Our firm has negotiated contracts for a wide range of resort and club projects – from exclusive mountain ranches and private country clubs to large-scale, multi-phase resort developments.
We have represented architects, developers, and club owners engaged in the planning, design, and construction of hospitality and recreation facilities across the Mountain West and beyond. Our services span project delivery structuring, contract negotiation, and general counsel throughout the project lifecycle.
Owner-Architect Agreements for Complex Developments
In the resort and club context, we have prepared and negotiated Owner-Architect Agreements for complex developments involving tens of millions of dollars in hard construction costs. For a mountain resort projected to reach $70 million in construction value, we structured a suite of agreements using AIA Document B121–2018, Master Agreement Between Owner and Architect for Services provided under Multiple Service Orders, and AIA Document B221–2018, Service Order for use with a Master Agreement Between Owner and Architect. We also incorporated AIA Document G801-2017, Notice of Additional Services, and AIA Document G802-2017, Amendments to the Professional Services Agreement, to allow for scalable project expansion. The contract provided for pre-negotiated intellectual property re-use fees and hourly billing for site-specific changes and construction administration services, enabling the architect to remain involved as dozens of more buildings are rolled out.
New Construction and Expansion Projects
We have negotiated agreements for new construction and expansions at established resorts, including a $30 million resort expansion designed to modernize facilities while preserving the character of the existing campus. The agreement covered architectural services for phased construction, site-sensitive design, and integration with operational constraints during construction. We also negotiated agreements for hospitality design projects at the $12 million scale, including residential buildings for a high-end ranch, with detailed contract provisions addressing conservation easements, soil conditions, groundwater concerns, and environmental sensitivity.
Private Clubs and Specialized Recreation Facilities
Our work in this sector also includes private clubs and specialized recreation facilities. We negotiated a contract for the design of a unique $16 million luxury automotive race club with stacked car storage, private garages, living quarters, and member spaces. In a separate project, we represented an architecture firm in negotiating an AIA Document B101-2017, Agreement Between Owner and Architect, for the renovation of a private club’s two-story clubhouse. The architect’s team included consultants for structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), civil, lighting, landscape, interior design, code compliance, and specification writing.
Master Planning, Concept Design, and Renovations
In addition to ground-up developments, we have handled design agreements for master planning, concept design, and phased renovation work. This includes a clubhouse renovation and expansion in the Mountain West, encompassing a 24,000 square foot renovation and 10,000 square foot addition, supported by 3D modeling and coordination with the owner’s consultants and general contractor. In another matter, we negotiated AIA Document B104–2017, Abbreviated Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, for a $675,000 phased country club renovation project.
Owner Representation and Contract Structuring
We also advise owners of resort and club facilities directly. In one case, we represented a swim and tennis club to negotiate an AIA Document A101-2017, Agreement Between Owner and Contractor where the basis of payment is a Stipulated Sum, and its companion AIA Document A201-2017, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, for a $4 million pool and clubhouse renovation. That agreement addressed two design professionals (for architectural and aquatic design), seasonal construction timing, and the continuation of off-season programming during the construction window.
Across these projects, our role has included structuring agreements for multi-phase project delivery, protecting intellectual property and re-use rights, managing risks posed by topography and groundwater, and integrating client operations during construction. Whether advising on renovations to club dining areas, construction of new amenity buildings, or master agreements for multi-year resort build-outs, we have supported clients in aligning contract terms with business goals in the resort and club sector.
Contact us to learn how our experience with resorts and private clubs can help structure contracts, manage risk, and ensure project success.
