No matter what kind of design professional you are, you need to understand how indemnity clauses in your contracts work. Otherwise, you run the risk of being taken by surprise by your financial and legal liability when something goes wrong. What is an indemnity...
Climate change is a legal reality for design professionals
Design professionals are key leaders in the global response to the threats that climate change poses. Nearly every potential solution involves the work of architects and engineers. Whether sequestering greenhouse gases, mitigating the damage done by climate change, or...
Accused of allowing a housing defect? You get a chance for repair
If you’re an architect, civil engineer or another design professional in California, there are laws to protect you if you inadvertently allow a construction defect to occur. Before you can be sued, the homeowner owes you a chance to identify and repair any defect they...
Are architects liable for design defects during construction?
Accidents happen at construction sites from time to time. Sometimes these accidents occur due to faulty equipment or negligence from a worker. However, some accidents arise because of an error in the design of the building. When a design error is the cause of a...
Can architects be sued for violating the ADA?
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became federal law. It explicitly bans discrimination against individuals based on their disability. The act offers protection in several areas, including places of employment and public spaces. How does it do this?...
What is a construction defect?
There are often disagreements over the definition of a construction defect. Different viewpoints and interests create a gray area. Moreover, states have their definition of what constitutes a construction defect. One point that all agree upon, however, is that it is...
Study suggests property owners often look to blame architects for issues
The Bay Area construction industry has been experiencing a boom for many years now. While this is a boon for design professionals such as architects, the high demand brings added pressure. Property owners and developers can have expectations that are on the verge of...
