Despite warming relations between the United States and Cuba, Congress has yet to change the embargo on most forms of trade (although restrictions on Cuban cigar and rum imports was recently eased, among some other changes). As a result, so many design projects related to tourist facilities, buildings, ports, and other infrastructure improvements have gone... Continue Reading →
During the early 1970s, engineering and architecture firms were profiting from the rapid investment in infrastructure improvements and building projects in Iran. That boom, of course, collapsed with the ouster of the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in February of 1979. Now some firms, including American-owned entities, are anticipating that there might be new projects in... Continue Reading →
One of the insurance policies that most professional service firms operating internationally need—and often do not have—is a kidnap and ransom policy. This policy provides coverage to firms should in the event of the kidnapping and ransom of an employee or the extortion of funds from the firm. The situations that lead to such exposures... Continue Reading →
On December 17th President Obama announced a new approach to U.S.–Cuba diplomatic relations. Many design firms well aware of the need to upgrade the island’s infrastructure, hospitality, and housing are anxious to tap the market, either through lucrative aid contracts or by working with the many U.S. commercial entities that have been planning financial investments... Continue Reading →
As firms expand to practice internationally, they need to understand both the contractual and statutory demands related to insurance coverage for a specific project and consult with their legal counsel and insurance broker to determine if a U.S. practice policy will comply with the requirements. The greatest risk in providing services on an international project... Continue Reading →
