We advised an architecture firm on a sensitive water infiltration issue – caused by a contractor’s mistake – at an ultra-high-end single-family residence the architect designed for a famous and affluent homeowner. The goal was a collaborative resolution, avoiding disputes or litigation with the contractor and insurance companies. We help our client to coordinate with its professional liability insurer to leverage its “pre-claim assistance” insurance benefit, which prevented the architect’s deductible obligation from being triggered while the insurer paid us to advise the architect. We also guided the architect in working with the owner, contractor, a structural engineer brought in to address the fix, and insurance companies to achieve a mutually agreeable solution. Our focus was on protecting the architect’s interests and maintaining positive relationships with all parties, avoiding litigation, and protecting the architect’s professional liability insurance deductible.
