Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect without a Predefined Scope of Services
The AIA Document B102–2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect without a Predefined Scope of Services, is a versatile standard form of agreement designed to establish contract terms, conditions, and compensation without constraining the scope of services. Unlike the other AIA Owner-Architect Agreements, such as the AIA Document B101–2017, which integrates specific architectural services into its structure, the AIA Document B102–2017 offers flexibility by keeping the description of the Architect’s services separate from the co-agreement, thereby making no assumptions about the Architect’s scope.
Flexibility for Non-Traditional Projects
Choosing AIA Document B102–2017 over more traditional AIA agreements, such as AIA Document B101-2017, Owner-Architect Agreement, or the AIA Document B103–2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect for a Complex Project, offers distinct advantages for projects where the architect’s role doesn’t conform to a typical phase-based approach. Unlike these traditional agreements, which are structured around sequential design phases like schematic design, design development, and construction documents, AIA Document B102–2017 is designed for situations where the scope of services is unconventional or specialized. For instance, AIA Document B102–2017 provides the flexibility necessary when an architect’s services do not fit the conventional phases expected in AIA Document B101-2017, Owner-Architect Agreement, or the abbreviated phases of AIA Document B104–2017, Standard Abbreviated Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect for limited scope projects. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for projects where the scope of the Architect’s services doesn’t fit within the traditional design process. It allows for tailored inserts or attachments to define the scope as necessary, possibly employing additional documents from a wide suite of AIA standard forms or custom-created exhibits that define the Architect’s unique services.
Pairing With Other Service-Focused Documents
Among these forms, AIA Document B102–2017 can be paired with various service-focused documents, such as B201 for Design and Construction Contract Administration, B202 for Programming, and B214 for LEED® Certification, among others. This adaptability supports customization to meet unique project needs, such as historic preservation or security evaluation, making AIA Document B102–2017 an ideal choice for projects where the architect’s scope of services does not fit nicely the traditional design and construction administration frameworks. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to remember that while AIA Document B102–2017 offers a flexible framework, its open-ended nature means it needs to be carefully reviewed and potentially revised to align with project-specific demands, location-specific rules, or legal requirements to ensure it fits the project in question.
Compensation Options and Customization
In terms of compensation, AIA Document B102–2017 also supports various models—ranging from stipulated sums and percentage fees to time-based rates and unit costs, as it makes no assumptions about the Architect’s compensation model. This inclusivity allows parties to choose a compensation method that aligns with both the project’s financial strategy and its scale. The document’s flexible framework lets owners and architects construct agreements that reflect real-world needs without constraining them to a fixed set of parameters, unlike more rigid agreements.
Adapt Your Agreement to Fit Unique Project Needs
In essence, AIA Document B102–2017 facilitates a tailored approach, which, when properly drafted can customized for a particular project, can help ensure that the contract effectively addresses the bespoke demands of a project without being trapped by the more regimented structures found in other standard forms. This adaptability makes AIA Document B102–2017 an invaluable tool in enabling both owners and architects to collaborate seamlessly on non-traditional or specialized engagements, provided that project-specific revisions are made to align the agreement precisely with unique project requirements.
Ensure your project succeeds by customizing AIA B102–2017 to clearly define services, compensation, and responsibilities. Contact us today for guidance.
