When people think of the documents that are prepared and used to construct a project, many times the other thing that they think of are the drawings. But drawings are just half of the story on how to design and build a...

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In the business world, changing the course in mid-stream in a project can be distressful, time consumption and costly. For example, you order blue new chairs for the entire office, and just after they are in production,...

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Moral rights are personal rights that connect the creator, such as an architect or engineer (A/E), to documents that they created when rendering their professional services. Moral rights are about being properly named...

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There are two basic types of payment approaches in the design and construction industry, involving architects/engineers (A/Es) and construction contractors regarding payment for their services. One is “pay if paid” and...

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The topic of the June 2024 Issue of Building Blocks is Measured Drawings vs. Laser Scanning. Click HERE to read this issue.

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Design professionals should inform their clients of both the benefits and the negative aspects before they decide to design and install a green roof. To learn more please read the May 2024 Issue of the Building Blocks.

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A purchase order (PO) is a legally binding document created by a buyer and presented to a seller, or vice versa. It lays out the order details, including quantity and types of products the buyer needs, as well as...

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It depends. Generally speaking, as long as the advertisement does not mislead, deceive or confuse the public, and it is done in good taste, yes. Other professionals do advertise as well. Lawyers and doctors do, but...

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“Rule of Thumb” regarding conflicts of interest-in any place in our world, including the design and construction industry, avoid even the appearance of impropriety. This rule is probably the best and most universal rule....

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Exigent circumstances have been defined as something that requires immediate attention-for instance, preventing the destruction of evidence, or preventing the escape of a fleeing felon, or preventing harm to somebody....

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Here is the December 2023 issue of the Building Blocks - A Case Study of the Fox Guarding the Chicken Coop.

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Legalese contains long, wordy, complicated sentence structures utilizing passive voice and obsolete formalisms, and the usage of Latin, archaic or unnecessarily long words when simpler and clearer language exists. (Even...

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It would be very poor risk management if the architect or engineer would agree to their client’s request for this scope of services for their project. Read the entire article in the October Building Blocks Newsletter.

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It is not hard to imagine, even with the smallest building, that no construction project is built exactly without any changes from its design. That being said, this risk management article is meant to encompass the...

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This month Eric O. Pempus, FAIA, Esq., NCARB explores A.I. and his personal experience of having a risk management conversation with Chatbot. With much focus on the safety of A.I. in the news recently, this is a timely...

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This is Part 2 of a two-part series covering the topic of peer review. This month we will cover peer review of professional design firms.

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This is Part 1 of a two-part series covering the topic of peer review. This month we will cover peer review of projects.

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The construction phase of a project is where the “rubber meets the road.” An architect/engineer (A/E) has many responsibilities while their project is being built. One of those responsibilities is to observe the work of...

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Unfortunately, disputes do arise on design and construction projects. It is not possible to list what circumstances can go wrong. From a legal perspective, the allegations can include breach of an agreement between the...

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In the March Building Blocks we take a close look at risk management and how to best manage your risk.

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The February 2023 issue of the Building Blocks covers indemnification clauses.

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Since a selected construction “project delivery method” directly impacts the success of a project, an understanding of which approach is central to design professional services. Read the January Building Blocks ...

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The December Building Blocks Newsletter article is "Scope Creep & How It Impacts the Bottom Line in an A/E Practice"

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In their professional practices, architects and engineers (A/E's) generate a tremendous amount of information in the form of various and numerous types of documents. Read the November issue which covers documents...

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In last month’s DesignPro Insurance Group’s risk management article I outlined the course of a construction industry dispute in litigation. In contrast, the dispute track outlined here is for arbitration, as opposed to...

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From time to time, my client architects/ engineers (A/E's) may end up in litigation on one of their design and/or construction projects. The dispute track outlined here is for litigation, as opposed to arbitration or...

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The term "pro bono," which is short for pro bono publico, is a Latin term that means "for the public good." Although the term is used in a variety of different contexts to mean “the offering of free services,” it has a...

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As a company grows, or a residential owner seeks to update their house, a building normally begins to show signs of age. The older building may no longer be energy efficient, it may look worn down, it may no longer meet...

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For our purpose relating to design professionals, “supplanting” defined, means to supersede (another) and to take the place of and serve as a substitute for, especially by reason of a need. Continue reading the June...

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It is common when providing professional design services that architects and engineers engage consultants to complete and deliver their scope of work to their clients, the project owners. Continue reading

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The “Safety Assessment Program,” created by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, was established to provide an efficient and quick evaluation of damaged structures after a disaster. The April issue of...

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In the late 1970’s Citicorp began its expansion into global banking, and engaged architect Hugh Stubbins to design its international headquarters. Renowned structural engineer William LeMessurier (pronounced LeMeasure)...

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Typically, a conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests–family, friendships, financial, or social factors could compromise a person’s judgment, decisions, or actions. In the February issue of...

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Architects and Engineers (A/Es) have a paramount duty to protect the health, safety and welfare (HSW) of the public and others who use the built environment, which is the fruit of the design professionals’ efforts. Read...

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As we wrap this year, our last Building Blocks of 2021 covers the topic of defense against frivolous claims. Please see our December Issue and Happy Holidays!

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Why should you avoid extreme words? Why is it detrimental to your firm? These and more questions are answered in the November issue of Building Blocks where the topic of "extreme words" is covered.

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The October 2021 Newsletter risk management article focuses on a “time” related topic-“time of the essence.”

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Unfortunately, some project owners may engage an architect or engineer (A/E) to provide design services, but not construction administration. On the other hand, some project owners may engage an A/E for construction...

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A professional/ethical dilemma-before the project’s completion, should an engineer or architect advise their client that, despite their best efforts, their design and/or construction will not be as intended? Read the ...

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Taking credit of the work of another architect, engineer, landscape architect, or interior designer is probably one of the most offensive act against a fellow design professional. Read my full article in the July Issue...

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In the June Issue of Building Blocks, the fairness of this contract clause is reviewed.

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In the May Issue of Building Blocks we cover the importance of understanding consequential damages as a design professional.

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Latin contractual terms occur in design professional agreements, so it's best to have an understanding of them. Read the April 2021 Building Blocks for more info.

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Fast-Track Scheduling is not working overtime to meet a deadline in order to issue drawings and specifications for contractors to bid for a project. It is a scheduling technique. The March issue of Building Blocks...

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Building commission, a professional service for larger new or renovation projects, assists building owners in determining if their mechanical systems are operating as intended and in conformance with mandated...

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Hazardous materials are always a concern, so this month we focus on HAZMATS in Renovation Projects.

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There are different schools of thought regarding the choice of dispute resolution of a design and construction industry claim. The following overview is a general comparison of litigation, arbitration and mediation....

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In DesignPro Insurance Group’s November 2019 Building Block article, we discussed a design firm’s culture and ethical practices. A year later, in this November 2020 Building Block article, we are discussing individual...

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It is common for architects’ and engineers’ privately funded clients (the Owner) to secure financing from a lender. For the loan closing, which usually occurs around the time of substantial completion of the project,...

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At a project’s inception, seldom do the parties involved envision how matters would be handled if the professional services agreement would be suspended or come to a premature end. Most projects begin in optimism,...

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Complying with all laws seems like a straightforward concept that you would want to observe. As a design professional, there may be some hidden pitfalls in this statement. Continue reading...

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When it comes to managing risk, GET BACK TO THE BASICS. How does your firm stack up when it comes to the Top 10 Risk Management Principles for Design Professionals? Here's a summary of the Top 10 Risk Management...

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This is final topic of our series covering the top ten risk management principles for design professionals. The final risk management principle covers Dispute and Claim Handling.

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This risk management tool in a professional practice plan involves determining the date of “Substantial Completion” of a project-it is a date, when established by the prime professional on a project that carries with it...

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Construction quality assurance is an important element of a plan that is a final step in a process (and may be best performed by the staff responsible for the design to determine that the design intent is carried out)....

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A well-developed and implemented quality assurance plan ensures consistent high-quality service on all projects, and is critical to both project success and maintaining key client relationships. Read the May 2020 issue...

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Professional services are occupations in the sector of the economy requiring special knowledge, skill and training, when exercising judgement, in the arts or sciences. Some professional services require holding licenses...

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The fifth topic of the top 10 risk management principles is discussed this month: Contracts & Ownership of the Firm's Documents.

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The short and to the point answer is, "It truly depends." Many factors affect whether a loss has coverage under an insurance program, including the type of loss, the type of coverage, and the terms and conditions of the...

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It has always been the goal of DesignPro Insurance to provide Risk Management and Insurance services that go beyond the sale and service of insurance policies. Businesses and individuals face all types of risks that...

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Please take a moment to read our fourth topic on risk management principles - A "Go/No Go Policy" for design professionals.

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Architects and engineers are generally known for their technical and graphic abilities, rather than their communication skills. Nonetheless, effective oral and written communications will benefit a design practice in...

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Mentor and educate all members of your firm. People are a professional firm’s most important resource. If you fail to grow the next generation of professionals, you are failing to secure your own future and the future...

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Here is the first in a series of ten articles covering the top ten risk management principles. This month the topic is a Firm's Culture & Ethical Practices.

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This month we are outlining the Top 10 Risk Management Principles For Design Professionals.

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The September issue of Building Blocks covers the importance written contracts.

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Learn how to determine when a project is complete and why the substantial completion date is so important in the August Building Blocks Newsletter.

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Last month we discussed contractor led projects and your responsibilities. Now in the July issue of Building Blocks, we will review your obligations in an architect/engineer led project.

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Meeting Obligations to Your Client and the Project Owner (Part 1 of 2)

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Professional liability insurance is designed to protect architects, engineers, surveyors, and consultants (also known as design professionals) from potentially costly lawsuits or claims from clients or third parties....

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The May Issue of the Building Blocks Newsletter covers Design Professional Personal Liability. In the newsletter we tackle various aspects of personal liability such as: The requirements for a design professional to be...

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The subject of the April issue of Building Blocks takes a look at providing pro bono services and Ohio's Good Samaritan law.

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In the March Issue of Building Blocks, Eric covers the topic of Eminent Domain and how it can affect the A&E professional.

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The topic of the February issue of Building Blocks is "Sealing & Stamping Design Professional Documents in Ohio." Take a moment to read the do's and don'ts of using your professional seal on documents.

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The New Year always brings about resolutions. This month Eric discusses the "Top 10 New Years' Resolutions for Design Professionals." Read the January newsletter to find out what the Top 10 Best Practices are and...

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Don't end up being on Santa's naughty list. In the December issue of Building Blocks we discuss how giving or receiving gifts can lead to trouble.

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Do words have power? Yes, they definitely do. Read the November issue of Building Blocks to understand how certain words can impact your contracts.

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The October issue of Building Blocks is now available. The featured article this month covers Warranties & Guarantees Clauses in your agreements.

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The September issue of BUILDING BLOCKS is available. Contractual Defense Protection - A New Solution for the Old "Duty to Defend" Problem is the topic this month.

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This month in Building Blocks, our topic is Reasons to Maintain and Reveal Your Client's Confidential Information. Please take a moment to leave us a comment or ask a question about this article. Also, be sure send in...

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The topic of the July issue of Building Blocks is about ownership of documents - drawings, specifications, reports, and other documents.

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It's June and we are in the heart of "Construction Season". The June issue of Building Blocks is about complying with laws during design and construction. Be sure to mark your calendar for our upcoming CE Programs...

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The May issue of Building Blocks covers RFI's. Please take a moment to share your thoughts on this month's article and let us know if there is a topic you would like covered in a future issue of our newsletter.

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This month in Building Blocks we discuss Site Photography and be sure to check out the Featured Project by Schooley Caldwell Architects.

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Welcome to the first issue of our A&E Newsletter, Building Blocks. This issue of "Building Blocks" covers records retention in Ohio. Please leave a comment about what topics you would like us to cover in future...

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Design professionals increase their liability when agreeing in contracts to comply with all laws. DesignPro's Eric Pempus addresses the issues and reasons for standing firm on negotiating this out of your contract....

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DesignPro Insurance is a member of a/e pronet which is an association of insurance brokers dedicated to serving the insurance and risk management needs of design professionals. DesignPro works with design professionals...

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This is a great article written for a/e pronet by James Johnson, Esquire and Travis Smuckler, Esquire. DesignPro Insurance is a proud member of a/e pronet. Click on the link below. http://www.aepronet.org/wp-content/...

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DesignPro Insurance Group is the exclusive broker for RLI Insurance in Ohio. Current RLI/DesignPro clients enjoy monthly webinars that are filed for Continuing education. In conjunction with RLI, we are offering a...

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DesignPro Insurance is a proud member of a/epronet. Check out our scholarship winners selected by the AIA using the link below. We are also working to establish a scholarship for engineers through ACEC. http://www....

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In the world of claims-related contract clauses for design professional agreements, the indemnity and defense clauses get all the attention. However, lurking in the shadow of the indemnity clause is a menacing cousin...

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