect Consultants structural, mechanical, electrical
- Change in Information both parties may rely on this information, but it may change, and if it does, they SHALL adjust the schedule, budget, scope of services, and/or compensation accordingly.
- BIM Information parties agree to handle BIM information according to certain rules, or otherwise to use BIM at their sole risk.
B101, Article 1
What happens if the “Initial Information” materially changes?
The Owner and Architects have agreed to appropriately adjust:
- Architect’s services
- schedule; and/or
- Architect’s compensation
The Owner has agreed to appropriately adjust:
- budget for the Cost of Work
- anticipated milestones
B101, Article 2, 3, 4
What nominally is covered in these Articles?
The Architect’s Responsibilities
Article 2 - general responsibilities
Article 3 - basic services
Article 4 - additional services
B101, Article 2
What generally is covered in this Article?
“Architect’s Responsibilities” (general responsibilities)
- Standard of Care will be followed
- Compromise of Judgement Architect will not take part in any activity or take any interest or contribution that might reasonably be seen to compromise their judgement
- Required Insurance types and amounts of insurance that the Owner and Architect must maintain
B101, Article 2
What types of insurance is the Architect typically required to have? What else is typically agreed to here?
- General Liability
- Automobile Liability
- Workers’ Compensation
- Professional Liability
- The Owner will compensate the Architect for any insurance required by this Article that is above the amount they normally maintain.*
B101, Article 3
What generally is covered in this Article?
“Scope of Architect’s Basic Services”
- Administration Services including meetings, design research, coordinating with consultants, provide progress reports
- Engineering Services to be provided by (through) the Architect
- Prepare Schedule for Owner’s approval promptly after agreement is signed
- Regulatory Approval will contact AHJs and utilities and will assist with obtaining regulatory approvals
- Maintain Schedule throughout the project, making necessary adjustments
- Evaluate Project Information such as site, program, schedule, and proposed Project Delivery Method
- Evaluate Budget and Cost of Work including an estimate of the Cost initially and t**hroughout the project
- Design Services for each of the phases
- Construction Procurement including helping the owner obtain and evaluate bids
- Contract Administration including monitoring conformance to the Contract Documents and progress reports
- Conduit for Communication between contractor / consultants and Owner is through the Architect
- Sustainable Design Alternatives will be considered, as long as they are consistent with Owner design criteria
B101, Article 3
What are the Architect’s responsibilities with respect to the Owner’s consultants?
To coordinate with the Owner’s consultants and incorporate their work into the design.
Additionally, the Architect is entitled to trust that the Owner consultant’s work is correct, but must point out if they notice any errors.
B101, Article 3
What are the Architect’s stated responsibilities with respect to scheduling?
- As soon as possible after signing the contract, provide a schedule for completing the Architect’s services.
- The schedule must allow for time for Owner reviews, Owner consultant work, and regulatory review
- It must also include the expected date for start of construction and for substantial completion
- Adjust the schedule, with Owner permission, as the project proceeds
B101, Article 3
What are the Architect’s responsibilities with respect to project administration?
- Consulting w/ Owner
- Researching Design Criteria
- Attending Meetings
- Coordinating w/ All Consultants including those retained by the Architect and by the Owner
- Giving Progress Reports in the form of memos, field reports, meeting minutes, ETC
- Scheduleing for contract-required items as well as other important items, and updating the schedule as required
What items is the Architect responsible for scheduling in addition to those explicitly stated in B101, Article 3?
- Owner Decisions that are critical to the design and schedule
- Major Milestones
- Completion of Phases
- Consultant Deadlines
- Architect Deliverable Deadlines
- Regulatory Review
- NOT Construction Schedule
B101, Article 3
What are the Architect’s responsibilities with respect to the Cost of Work
- Preliminary Estimate of th**e Cost of Work
- Update the Cost of Work throughout the project
- Regulary Evaluate the Cost of Work by comparing it to the Owner’s budget
- Make Recommendations if the CoW exceeds the budget for how to adjust the project size, quality, or budget
- NOT To Guarantee the Cost only to estimate
B101, Article 3
What are the Architect’s responsibilities with respect to planning and evaluation?
- Preliminary Evaluation of Project Information including site, program, proposed schedule, budget, and Project Delivery Method
- Inform Owner of the Impact on Quality, Cost, & Time o**f each of these
B101, Article 3
What generally are the Architects responsibilities with respect to design services?
- Carry Out the Three Design Phases SD, DD, CD
- Obtain Owner Approval at the end of each phase
- Notify the Owner of any issues or inconsistencies
- Adjust the Contract Documents to meet the Owners criteria and directives (at no extra charge, except where allowed)
- Assist in Producing Bid Documents
B101, Article 3
What are the Architects responsibilities with respect to “construction procurement”?
- Assist in Obtaining Bids / Negotiating the Cost
- Act as the Owner’s Agent
- Distribute Bid Documents
- Consider Proposals for Substitutions
- Answer Questions and Hold Pre-bid Meetings
- Distribute Addenda
B101, Article 3
What are the Architect’s responsibilities with respect to “contract administration”?
- Make Site Inspections at appropriate intervals and at major construction milestones
- Evaluate whether the construction will be in conformance with the Contract Documents
- Keep the Owner Informed as to construction progress
- Endeavor to Protect the Owner form defects in construction
- NOT to make exhaustive site visits or guarantee the construction
- Review and Respond to submittals and RFIs
- Process and Issue Certificates for Payment
mouseB101, Article 3
What/when is and is not the Architect responsible for construction methods?
Under the standard contract, the Architect is not responsible for:
- means of construction
- building techniques
- safety precautions
The only time the Architect IS responsible for these is when it is explicitly stated in the A201 (“General Conditions of the Contract for Construction”) attached to the project.
B101, Article 3
What are the Architect’s responsibilities for Schematic Design?
“Schematic Design Phase Services”
- Review Applicable Codes including local laws and regulations with respects to program and site information
- Preliminary Evaluation of the schedule, budget, proposed delivery method, program, and site
- Present and Propose Alternatives if there are issues or possible improvements
- Prepare Preliminary Design showing scale and relationships for Owner approval
- Prepare SD Documents including plans, sections, elevations, major building systems, and note of materials
- Consider Sustainable Alternatives that comply with the program, budget, and schedule.
- Prepare Estimate of the Cost of Work
B101, Article 3
What are the Architect’s responsibilities for Design Development?
“Design Development Phase Services”
- Develop the Design based on the Owner’s approval of SD documents and approved adjustments to project requirements
- Produce Documents (including plans, sections, elevations, typical construction details, layout, and diagrams) that describe:
- configuration of architectural and engineering systems*
- primary material system locations and quality levels*
- Update Estimate for the Cost of Work
B101, Article 3
What are the Architect’s responsibilities for Construction Documentation?
“Construction Documentation Phase Services”
- Develop in Detail all the systems laid out in DD
- Specifications for quality level and performance of all systems
- NOT to have to provide information to a level that the contractor will once they provide shop drawings, product submittals, samples, ETC
- Assist the Owner in preparing bid procurement information, the agreement between Owner and Contractor, and “Conditions of the Contract for Construction”
- Prepare a Manual that includes the “Conditions of the Contract for Construction and Specification”
- Comply with Requirements by the AHJ
- Update the Estimate of the Cost of Work
B101, Article 5
What generally are the Owner’s responsibilities
- Provide Program and Design Criteria
- Provide Schedule Constraints
- Provide Budget for the Cost of Work
- Furnish the Services of Consultants or authorize the Architect to obtain those services
- Provide Site Information including surveys and the services of a geotechnical engineer
- Furnish All Tests and Inspections that are required by law or by the contract
- Furnish all Legal and Financial Services that the project require
B101, Article 5
What are the Owner’s responsibilities with respect to providing project information and requirements?
- Program
- Objectives
- Constraints
- Space requirements and relationships
- Special equipment and systems
- Schedule and time constrains
- Budget for the Cost of Work
- As an Additional Service to have the Architect assist with determining these
B101, Article 5
What are the Owner’s responsibilities with respect to providing site information?
- Furnish Land Surveys
- Legal limits of the property
- grades and land features
- location of utilities
- easements, rights of way, and other legal areas
- Furnish the Services of a Geotechnical Engineer including any tests or analysis required
- As an Additional Service to have the Architect assist with obtaining these, through:
- G601 “Request for Proposal - Land Survey”*
- G602 “Request for Propsla - Geotechnical Services”*
- Additional Responsibilities spelled out in A201 “General Conditions of the Contract for Construction”
B101
What does the standard contract dictate with respect to the Instruments of Service?
- Definition: drawings, specifications, and other documents (physical or digital)
- Owned by the Architect and consultants
- Protected by Copyright and all other legal protections
- Owner IS Granted License ONLY to contruct, maintain, alter, or add to the project
- License is Terminated if the Architect rightfully terminates the contract
- License is Retained if the project is completed or if the Owner rightfully terminates the contract
- Owner Indemnifies the Architect and consultants if the IoS are used after project completion or Owner termination
B101
What do the parties agree to with respect to Consequential Damages
Both parties waive the right to claim Consequential Damages (damages that are an indirect or secondary result of a breach of the contract)
B101
What do the parties agree to with respect to hazardous materials?
The Architect and their consultants have no responsibility for the:
- discovery of
- presence of
- removal/disposal of
- exposure of persons to
… hazardous materials
B101
What do the parties agree to with respect to third-party claims?
No one except those who are parties to the contract (the Architect and Owner) can sue to enforce the contract or claim damages a breach of the contract.
This is according to the concept of “privity”.
B101
What do the parties agree to with respect to the time limit for claims?
Claims must be made within the time limits set by statute in the State where the project is being done (Statuse of Limitation / Repose).
In any case, claims cannot be made more than 10 years after Substantial Completion.
B101
What do the parties agree to with respect to subrogation?
Both parties waive the right to sue each other for damages that are covered by insurnace.
This also prevents insurance companies form suing any participants in the contract (including consultants and contractors) to recover what has been lost by paying out a claim.
B101
What do the parties agree to with respect to photographing the project?
The Architect may photopraph any part of the project.
The Architect may include such photographs or artistic repesentations of the project in their promotional materials.
The Owner may prevent this if they give notice that part or all of the project is confidential or proprietary.
If the Owner has not given such notice, then they must provide the Architect with reasonable access in order to take photopraphs.
B101, Article 9
What do the parties agree to with respect to termination of the contract?
- The Architect may terminate the contract if the Owner fails to pay according to the contract
- The Owner must pay the Architect for their services up to that point if
- The Owner terminates the contract (other than due to the Architects fault)
- The Architect terminates the contract according to the contract
- Either party may termination the contract (with seven days prior notice) if the other party fails to perform in accordance with the contract
- The Owner may terminate the contract at any time (with seven days prior notice) at their convenience
- The contract is terminates automatically one year after the date of Substantial Completion
B101, Article 9
What do the parties agree to with respect to the suspension of work or suspension of services?
- The Architect may suspend the performance of services if the Owner fails to pay according to the contract
- The Owner must pay the Architect for their services up to that point if the Owner suspends the work
B101, Article 6
What is and is not included in the Cost of Work
INCLUDED:
- Labor and Materials furnished by the owner
- Items Specified or Designed by the Architect
- Cost of Management by a CM or a separate contractor
- Reasonable Profit and Overhead
NOT INCLUDED:
- Professional Fees
- Financing Costs
- Testing and Surveys
B101, Article 6
What do the parties agree to with respect to bid / negotiated costs?
- Architect does not guartantee that the bid / negotiated cost will fall within the Owner’s budget
- Architect does not guarantee that the estimate of the Cost of Work will reflect the bid / negotiated cost
- The Architect MUST adhere to the Owner’s Budget
- Architect MUST revise (for no additional compensation) any of their documents to match the Owner’s directive to meet the bid / negotiated cost
B101, Article 6
What can the Owner do if the bid / negotiated cost is above the budget for the Cost of Work?
- Increase the Budget
- Rebidd / Renegotiate
- Terminate the Project at their convenience
- Revise the Scope / Quality of the project in coorperation with the Architect
- Mutually Agree to Another Solution
What can / must the Architect do to anticipate / respond to the bid / negotiated price being over the budget for the Cost of Work?
- Regulary Check throughout the design phases that the estimate for the Cost of Work is within the Owner’s budget
- Suggest the Owner Hold a Portion in Reserve
- Adjust the Documents (for no additional compensation) to meet the Owner’s revisions to adjust the project cost to meet the bid / negotiated price
B101, Article 4
What is included in this Article with respect to Additional Services?
- A Chart of possible additional services, with columns for responsibility of Architect, Owner, or neither.
- -* Architect Not Responsible for any of these unless indicated in the chart
- Architect to be Additionally Compensated if any of these additional services are assign to them
B101, Article 4
What are some of the common Additional Services to be assign to the Architect in this Article?
- Programming
- Drawings of existing conditions
- BIM
- Landscape design
- Interior design
- On-site project representation
- Post-occupancy evaluation
- Security planning
- LEED (or other) sustainable system certification
- Historic preservation
What are the B200 standard forms for additional services?
“Standard Form of Architect’s Services:”
B202 “… Programming”
B203 “… Site Evaluation and Planning”
B204 “… Value Analysis, for use where the Owner employs a Value Analysis Consultant”
B205 “… Historic Presevration”
B207 “… On-Site Project Representation”
B209 “… Construction Contract Administration, for use where the Owner has retained another Architect for Design Services”
B210 “… Facility Support”
B211 “… Comissioning”
B212 “… Regional or Urban Planning”
B214 “… LEED Certification”
B252 “… Architectural Interior Design”
B253 “… Furniture, Furnishing and Equipment Design”
B101, Article 4
What are the two cases in which the Architect might have to provide Additional Services not outlined in the original agreement?
What is the Architect entitled to in these cases?
1) Various changes in the project requirements or other circumstances that arrise where the Architect is required to perform additional duties.
2) Various additional duties that are necessary in order to avoid a delay in the construciton schedule.
** The Architect is entitled to additional compensation and/or schedule, as long as these services are approved by the Owner and are not required due to the fault of the Architect
B101, Article 4
What are the common Additional Services that the Architect may be required to perform during the project due to circumstances that arrise?
What is the proceedure for obtaining Owner approval to carry out these services?
- Changes in Initial Information such as site or program
- Changes in Owner Directives / Approvals that were already given
- Material Changes to the Project such as Owner’s schedule, budget, delivery method, size, or quality level
- Owner Request for Extensive Sustainability Design Alternatives
- Changes in Code / Laws that necessitate a change in the design instruments
- Preparing Digital Data for transmission to Owner’s consultants or contractors
- Design and Documentation for Alternate Bids or Owner Proposals
- Public Meeting preparation and/or attendance
- Dispute Resolution preparation and/or attendance (when the Architect is not a party to the claim)
- Evaluating Qualifications of persons offering bids or proposals
- Consultations on Replacement of Work due to fire or other cause
- Assisting the Initial Decision Maker (third party hired to render initial decision on whether to terminate the agreement)
- Services Due to Owner’s Non-performance in the contract, such as failing to make a decision in a timely manner
*** Notify the Owner immediately when it becomes apparent that one of these services may be required. DO NOT PROCEED until the Owner has given permission.
B101, Article 4
What are the common Additional Services that the Architect may be required to perform during the project in order to avoid a delay in the construction schedule?
What is the proceedure for obtaining Owner approval to carry out these services?
- Out-of-Sequence Submittal Review (as outlined in the original submittal schedule)
- Response to Improper RFIs when they are not prepared in accordance with the contract or when the information could have been obtained from existing correspondence or contract documents
- Change Orders / Construction Change Directives that require evaluation of contractor proposals and supporting data
- Evaluation an Extensive Number of Claims
- Evaluating Substitutions by the Owner or contractor and making appropriate changes to the instruments of service
- Construction Phase Services After 60 Days from Substantial Completion (a**ctual or initially scheduled, whichever is earlier)
*** The Architect may begin services immediately, but must also immediately notify the Owner. The Owner must reply promptly whether to proceed with these services. If the decision is “no”, then Architect must stop and the Owner is not obligated to pay the Architect for the unneeded services.
B101, Article 8
What do the parties agree to with respect to conflict resolution and mediation?
- Dispute resolution methods that are binding cannot be held until 60 days after a request for mediation was filed
- The parties share the cost of mediation
- The parties agree in the contract a form of binding dispute resolution (arbitration, litigation, or otherwise)
B101, Article 11
What are the most common methods of compensation for the Architect?
- Stipulated Sum which is usually paid monthly based on completion and is not inclusive of any reimbursible expenses
- Cost Plus Fee which is based on hourly rates determined using one of several methods
- Percentage of Construction Cost (rarely used these days)
- Unit Cost most often used for projects with repeating units
What are the major aspects of the Stipulated Sum compensation method?
- Also called “Fixed Fee” method
- Usually paid out monthly based on a percentage of completion of the five basic phases
- The architect must estimate ahead of time what it will cost to carry out the services and still make a profit
- Reimbursible expenses are charge in addition
B101, Article 11
What are the reimbursible expenses to be charged by the Architect?
- postage
- printed reproductions
- permitting and fees required by the AHJ
- employee overtime (if authorized in advance)
- transportation expenses
- travel expenses
- project-specific communication costs
- project-specific insurance
- additional renderings and presentation materials
- physical models / mock-ups
- other similar project-related expenses