AIA agreements are not as impartial and balanced as they may seem. First, the AIA is an organization that, according to its website, represents “the professional interests of American architects” and formal agreements reflect such interests. In addition, the aIA form agreements have been subject to numerous revisions since the introduction of the first forms, and each revision has shifted the balance of owners to architects and contractors. This ongoing change is partly due to the fact that the Association of General Contractors is working with the AIA to develop multi-type agreements. As expected, this has resulted in formal agreements that tend to favour the architect and contractor over the owner, as the following two examples will show. When a real estate owner retains an architect or contractor to carry out work on his or her property, the owner is often subject to a “standard” form agreement developed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This is usually accompanied by the assurance that the “independently developed” agreement is known, widespread and takes due account of the interests of both parties. It is understandable that this seems attractive to many owners who wish to launch their projects as quickly as possible, and the agreement will finally be signed after a brief review without revision. However, on closer inspection, homeowners will find that they are at a significant disadvantage under the standard agreement. The AIA documents are correct. AIA contracts and forms are consensual documents that reflect the advice of architects, contractors, engineers and owners, warranty bond manufacturers, insurers and lawyers. AIA documents are in the best interests of all parties, so that no interest, even that of the architect, is unfairly represented.
AIA contract documents are rightly referred to as “industrial standards.” The American Institute of Architects consists of more than 80 forms and contracts that define the relationships and terms involved in design and construction projects and has been making them available for more than 115 years. AIA has worked with owners, contractors, lawyers, architects, engineers and others to create and maintain the highest quality contracts and forms. Such a service, which incorrectly characterizes document B141 as an additional service, is the analysis of the owner`s planning needs for the project. Such an analysis is essential to ensure that the architect`s design meets the needs of the owner. Many other design tasks, traditionally considered basic services, have been shifted to the detriment of the owner. Everyone must be checked by an owner to ensure that the owner`s expectations are reflected in the final design of the project. If you would like to send AIA documents by mail, FedEx or have them sent to your home or business, please read the order form below for a full list of documents. Fax or fax the completed form to 212-696-5022 or info@aiany.org. AIA Contract Documents are the most commonly used standard form contracts in the construction industry.