CLAIMS AGAINST ARCHITECTS

Common examples of claims against Architects include:

1. Design and Scope of works.

• Architects will be instructed to prepare designs and detailed descriptions of how building works are to be carried out. This may include detailed drawings and descriptions as to how a property is to be built/ renovated.
• If there is an issue with the way in which those designs and/or scopes of work were prepared such as fundamental flaws, then you may be able to bring a claim against the Architect for damages.

 

2. Supervision of Work.

• Often Architects will be instructed to oversee or supervise the works being carried out by a contractor.
• If there is an issue with the building works and that contractor has failed to carry out those works with reasonable skill and care, then in addition to a claim against the contractor you may also have a claim against the Architect for negligence.

 

3. Certification of works.

• Architects will also normally be instructed to certify the completion of works at key stages of a build.
• It would be the Architect’s responsibility to check the works at stages throughout the build process to ensure that the works, up to that point, had been completed to a satisfactory standard before the next stage of the build is started.
• Once the Architect is happy that the works have been completed to a satisfactory standard, they will issue a certificate which would normally also trigger a part payment to the contractor.
• If the Architect certifies a project as completed when it has not been completed (or has been completed to an unsatisfactory standard) then you may have a claim against that Architect for negligence.