We negotiated a professional services agreement for a well-established architecture firm with a joint venture design-build entity comprised of two construction companies for an approximately 15-story mixed-income residential development with over 160 units. The project, undertaken for a public housing authority, involved the design, engineering, project management, and construction of a multi-story building with parking and a landscaped public park. Our client contracted to provide comprehensive architectural services, engineering, and design-assist services for various building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection (MEP/FP), along with specialty consulting. Navigating the inherent complexities of the design-build delivery method required careful attention to contractual risk allocation, particularly given the potential for significant liability exposure for the architect when contracting directly with a contractor-led design-build entity. Through proactive negotiation, we worked to protect our client’s interests and set a workable framework for collaboration with the design-build team.
