We represented an architecture firm which faced a significant payment dispute with a public project owner following a change in leadership within the owner. The new administration tried to disavow the prior administration’s commitments, refusing to pay nearly $850,000 in earned design fees. Despite prior board approval of the project and the architect’s advanced design progress – having completed construction documents and actively assisted the public owner in soliciting contractor bids as required by statute – the new administration for the governmental entity feigned ignorance of the multi-million dollar project, planned for years and years. We meticulously reviewed public records, including meeting minutes, board decisions, ordinances, and resolutions, uncovering irrefutable evidence of the project’s authorization by the board and the owner’s extensive project involvement. By presenting this compelling documentation and asserting the architect’s contractual rights, we forced the owner to confront the reality of their obligations, resulting in payment to our client without the need for all litigation.
