Synopsis.
AIA Document B271™–2024 provides the architect’s scope of services for creating design standards in a standard form that the owner and architect can modify to suit the needs of the project. B271-2024 is not a stand-alone document but must be incorporated into an owner-architect agreement. It may be used with AIA Document B102™-2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect without a Predefined Scope of Architect’s Services. It may also be used with any owner-architect agreement by incorporation at the time of execution or by modification using G802™-2017, Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement.
B271-2024 is based on the premise that one or more separate architects of record and construction contractors will contract with the owner for final design and construction of each project, program, facility, or campus. The architect of record is responsible for construction documents preparation, design and bidding phase services, and owner/contractor agreement administration on a project-by-project basis.
Article 2 of B271-2024 defines the services related to developing and finalizing the design standards. Design standards provide the functional, aesthetic, and quality framework for the owner’s projects, programs, facilities, or campuses. The architect’s services are set forth in a series of iterative steps beginning with the identification of the components for which the architect shall develop the design standards. The architect’s services also include working with the owner to identify the priorities, values, goals, and objectives and gather other information for consideration in the development of the design standards. The architect provides the owner with preliminary design standards and then produces the final design standards for the owner’s use in its projects, programs, facilities, or campuses.
B271-2024 also contains provisions for supplemental services, which are not included as basic services, but are identified as the architect’s or the owner’s responsibility at the time the agreement is executed. Additional services refer only to those services that arise as the project proceeds.
Using B271-2024.
The B271-2024 may be used by an owner who would like to:
Establish a functional, aesthetic, and quality framework for the owner’s projects, programs, facilities, or campus;
maximize their investment and avoid unnecessary expenses through the development of standard design elements throughout their projects, programs, facilities, or campuses; and
maintain effective communication and collaboration with their architect during the design standards development process.
Completing B271-2024.
Cover Page
Parties. Parties to this Agreement should be identified using the full legal name under which the Agreement is to be executed, including a designation of the legal status of both parties (sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, unincorporated association, limited partnership or corporation [general, limited liability, closed or professional], etc.). Where appropriate, a copy of the resolution authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the firm or entity should be attached.
The Agreement. Parties to this Agreement should insert the day, month, and year of the owner-architect agreement used with B271-2024.
Article 1 – Initial Information
§ 1.1 Initial Information is provided in Article 1. The parties should take care to be as explicit and detailed as possible with respect to the relevant Initial Information.
Article 2 – Design Standards Services
§ 2.1.7 The Parties should identify the components for which the Architect will provide Design Standards Services.
Article 3 – Supplemental and Additional Services
§ 3.1.1 For each Supplemental Service listed, the parties should indicate the party responsible for providing the service in the appropriate column. The Architect is not responsible for any listed Supplemental Service unless specifically so designated in the Responsibility column of the table.
§ 3.1.2.1 This Section provides space for the parties to include a detailed description of the Architect’s Supplemental Services identified in Section 3.1.1. Alternatively, the parties can identify and reference an exhibit in this section that provides the detailed description of the Architect’s Supplemental Services.
§ 3.1.2.2 This Section provides space for the parties to include a detailed description of the Owner’s Supplemental Services identified in Section 3.1.1. Alternatively, the parties can identify and reference an exhibit in this section that provides the detailed description of the Owner’s Supplemental Services.
§ 3.1.2.3 If Project-Specific Design Standards Conformance Review Services are designated as a Supplemental Service, this Section provides the scope of such services and includes fill points to identify the projects, programs, facilities, or campuses where the Architect will provide Project-Specific Design Standards Conformance Review Services. Section 3.1.2.3.2 allows the Parties to further describe any additional Project-Specific Design Standards Conformance Review Services the Architect will perform.
§ 3.2.2 Insert an agreed-upon number in each of the spaces provided.
Article 5 – Compensation
Provide compensation amount and method. A detailed explanation of compensation methods can be found in the Instructions for all owner-architect agreements.
Article 6 – Attachments and Exhibits
Provide a list of documents, such as a detailed description of Supplemental or Additional Services, attached to B271-2024.
Notes.
Modifications. Particularly with respect to professional or Contractor licensing laws, building codes, taxes, monetary and interest charges, arbitration, indemnification, format and font size, AIA Contract Documents may require modification to comply with state or local laws. Users are encouraged to consult an attorney before completing or modifying a document.
Reproductions. This document is a copyrighted work and may not be reproduced or excerpted from without the express written permission of AIA Contract Documents. There is no implied permission to reproduce this document, nor does membership in The American Institute of Architects confer any further rights to reproduce this document. For more information, see the document footer and AIA Contract Documents® Terms of Service.