Summary
AIA Document B202-2020 outlines the scope of services for architectural programming. It helps architects collaborate with clients to define project goals, gather data, and create program documents. The document is not standalone and should be paired with an owner-architect agreement. Key updates include expanded sections on project scope, sustainability, budget, and schedule, as well as a shift in how supplemental services are outlined. It also refines language for consistency and clarity.
What is the programming scope of services?
AIA Document B202-2020 provides a roadmap for architects to discuss programming requirements with clients. It entails identifying values, goals, and objectives for the project; gathering project-related information; analyzing data; and developing program documents for the project.
Is B202–2020 a stand-alone document?
No, B202 must pair with an owner-architect agreement, ideally B102 Owner-Architect without a Predefined Scope of Architect’s Services. However, B202 may be attached to other AIA owner-architect agreements to satisfy provisions requesting the owner’s program for the project.
Is the programming architect necessarily the architect of record?
No. One possible scenario is that an owner hires an architect for programming only. The programming documents would then be handed off to the design architect of record. Alternatively, an owner may request that the architect of record also handle programming services.
What are some new features of the B202-2020?
- The initial information section has been expanded to allow the parties to describe the scope of programming services for the project; include the owner’s sustainable objective; name the consultants and contractors who will affect programming services; and stipulate the owner’s budget and schedule for the project.
- Modified additional services to also include supplemental services, consistent with updates to the 2017 documents.
- Many sections and reference lists were drafted to align with the programming section in B152-2019 Owner-Architect Agreement for Interior Design and FF&E Design Services.
- Questionnaires and surveys were removed from the information gathering section, as they may not always be needed, and moved to the supplemental services table.
- Overall, language was modified to be more succinct and consistent among various sections.
For more information see the document’s summary »