Set the terms for architectural services: Architect Contract
What is an Architect Contract?
An Architect Contract allows an architect to set forth the terms associated with their relationship with a client. Signing this essential contract can help everyone avoid disagreements down the road.
When to use an Architect Contract:
- You're providing architectural services to another business or individual.
- You're hiring an architect for a building project.
How do I get my Architect Contract reviewed?
If you already have an Architect Contract and want to have it reviewed, or if you have questions about creating or using one, there are a few ways to get help.
Use Rocket Copilot to ask questions or review your document; this helps you better understand what it says and identify anything that may need a closer look.
If you are looking for help from a Legal Pro, you can also ask a question and receive a response within one business day, or request a more in-depth document review.
Sample Architect Contract
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Architect Contract
This Architect Contract is made effective as of , by and between of , , , and of , , .
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES. Beginning on , will provide to the Architects services described below and in the attached Exhibit A (collectively, the "Services"). Architect's services shall include all architectural, site planning, and engineering services in connection with the shell and core design for the Project and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, will include the following
Schematic Design Phase: Services provided by the Architect in Schematic Design Phase of the construction include:
a.Reviewing the Project furnished by the Client
b.Ascertaining the requirements of the Project.
Design Development Phase: Services provided by Architect in Design Development Phase of the construction include:
a.Preparing construction documents containing drawings other documents to fix and describe the size, character of the Project as architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical materials and other elements based on approved Schematic Design Phase.
b.Advising Client on preliminary estimate of construction cost.
Construction Documents Phase: Services provided by Architect in Construction Documents Phase of the construction include:
a.Preparing documents drawings setting forth the detailed requirements based on the approved Design Development Documents.
b.Advising Client on construction cost.
c.Helping Client for approval of governmental authorities.
Bidding or Negotiation Phase: Architect, following the Clients approval of the construction documents assist the Client in obtaining bids or negotiated proposals and assist in awarding and preparing contracts for the project.
Construction Phase-Administration of the Construction Contract: Architect shall provide general conditions for construction. Architects service commences with the award of the Contract and terminates at the issuance to the Client, of the final certificate for payment. Architect shall not have control over or charge of and shall not be responsible for construction means and methods, techniques, sequences or procedures or for safety precautions and programs in connection with work, since they are contractors responsibility. Architect can inspect and reject work if not compiled with project.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES. Architect shall provide additional services in connection with the planning and design of the project. Project representation beyond basic services, selecting project representatives, evaluating substitution by contractor, providing serviced due to changes in project, revision of documents with the approval of Client.
PAYMENT. Payment shall be made to
In addition to any other right or remedy provided by law, if fails to pay for the Services when due, has the option to treat such failure to pay as a material breach of this Contract, and may cancel this Contract and/or seek legal remedies.
COMPENSATlON FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES. In addition to the payments made to the Architect, Client shall pay Architect for any additional services provided by the Architect.
CLIENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES. Client shall provide full information regarding requirements for the project. Client shall establish and update overall budget. Client shall furnish legal requirements for the construction.
TERM. This Contract
CONFIDENTIALITY. , and its employees, agents, or representatives will not at any time or in any manner, either directly or indirectly, use for the personal benefit of , or divulge, disclose, or communicate in any manner, any information that is proprietary to . and its employees, agents, and representatives will protect such information and treat it as strictly confidential. This provision will continue to be effective after the termination of this Contract.
Upon termination of this Contract, will return to all records, notes, documentation and other items that were used, created, or controlled by during the term of this Contract.
NO MECHANIC'S LIEN. Architect shall not permit or suffer any mechanic's lien filed by any subcontractor, Consultant, laborer, or material vendor of Architect to remain upon the premises of Client, provided such lien arises from the execution of work included in this contract. Upon final payment due under this Contract, Architect agrees, for himself and his Consultants and subcontractors, that it will furnish to Client, upon request, such certificate or certificates as Client may require or desire, to the effect that no mechanic's liens or claims of Architect or its Consultants and subcontractors have arisen or are outstanding with respect to the Work and that there is, to the best of the Architect 's knowledge, information, and belief, no basis for any future liens to be filed, but that if any such liens or claims are filed, Architect will defend and hold Client harmless against such liens.
DEFAULT. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute a material default under this Contract:
| a. | The failure to make a required payment when due. |
| b. | The insolvency or bankruptcy of either party. |
| c. | The subjection of any of either party's property to any levy, seizure, general assignment for the benefit of creditors, application or sale for or by any creditor or government agency. |
| d. | The failure to make available or deliver the Services in the time and manner provided for in this Contract. |
REMEDIES. In addition to any and all other rights a party may have available according to law, if a party defaults by failing to substantially perform any provision, term or condition of this Contract (including without limitation the failure to make a monetary payment when due), the other party may terminate the Contract by providing written notice to the defaulting party. This notice shall describe with sufficient detail the nature of the default. The party receiving such notice shall have days from the effective date of such notice to cure the default(s). Unless waived by a party providing notice, the failure to cure the default(s) within such time period shall result in the automatic termination of this Contract.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Contract contains the entire agreement of the parties, and there are no other promises or conditions in any other agreement whether oral or written concerning the subject matter of this Contract. This Contract supersedes any prior written or oral agreements between the parties.
SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Contract will be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable. If a court finds that any provision of this Contract is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting such provision it would become valid and enforceable, then such provision will be deemed to be written, construed, and enforced as so limited.
AMENDMENT. This Contract may be modified or amended in writing, if the writing is signed by the party obligated under the amendment.
GOVERNING LAW. This Contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of .
NOTICE. Any notice or communication required or permitted under this Contract shall be sufficiently given if delivered in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address set forth in the opening paragraph or to such other address as one party may have furnished to the other in writing.
WAIVER OF CONTRACTUAL RIGHT. The failure of either party to enforce any provision of this Contract shall not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that party's right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Contract.
SIGNATORIES. This Agreement shall be signed on behalf of by and on behalf of by and effective as of the date first above written.
Client:
| By: | Date: |
Architect:
| By: | Date: |
Architect Contract FAQs
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Do architects need to write Architect Contracts each time that they are hired?
No matter how few hours the work will take, it is critical to capture the details of any commitments to the client in writing. The following benefits may be helpful for you to know:
- Everyone knows when invoicing will happen
- The duration of the engagement is agreed upon
- Roles and responsibilities are understood by everyone
If you opt not to use an Architect Agreement, neither party will experience any of the aforementioned benefits and protections.
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How do you structure a contract for architectural services?
You should prepare the following information for your Architect Contract:
- The name and address of the client
- What services will be delivered
- What the start and end dates are
- How much you will charge
This contract from Rocket Lawyer also contains the standard language regarding the independent work relationship between the parties, confidentiality, and finally, liability. As you make your agreement, you also will be able to select which state's laws will govern it. With the document tool, you are able to implement additional modifications, as needed.
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What would it typically cost for me to create an Architectural Contract?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Architect Contract can vary widely. Many lawyers charge hourly rates that may range from around $100 for less experienced attorneys to $350 or more per hour for highly experienced attorneys in major metropolitan areas. For more routine documents, some attorneys may offer flat-fee pricing.
The total cost will depend on several factors, including your location, the attorney’s experience, and the complexity of your agreement. More documents or situations involving negotiation will typically require more time and increase the overall cost.
With Rocket Lawyer, you can create a personalized Architect Contract tailored to your specific needs—without the high cost typically associated with hiring a lawyer. If you have questions or want additional peace of mind, you can also get your document reviewed or ask a Legal Pro for guidance.
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Am I required to do anything else after drafting my Architect Contract?
After drafting your Architect Contract, review it carefully. You may also want to review it with the other party to ensure all parties fully understand and agree to the terms of the agreement. Once all parties agree to the terms, the next step is to have all parties sign it, and each party should keep a copy for their records. It’s also a good idea to store it in a safe, accessible place in case you need to reference it later.
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Where can I get my Architect Contracts evaluated by a professional?
It’s smart to have an important agreement reviewed before you sign, so you fully understand the terms and avoid potential risks.
While some attorneys may review documents they didn’t draft, others may decline or require a retainer, hourly billing, or a flat fee. This can make getting a legal document review of your Architect Contract less predictable and more time-consuming.
Rocket Lawyer makes the process simpler. With a Rocket Lawyer membership, you can request a review from a Legal Pro or ask questions about your Architect Contract. You can also use Rocket Copilot to quickly review your agreement, spot potentially risky terms, and make sure everything looks accurate before signing.
Once you’re ready, you can sign your document online with RocketSign—all in one place.
