James C. Jankowski, FAIA, RBJ Architects, Oak Park, Ill.
Alan D. Sclater, FAIA, Sclater Partners Architects PC, Seattle

      The AIA Documents Committee develops AIA standard form contracts and revises them every 10 years. The 1997 changes to AIA’s owner-architect agreements stirred controversy within the industry, so get ahead of the curve for the 2007 changes. Preview the proposed changes for 2007 and, based on practice experience and needs, provide direct feedback on issues, including system renumbering, format revisions, possible dispute resolution changes, and insurance provisions inclusion.

Learning objectives:

• Identify proposed 2007 document changes and discuss the rationale driving the changes
• Discuss and compare various AIA contract forms: the use of alternative contract terms and language to aid member selection of appropriate AIA documents and modifications specific to their particular project and practice
• Evaluate the impact of proposed changes and discuss significant issues with Documents Committee members, sharing suggestions based on best practices.