Your horoscope for November says that this is the month in which you should brush up on your contract documents knowledge. And AIA eClassroom is offering a 20 percent discount on contract documents programs through November 30, 2002. Coincidence?

The AIA Contract Documents comprise more than 80 forms and contracts that define contractual relationships and terms involved in design and construction projects. Prepared by the AIA with the consensus of contractors, attorneys, architects, and engineers, the documents have been finely tuned during their more than 100-year history. As a result, these comprehensive contracts and forms have withstood numerous court decisions and are widely recognized as the industry standard.

The following courses are available at a discount this month:

Design/Build: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (2 HSW)
Design/build is becoming an increasingly popular delivery method for architects. An expert panel examines the influence of design/build on the architecture profession, how to define the scope of work in an agreement, liabilities involved in design/build, and the AIA's contract documents.

You'll learn:
• What issues and liabilities to be aware of when doing a design/build project
• What changes are proposed for the AIA's family of documents
• How to use agreements effectively to address crucial issues and liabilities.
(AIA members: $79.95; nonmembers: $119.95)
To learn more about this course and enroll, view the full course listing.

Risk Management Primer: A Short Course in Loss Prevention Techniques (2 HSW)
Learn the basics—in clear, understandable language—about errors and omissions insurance, useful claims response and management techniques, and working with a lawyer. Get facts on basic loss prevention and how to lower your professional risks without feeling like you're attending law school.

You'll learn how to:
• Deal with difficult contracts and review beneficial contract negotiation tactics
• Evaluate markets and clients before pursuing the job
• Document services and client decisions to protect against claims and disputes
• Hire a lawyer and get the most from his or her legal services
• Respond to claims and potential claims quickly and decisively to reduce defense time and expenses.
(AIA members: $79.95; nonmembers: $119.95)
To learn more about this course and enroll, please view the full course listing.

If You Watch Them Build It, They May Sue (2 HSW)
What are the advantages and risks associated with providing construction administration services? Make reasonable assessments of whether the risk of a particular course of conduct during construction administration is warranted in light of the potential reward to the project and the firm.

You'll learn:
• How to analyze the risks and benefits associated with fulfilling construction administration duties
• Techniques for controlling and minimizing construction administration risks
• The basics for developing an effective in-house training program for a firm's construction administration team.
(AIA members: $79.95; nonmembers: $119.95)
To learn more about this course and enroll, please view the full course listing.

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.