Risk Management Articles
Do You Have a Quality Control Manual?
More and more owners, developers and governmental agencies are contractually requiring that design professionals have in place a quality control manual and/or quality control procedures. If you are one of the many firms that do not have a manual or policies in place...
Integrated Project Delivery: Changing the Insurance Landscape
With more project owners demanding the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), project delivery is necessarily carried out through greater contributions of design input by the general contractor and the major trade subcontractors. The design professionals are no...
A Cautionary Digital Tale
Insurance settlement related to a building information model shows that BIM without communication can be costly. By Nadine M. Post in Pittsburgh This article originally appeared in Engineering News Record, May 23, 2011 A lawsuit over construction of a life-sciences...
New Rules for Court-Ordered Mediations
For years, insurance companies have encouraged mediation as a way to settle disputes between design professionals and their clients. In fact, most insurance companies offer financial incentive to clients who choose mediation. Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in which a neutral third-party mediator helps the parties reach an agreement in their dispute. Over 75% of claims against design professionals are settled in negotiations or mediations. Mediations offer many benefits and should be considered as an alternative to protracted litigation.
Green Buildings and Risk
Tim Corbett There is obviously a movement and increased interest in green building design and construction. However, along with that movement comes increased risk and liability for design professionals. Green building design takes the approach to incorporate building...
Green Building Performance Measured by the GSA.
Despite efforts by Congress to restrict the construction and renovation of federal buildings, the General Services Administration (GSA), through its Public Building Service, has been moving forward on reducing long-term energy and water usage, minimizing maintenance...
Internal Risk Management
Drew Seaman and Tom Waggoner Whether you like it or not, the practice of Architecture or Professional Engineering is a business. Profit is the goal. Unfortunately, in the current business environment the Architect or Professional Engineer is confronted with increasing...