Ben SnapeArchitecture and risk
Risk management for architects means identifying what could go wrong on a building project, assessing the likely impact and agreeing who will act. Design coordination, incomplete records, changing client requirements and missed decisions all need attention.
An architecture risk assessment should lead to a working risk register: a record of each concern, its likelihood and impact, the person responsible for the response and a review date. Update it as the design, project team or scope changes.
This guide covers common areas of risk and practical ways to organise checks, project records and communication.
Most common risks for architects
Among all the risks you face as an architect, these are the most common ones:
Liability for free advice
Architects can be sued for negligence if they give free advice that causes economic loss to someone who relies on it, even if they did not intend to create a professional relationship.
To avoid this risk, – use disclaimers or refrain from giving free advice.
Liability for design and documentation errors
Any architect can be sued for negligence if they make mistakes in their design or documentation that result in defects, delays, or damages in the construction or operation of a building or a project.
To avoid this risk, architects should follow the standards of care, use quality control procedures, and carry professional liability insurance.
PlanMan’s document management module keeps project files together and lets you choose which documents clients can access. Agree a revision and issue process with the team so everyone knows which files to use.
Liability for contract administration
Architects can be sued for negligence if they fail to properly perform their contract administration duties, such as supervising the contractor, issuing certificates, or resolving disputes.
To avoid this risk, follow the contract terms, document their actions, and communicate clearly with the client and the contractor.
Double-check yourself using this guide on architectural contracts and invoicing to make sure you’re not repeating common mistakes.
Liability for certification
Architects can be sued for negligence if they issue inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading certificates, such as certificates of compliance, occupancy, or payment.
To avoid this risk, architects should inspect the work thoroughly, verify the information, and use standard forms.
Liability for inspections and valuations
Architects can be sued for negligence if they conduct inspections or valuations that are inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading, such as pre-purchase inspections, condition reports, or cost estimates.
To avoid this risk, you should inspect the work thoroughly, verify the information, and use standard forms.
Liability for pro bono services
Architects can be sued for negligence if they provide pro bono services that cause economic loss to someone who relies on them, even if they did not charge a fee.
Use disclaimers or treat pro bono services as regular services to minimise this risk.
Liability for working in specialist areas
Architects can be sued for negligence if they work in specialist areas that require specific skills or knowledge that they do not possess, such as heritage conservation, sustainability, or accessibility.
To make sure this risk does not affect you, always try to obtain the necessary qualifications (e.g. BREEAM and LEED), experience, or advice before working in specialist areas.
Liability for secondment of staff
Architects can be sued for negligence if they second their staff to another firm or organization and their staff cause economic loss to someone who relies on their work.
Always work with vetted sub-contractors and co-consultants, and our co-consultant project management module will make sure you’re always on the same page with them.
Risk management for architects
Use this short checklist to turn a concern into an action:
- Describe the risk and the project decision or deliverable it could affect.
- Assess its likelihood and impact using a scale the team understands.
- Assign one person to coordinate the response and record the agreed action.
- Set a review date and keep the supporting decisions and documents with the project.
For example, if a consultant’s information may arrive after a drawing issue deadline, record the dependency, agree a response with the consultant and review the programme before issuing the drawings.
Conduct risk assessment
You should identify and analyze the potential risks affecting their projects, such as design errors, construction defects, legal disputes, or financial losses. Evaluate the level of risk and prioritize the most critical issues.
Implement mitigation measures
As an architect, you should select and apply the appropriate strategies to reduce or eliminate the risk level, such as avoiding, transferring, reducing, or retaining the risk.
For example, use quality control procedures, contract terms, insurance policies, or contingency plans.
Monitor and review the risk management process
Architects track and measure the performance and effectiveness of the risk management process and the risk mitigation measures using indicators, audits, or feedback mechanisms.
You should also review and update the process and the measures as needed.
Communicate and consult with the stakeholders
Impeccable communication with all the parties involved sets beginner architects apart from true professionals.
You should engage and inform the relevant stakeholders about the risk management process and its outcomes using appropriate methods and channels, such as reports, meetings, or workshops.
We have added an advanced client communication module to PlanMan specifically for that purpose – so you can never be out of sync with your clients or project stakeholders.
Align risk management with their business strategy
You should ensure that your risk management process supports the strategic goals and needs of your clients and their projects. Risk management needs to be a part of your business plan as you grow your architecture business.
Adapt to changing circumstances
More than anyone, architects should be aware of the changing needs and challenges of their clients and their projects due to external factors, such as market trends, regulations, or pandemics.
Demonstrate the value of your design solutions and address factors such as health, safety, resilience, and sustainability. Our project management software will help you care for the mundane and focus on growth.