“We are all in this together.” That was the refrain heard throughout society when the pandemic was finally recognized. But anyone who has experience in design and construction knows that such a maxim is not a truism in the construction industry. From the time the first disruptions and lockdowns occurred, attorneys representing construction firms have... Continue Reading →
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued new guidance for employers around testing protocols, “SARS-CoV-2 Testing Strategy: Considerations for Non-Healthcare Workplaces.” Design firms seeking to reopen offices or reunite all employees in a normal office setting should be aware of the guidance.The CDC recommends incorporating COVID-19 testing in these five scenarios:... Continue Reading →
Using independent contractors to perform discrete, well-defined tasks on your project is one way to tap into existing talent without adding employees to your payroll. Firms typically tap their existing networks; however, they are increasingly using online platforms that function as a marketplace for firms and freelancers to find each other and strike a mutually... Continue Reading →
Based on the facts in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects gay and transgender workers from workplace discrimination. The 6-3 decision, issued on June 15, 2020, held that an employer who fires an individual merely because that individual is... Continue Reading →
A study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shows that the adoption of modern building codes is averting over a billion dollars a year in structural damage in California and Florida alone. The preliminary findings of this first-of-its-kind study are expected to be formally released in August.The study calculates how much damage has been... Continue Reading →
From Risk to Profit: Benchmarking and Claims Studies is Victor's comprehensive benchmarking and risk management resource for design and construction firms. Below is an excerpt from the book, which is only available to Victor/CNA policyholders and brokers. One of the most important attributes of a professional education, and running a successful design firm, is the... Continue Reading →
The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is the most used green building standard in the US. The 2020 version of the ICC 700 NGBS is now available as a free download for public use (users need to fill out a simple form to get the download link).The NGBS is a uniquely drafted “standard” in that... Continue Reading →
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released two new resources and one revised resource to support employers, public officials, and design professionals with re-occupying buildings more safely.The AIA embarked on an initiative to explore how design strategies, backed by science, can be a public health solution. “Reopening America: Strategies for Safer Buildings” is intended... Continue Reading →
The Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC) recently published revised versions of E-500, Standard Form Agreement Between Owner and Engineer for Professional Services, and E-570, Agreement Between Engineer and Subconsultant for Professional Services.E-500 Main Agreement UpdatesE-500 is a comprehensive standard contract for engineering design services and related construction phase engineering and administrative services. The terms... Continue Reading →
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) added to its current sustainable project exhibits by releasing its newest document, C204-2020, Sustainability Consultant Scope of Services. In addition, the AIA published an updated version of D503-2020, Guide for Sustainable Projects, which is available as a free download.The new C204 is for use by a sustainability consultant (architect... Continue Reading →
