We developed a comprehensive and scalable contracting system for a rapidly expanding national design-build firm, enabling its non-attorney employees across its design-build, architecture, and general contracting wings to efficiently and correctly deploy hundreds of contracts across over four dozen projects. This system, comprised of dozens of customized templates, addresses the firm’s varied needs and accommodates a wide range of project types and sizes. Working closely with the client’s internal teams, we crafted templates incorporating clear language, standardized terms, and appropriate risk allocation, specifically addressing their operational needs.
For design-build projects, we implemented a novel master agreement and work order system, adapting AIA Document A142–2014, Agreement Between Design-Builder and Contractor into a robust master agreement paired with bespoke, non-AIA Work Orders designed to integrate with the client’s project management and accounting software for automatic population of deadlines, dollars, contract documents, and scopes of work. Our contracting strategy also deployed customized versions of AIA Document A141–2014, Agreement Between Owner and Design-Builder, and AIA Document B143–2014, Agreement Between Design-Builder and Architect.
To support general contracting work, we provided custom, non-AIA Owner-Contractor and Owner-Subcontractor Agreements and customized templates of:
We also developed a specialized Design-Build Subcontracts Rider to address the unique circumstances of design-build subcontractors providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP/FP) scopes of services. We provided training and guidance on proper template deployment for non-attorney staff, but remained intimately involved in its projects, often negotiating contracts of significant size and complexity that justified our direct involvement. We also provided ongoing support, answering questions and offering guidance as the client’s team used the templates and faced novel situations.
