What Are Key Clauses for an Architect Client Agreement?

Summarise with: ChatGPT Perplexity Microsoft Copilot

---

Table of Contents

• Scope of Services
• Project Schedule and Milestones
• Compensation and Payment Terms
• Ownership of Documents
• Changes and Additional Services
• Termination
• Responsibilities and Communication
• Insurance and Liability
• Dispute Resolution
• Confidentiality
• Governing Law
• Key Takeaways

As an architect, entering into a client agreement for every new project is essential for your profession. These agreements outline the terms and conditions of your services, ensuring you and your client are on the same page throughout the project. A well-structured client agreement protects your interests and fosters a positive working relationship with your client. This article will discuss key clauses you should include in your client agreement as an architect.

Scope of Services

Defining the scope of your architectural services is paramount. This clause should outline your specific tasks and responsibilities during the project. It should include:

• a detailed description of the project;
• the phases involved (such as design, documentation, and construction observation); and 
• any additional services you may provide, such as interior design or sustainability consulting. 

Being clear about what you will and will not do during the architectural project helps manage client expectations and avoids disputes.

Project Schedule and Milestones

Establishing a project schedule is vital to ensure you and your client are aligned regarding project timeframes. Include milestones and deadlines for key project phases, such as:

1. design development; 
2. permit submissions; and 
3. construction start and completion dates. 

A well-defined schedule helps prevent delays and sets the project’s overall timeline. When reviewing agreements prepared by the other side, ensure that any milestones are manageable.

Compensation and Payment Terms

Clearly outline your fee structure and payment terms in your client agreement. Importantly, specify how you will bill for your services, whether an hourly rate, a lump sum, or a percentage of construction costs. 

Additionally, include details about when you will issue invoices and the due dates for payments. Be explicit about any additional costs, such as reimbursable expenses or change orders, and how your business will handle them. A transparent fee structure helps avoid financial misunderstandings and ensures you are compensated fairly for your work.

Ownership of Documents

Address the ownership and usage rights of project documents in your agreement. Typically, architects retain ownership of their design documents, while clients receive a licence to use them for the project’s intended purpose. Specify whether the client can use these documents for future projects or modifications and whether additional compensation is necessary for such uses.

Changes and Additional Services

Projects often evolve, and client requirements may change along the way. Accordingly, it is crucial to include a clause that outlines how you will handle changes to the scope of work. Describe the process for requesting changes, obtaining your approval, and adjusting the project schedule and fees accordingly. This clause helps manage expectations and ensures that you document scope changes and how you will receive compensation.

Termination

While it is not something anyone hopes for, including a termination clause in your client agreement is essential. Consider including a condition that allows either party to terminate the contract and the procedures to follow. This clause helps protect your interests if the client decides to terminate the project prematurely or if you need to withdraw your services for specific reasons.

Responsibilities and Communication

Outline the responsibilities of both you and your client throughout the project. You want to define how you and your client will make decisions, who the primary point of contact is, and how you will conduct communication. Clear communication lines and well-defined roles can prevent misunderstandings and streamline the project’s progress.

Insurance and Liability

Address insurance and liability considerations in your client agreement. Specify the types of insurance coverage you maintain and confirm that your client understands their responsibilities regarding insurance.

You should also include clauses that limit your liability to the extent permitted by law. Likewise, you can exclude liability for consequential losses, protecting you from unquantifiable claims or claims for indirect losses that may arise during the project.

Dispute Resolution

Include a dispute resolution clause to outline how parties will resolve disagreements. This may involve mediation, arbitration, or other methods. Importantly, your client agreement should clearly state the steps either party must take before pursuing formal legal action.

A well-crafted dispute resolution clause can save both parties time and money in the event of a dispute.

Confidentiality

Ensure that your client agreement includes a confidentiality clause. Architects often handle sensitive project information, and protecting client confidentiality is crucial. Accordingly, outline your obligations to keep project details confidential and specify any exceptions, such as disclosures required by law or for professional accreditation purposes.

Governing Law

Finally, specify the jurisdiction and governing law that will apply to your client agreement. This ensures that any legal disputes are subject to the appropriate laws and courts, providing clarity in case of legal action.

Key Takeaways

A well-crafted client agreement is essential for an architect to establish clear expectations, protect their interests, and maintain positive client relationships. By including these key clauses in your agreement, you can confidently navigate your projects, knowing that both you and your client are on the same page regarding responsibilities, compensation, and project outcomes. Importantly, documenting these clauses in a written agreement reduces the likelihood of a misunderstanding arising. Further, obtaining legal advice can ensure your client agreements comply with legal and regulatory requirements and best practices in the construction space.

For assistance drafting or reviewing your client agreement as an architect, our experienced construction lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.