What is B305-2021?
AIA Document B305–2021 is a standard form where an architect can enter information regarding its professional qualifications. Owners can then review the information provided in B305-2021 to help in selecting an architect for a project. An owner may use AIA Document B305–2021 as part of the selection and hiring process or as a final check on the architect’s credentials before or after a contract has been signed. B305-2021 is intended to be an initial, and somewhat general, conveyance of information from an architect to an owner. Under some circumstances, an owner may request the architect to provide a proposal with more detailed information as a step between sharing its qualifications and entering a contract. B305-2021 includes prompts where an architect can enter information about its business structure, key personnel, design capabilities, honors and awards, project personnel and consultants, BIM capabilities, sustainability credentials, firm history, number of employees, professional licenses, and much more. NOTE: B305–2021 replaces B305–1993.
How is B305-2021 different from B305-1993?
Much of the information requested in B305–2021 is similar to what was requested in B305-1993. Both documents have prompts where the architect can insert pertinent information about the architect’s key personnel, contact information, firm history, and business structure. However, B305-2021 has several new prompts where, for example, the architect can insert information about special business class certifications, recent and pending judgments and lawsuits, building information modeling capabilities, sustainability services, and the firm’s approach to quality management.
The B305-2021 also has new prompts where the architect can describe professional services that it provides that go beyond the traditional practice of architecture. Further, if the owner has requested the qualification statement in anticipation of a particular project, the architect can insert information about key personnel and consultants who the architect intends to use on the project.
When was B305 -1993 retired?
B305-2021 was published in the fall of 2021. Consistent with AIA Contract Document’s longstanding policy, B305-1993 was available for sale for 18-months after the replacement B305-2021 was published. Now that this 18-month grace period has ended as of March 31, 2023, B305-1993 is no longer available for sale.
Can B305-2021 be used with other AIA Contract Documents?
Yes. AIA Document B305–2021 is suitable for use by itself in order to share information about an architect’s qualifications. However, AIA Contract Documents offers many standard form owner/architect agreements that can be used after, or before, the architect completes B305™–2021.
When should B305-2021 be used?
B305-2021 may be completed at several different stages. In many instances, an owner will request that an architect, or multiple architects, complete B305-2021 as part of an initial vetting or selection process, prior to the execution of an owner/architect agreement. However, in some cases, an owner will request an architect to complete B305-2021 immediately after executing an owner/architect agreement to document more specific information about the architect it has entered a contract with.
Is B305-2021 a contract? Also, does it need to be signed by the owner?
B305-2021 is not a contract and does not need to be signed by the owner.
How can the architect provide additional information, beyond what is requested in B305-2021?
The architect can provide additional information by inserting information into Article 7 of B305-2021. Also, the architect can reference attachments to the B305-2021 in Article 7. Such attachments could include a marketing brochure prepared by the architect or photographs of projects that are representative of the architect’s work.