The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently published information and conducted webinars on how architecture firms should be managing their business and professional risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resources are a joint effort of the AIA Risk Management Committee and its Contract Documents program.
The Contract Documents program created, “How AIA contracts address issues arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” which provides the following:
- a synopsis of the general concerns architecture firms face;
- an analysis of key document language in standard design and construction contracts;
- a reminder of the need for clear communication and documentation to meet notice requirements on projects;
- summary of the issues related to project insurance and bonding; and
- the need to negotiate appropriate language for future potential delay claims.
The Contract Documents program also conducted the webinar, “When Disaster Strikes: How do AIA Contract Documents address COVID-19 Issues?” The webinar happened on two occasions, and there are plans to repeat it in the future. In addition to providing importation information, the live webinars also provide 1.5 Learning Units with HSW accreditation.
The Risk Management committee published, “Practice considerations: Manage your architecture firm’s risk in response to COVID-19.” Its topics include:
- Guidance and restrictions from local, state, and federal governments, with links to government information sources.
- Evaluation of your firm’s current work, which identifies the significant issues a firm has to address, including concerns related to the ongoing operations of a firm and issues affecting the firm’s employees, the public, and clients.
- Your firm’s upcoming and potential future work, focusing on restarting suspended projects and addressing business continuity issues.
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