Interpreting terms or provisions in an AIA Contract Document –
Where can I get an interpretation or definition of a term or provision in an AIA Contract Document? How can I find out how an AIA Contract Document will be applied or enforced and who may have liability?
Various AIA Contract Documents contain definitions of terms used within those particular documents. Commentaries for the following documents provide explanations for many of the legal concepts and industry practices:
The AIA also publishes the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, which contains definitions of commonly used construction terms.
AIA Contract Documents does not provide legal advice about how contract language applies in particular situations. Court opinions that have ruled on provisions of AIA Contract Documents are listed in The American Institute of Architects Legal Citator, which is published by LexisNexis.
Case law on AIA Contract Documents –
Where can I get information about case law that cites AIA Contract Documents?
Court opinions that have ruled on provisions of AIA Contract Documents are listed in The American Institute of Architects Legal Citator, which is published by LexisNexis.
Discrepancies between drawings and specifications –
How do the provisions in AIA Contract Documents resolve a discrepancy between drawings and specifications? Which controls or takes precedence if there is a conflict?
In projects governed by any of the following General Conditions, the form document provides that the drawings and specifications are complementary, and does not create a hierarchy:
A201®, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction;
A232™, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, CMa Edition.
However, the following Guides suggest a way to adapt General Conditions to establish an order of priority:
A503™, Guide for Supplementary Conditions;
A533™, Guide for Supplementary Conditions, CMa Edition
Using AIA Contract Documents in architectural practice –
Where can I get more information about using AIA Contract Documents in project management, project administration and contract administration?
The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice is a comprehensive practice manual for the architecture profession.
In addition, find articles on contracts and agreements, Risk Management, insurance, and contract administration on the website »