Symposium 2000 Review by Tom Butt, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C Introduction My presentation at the symposium included remarks about construction litigation in general, the design professional's standard of care, using standards to avoid litigation and achieve better design and...
Thomas K. Butt, AIA, is President and John E. Clinton, SE, AIA, is Chairman of the Board of Interactive Resources, Inc., an architecture-engineering firm in Richmond, California. Mr. Butt is a registered architect, licensed general contractor, and real estate broker....
The American Institute of Architects California Chapter (AIACC) is pursuing an amendment to either the Senate or Assembly Judiciary Committee Omnibus bills that would modify the process for certificates of merit in litigation involving design professionals. For...
Architecture and Expert Witnesses In litigation, the determination of architectural negligence, or malpractice as it is commonly known, has to be evidenced by testimony of expert witnesses. In assessing whether or not an architect conformed to the "standard of care,"...
The Uniform Building Code requirements for plaza decks (waterproofed surfaces designed for pedestrian-type occupancy) has always been somewhat ambiguous in the past, inviting experts in construction litigation to testify both in defense of and in criticism of...
Assembly Bill 969, signed by Governor Wilson on July 17, 1995, requires architects to use written contracts. The California Business and Professions Code now includes the following requirement for written contracts: Section 5536.22. (a) An architect shall use a...