The Architect as Contract Administrator

A Legal Perspective

DAS AZMAN ARCHITECTS SDN BHD

1 2 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Ar. THURAI DAS THURAISINGHAM

An overview

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

Contents

An Overview

Architects Work Scope

The Building Contract

Architect An Independant Certifier

Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

Conclusion

An overview

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

Sources of Law Federal and State Constitutions Statutes eg. - Contracts Act 1950 - Architects Act 1967 - Street, Drainage And Building Act 1974

Common Law - Judicial decisions made by the Courts

Regulations of Administrative Agencies eg. - Board of Architects - Architects (Scale of Minimum Fees) Rules 2010.

Rules of Equity

Classification of Law Law pertaining to the practice of architecture Civil Law : Private law dealing with the rights and obligations of individuals and corporations in their dealing with each other. eg. Law of Contract Law of Tort

Administrative Law

Legislation at the federal, state and local levels establishes and enhances building codes and regulations. Designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
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An overview

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

Law of Contract

Concerns the legally binding rights and obligations of parties who have made an agreement for a specific purpose.

Law of Tort

A tort is a wrong done by one party to another for which a remedy such as compensation or an injunction may be sought in the courts. Specific Torts eg. Negligence Defamation Trespass.

The Architects Liability

The Architects legal obligations and responsibilities are owed to a variety of parties, and are governed by statutes, administrative regulations and common law. Two areas of specific concern are, Breach of Contract Negligence

An overview

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

Breach of Contract

The Architect enters into a contractual relationship with the client to perform specific services. (architectural consultancy) There is an implied agreement to carry out the required work to the standard expected of the profession. Failure to meet these standards, which cause extra expense or delays for the owner, may result in a claim for damages against the Architect on the grounds of breach of contract.

Negligence

Apart from any contractual obligations which may have been agreed upon, a duty or standard of care under the law of tort may exist. If a person fails in this duty, a negligence suit could succeed.

Architects Work Scope

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

CLIENT / ARCHITECT AGREEMENT

ARCHITECTS SCOPE OF WORKS

Schematic Design Phase

Design Development Phase

Tender Documentation Phase

Contract Implementation & Management Phase

CONTRACT IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT PHASE

ARCHITECTS PROFESSIONAL DUTIES

CLIENT

CONTRACTOR & EMPLOYER

Defined By CLIENT / ARCHITECT AGREEMENT

Defined By BUILDING CONTRACT

The Building Contract

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

The Building Contract

The building contract in reference, in this paper, is the PAM 2006 Form With Quantities edition. This is a contract for a lump sum which requires the Contractor to complete the work comprised in it for an ascertained and specified sum, subject to it being increased or diminished, by taking into consideration the value of variation additions and omissions made in accordance with the contract.

The PAM 2006 Form must be read in conjunction with the general corpus of the law of contract. A standard form, in itself, will not be self-sufficient nor self-contained, in incorporating all the rights and obligations of the contracting parties. As such, it must be read and understood in light of the general law and in particular that part of the law governing contractual relationships.

Article 3 of the Articles of Agreement of the PAM 2006 Form, provides for the designation of an Architect registered with the Board of Architects Malaysia. Under Article 3, the Employer has a duty to appoint the Architect. The named Architect, engaged by the Employer is thus entrusted with the administration and supervision of the building contract.

Architect An Independent Certifier

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

Architect An Independant Certifier

The Architect, engaged by the Employer, acts as his agent for the purpose of securing the completion of the works, in an economical and timely manner. Under the PAM 2006 Form, the Architect is the contract administrator, whilst at the same time, under this phase he continues to be the Employers agent.

In his capacity as contract administrator and an agent of the Employer the Architect, amongst others, provides information to the Contractor to enable him to carry out his contractual works, issues variation orders which may alter the extent, nature and quantity of the works, nominates sub-contractors and suppliers on the Employers behalf, supervises and approves the works.

In his capacity as contract administrator and indep endent certifier, it is the Architects duty to issue certifications on all payments due under the contract and to certify acceptance of completed works in conformity to contract specifications and accepted standards.

The contract administrator must act with independence, impartiality and fairness. The professional obligation to act fairly extends to such of his duties as require him to use his professional skill and judgement in forming an opinion or making a decision where he is holding the balance between his Client and the Contractor.

Architect An Independent Certifier

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

Architect An Independant Certifier

Continuation

The Architect is duty bound to serve the Employer faithfully as his agent. The Employer would reasonably expect that the Architect possesses the requisite ability and skill, and the latter, by holding himself out as an Architect, impliedly warrants that he possesses such attributes. An Architect would be liable to the Employer if he had been professionally negligent.

Breach of a professional persons obligations to his Client is generally referred to as professional negligence. For liability to be established it must be proven that the Architect had failed to exercise the standard of care required and that the negligence alleged is a matter of substance.

Not every careless act or fault of an Architect gives rise to liability in negligence, even where damage is sustained by another as a result.

In order to establish a claim in negligence, the law makes it necessary for a claimant to satisfy the following requirements :-

o o o o

The existence in law of a duty of care. Professional conduct that falls below the standard of care imposed by law. A causal connection between the defendants conduct and the damage. Damage falling within the scope of the duty.

Architect An Independent Certifier

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

Architect An Independant Certifier

Continuation

In a situation where special skill or competence is involved, then the test as to whether there has been negligence or not, is measured against the standard of the ordinary skilled man exercising and professing to have that skill. The normal measure of an Architects skill is that of ordinary skilled Architects. An error of judgement may or may not amount to negligence. A good defence against a negligence complaint is one where the Architect can show that he acted in accord with general and approved practice. The seminal English case of Sutcliff v Thackrah (1974) AC 727 deemed that the Architect is liable in damages if he causes loss to his Employer by failure to take due care or to exercise reasonable professional skill in carrying out his duties. It would be a reasonable expectation on the Clients part, that the Architect will perform his duties under the contract, in such a manner as to safeguard his interests and that he will do all that is reasonably within his power to ensure that the work is satisfactorily and expeditiously undertaken, so as to achieve the objective as contemplated by the contract. It naturally flows from this expectation that the Architect will administer the contract and supervise the work, so as to ensure, as far as is reasonably possible, that the quality of work, is as specified in the contract. The Architect must provide reasonable supervision to the works, not only in compliance with statutory provisions, but also to enable him to issue certifications under the contract that the work has been satisfactorily carried out in accordance with contract drawings and specifications. He is not required personally to measure or check every detail, but should check substantial and critical aspects of the work. It is altogether imperative that qualified supervisory personnel are stationed at the construction site, to assist the Architect in his supervision of the works.

Architect An Independent Certifier

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

Architect An Independant Certifier

Continuation

In the administration of the building contract, the importance of the Architects impartiality in his role as an independent certifier, cannot be over emphasised. The basic premise underpinning the system of payment arrangements in construction contracts is the integrity of the certification machinery. The Architect must exercise his function as the certifier in good faith and to the best of his uninfluenced professional judgement, eventhough he is appointed by the Employer. It is settled law that an Architect, in exercising his function as a certifier under a building contract has to act fairly and independently and should not be subject to the directions or instructions of either the Employer nor the Contractor. Needless to say, an Architect should never allow the Employer improperly to influence his decisions nor should the Employer prevent the independent exercise of the Architects authority as certifier. The Architects decisions and certificates bind both the Employer and the Contractor. Improper or negligent certification may result in the Contractor suffering financial losses. This could arise where the Architect under certifies the Interim Payment Certificates and Final Certificates, certifies late or fails to certify them at all, or when he does not certify the Certificate of Practical Completion or Certificate of Making Good Defects, or certifies them late, or he issues the Certificate of NonCompletion erroneously causing the Employer to deduct monies from sums otherwise due to the Contractor. The Contractors contractual remedy in such situations is by way of reference to arbitration, as provided for under Clause 34.0 of the PAM 2006 Form. There have been cases where an aggrieved Contractor has sued the Architect in tort for negligent certification. The question here is whether an Architect owed a duty of care to the Contractor in the issuance of certificates under the building contract. Based on recent case law, it would seem unlikely that a contractor, under a building contract which provides for arbitration, could successfully bring a claim in tort against the Architect for negligent certification.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

THE PAM 2006 FORM

With Quantities Edition

CLAUSE 15.0

PRACTICAL COMPLETION AND DEFECTS LIABILITY

Clause 15.1

Practical Completion

Clause 15.2

Certificate of Practical Completion

Clause 15.3

Contractors failure to comply with undertaking

Clause 15.4

Schedule of Defects

Clause 15.5

Instruction to make good Defects

Clause 15.6

Certificate of Making Good Defects

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 15.0

A Commentary

The term practical completion is not explicitly defined in Clause 15.1 of the conditions of contract. It is stipulated amongst others, that for the issuance of the Certificate of Practical Completion, in the opinion of the Architect, the Employer can have full use of the Works for their intended purposes, notwithstanding that there may be works and defects of a minor nature still to be executed. There have been conflicting court decisions, as can be seen in the English cases of Westminster City Council v Jarvis & Sons Ltd (1970) 7 BLR 64 and P&M Kaye LTD v Hosier & Dickinson Ltd (1972) 1 WLR 146, as to what constitutes practical completion in the context of the JCT 1963 Form. The latter case takes a rather expedient view that it would be unrealistic to take practical completion to mean completion down to the last detail. This could be interpreted to mean that if the Works reach a state of readiness for use or occupation by the employer, then they would be considered to be practically complete. The earlier case of Westminster City Council v Jarvis & Sons Ltd (1970) 7 BLR 64 takes a strict view that all patent defects are to be remedied before the issuance of the CPC. Practical completion is construed to be completion for all practical purposes when the contractor has performed all the contractual works except for very minor de minimis work and there are no patent defects in the Works. In the case of HW Nevill (Sunblest) Ltd v William Press & Son Ltd (1981) 20 BLR 78 it was held that the Architect would have a discretion to certify practical completion when very minor de minimis works had not been carried out, but if there are any patent defects then the architect cannot issue a certificate of practical completion.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 15.0

A Commentary
Continuation

To state the obvious, the Certificate of Practical Completion is a highly significant document with major contractual implications. The Architect in the administration of the contract is here called upon to exercise his professional judgement on whether the Works are practically complete or otherwise. The exercise of judgement should be done in a responsible, prudent and impartial manner. Specifically, the architect is to determine whether the very minor works left incomplete or that which needs to be remedied is to be deemed as de minimis in which case he would issue the Certificate of Practical Completion. Based on the stipulations in the PAM 2006 Form it would be reasonable to issue the Certificate of Practical Completion only when all contractual works have been completed in accordance with contract drawings and specifications. The only exception to this condition would be incomplete or remedial works of a very minor nature and defects which are not apparent at the date of practical completion. The Architect should not issue a Certificate of Practical Completion if there are patent defects which are not minor in nature. Clause 15.6 is a contract condition which provides for the Architect to issue the Certificate of Making Good Defects when the instruction contained in the schedule of defects or given under Clause 15.5 has been complied with. The issuance of this certificate is a pre-requisite for the release of the second moiety of the retention sum. This certification is also one of the events which must have occurred for the commencement of the period within which the Final Certificate is to be issued.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

THE PAM 2006 FORM

With Quantities Edition

CLAUSE 22.0

DAMAGES FOR NON-COMPLETION

Clause 22.1

Liquidated Damages and Certificate of Non-Completion

Clause 22.2

Agreed Liquidated Damages amount

Clause 22.3

Certificate of Non-Completion revoked by subsequent Certificate of Extension of Time

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 22.0

A Commentary

In almost all construction contracts, time is of the essence. The failure by the Contractor to complete in time invariably results in the Employer sustaining financial losses including exposure to claims by third parties like purchases. Late completion by a Contractor is a breach of contract and damages are the Employers remedy. Damages in the legal lexicon is described as a quantum of money awarded as compensation for a breach of contract or a tort. Liquidated damages are fixed in advance of the breach and can be recovered without proof of loss; however the sum fixed ought to be a fair pre-estimate of the likely consequence of a breach. Liquidated damages may be distinguished from unliquidated or general damages which are assessed only after the breach and can only be recovered upon proof of losses. There are sound commercial reasons for using liquidated damages in construction contracts. Firstly, because of the certainty they bring to the consequences of breach; and secondly, because they avoid the expense and dispute involved in proving loss. Clause 22.0 provides a mechanism whereby the contracting parties can agree in advance as to the damages payable by the Contractor and recoverable by the Employer if the former fails to complete the Works by the Date of Completion stated in the Appendix or within any extended period certified by the Architect under Clause 23.0 Extension of Time. The insertion of a specific Date of Completion is a pre-requisite for liquidated damages to be effected. Utmost care must be exercised in completing the Appendix of the contract and the English case of Temloc Ltd v Erril Properties Ltd (1987) 39 BLR 30 is an example of the complications arising from not doing so. In that case NIL was inserted in the Appendix entry for the amount of liquidated damages and the period over which payment was to be made was left blank. The courts held that this constituted an agreement that no damages would be payable by the Contractor for late completion and it was not open to the Employer to claim general damages.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 22.0

A Commentary
Continuation

However, it would be reasonable to presume that under the PAM 2006 Form, if the Date of Completion is not inserted in the Appendix, the Employer would be able to recover general damages by legal action on the basis of his actual proven loss, provided for in common law. In order for liquidated damages to be effected, there must be failure by the Contractor to achieve practical completion by the contractual Date for Completion. The damages are computed at the rate stated in the Appendix and based on the duration from the date of the Certificate of NonCompletion till the date of the Certificate of Practical Completion. It is imperative that the Architect perform his duties judiciously, in regard to any warranted extension of time under Clause 23.0 of the contract provisions. Failure by a Contractor to achieve practical completion by the Date for Completion, whether it be the original date or one which has been revised due to time extension being granted, will cause the Architect to issue the Certificate of Non-Completion. The Certificate of Non-Completion is a statement of fact by the Architect. He certifies objectively in writing that in his opinion the Works ought reasonably to have been completed by the Date of Completion and that the contractor has failed to complete the said Works. Court decisions are unequivocal in that the Certificate on Non-Completion is a condition precedent to the deduction of the liquidated damages. Without the said certificate, any deduction by the Employer will amount to a repudiation of the contract.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

THE PAM 2006 FORM

With Quantities Edition

CLAUSE 23.0

EXTENSION OF TIME

Clause 23.1 Clause 23.2 Clause 23.3 Clause 23.4 Clause 23.5 Clause 23.6 Clause 23.7 Clause 23.8 Clause 23.9

Submission of notice and particulars for extension of time Delay by Nominated Sub-Contractor Insufficient information Certificate of Extension of Time Other consideration for extension of time Contractor to prevent delay Notification to Nominated Sub-Contractors Relevant Events Extension of time after the issuance of Certificate of NonCompletion Architects review of extension of time after Practical Completion

Clause 23.10

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 23.0

A Commentary

Generally, delaying circumstances in the context of a building construction contract can be of three types. Firstly, delays caused by the Contractor, secondly delays caused by the Employer or his agents and thirdly delays caused by neutral events. Clause 23.0 of the PAM 2006 Form allocates these risks of non-completion between the parties. It reduces the Contractors risk in relation to work delays by entitling him to an extension of time on account of delay based on various specific circumstances. It is the main provision under which any alteration to the Date of Completion can be made and refers to an extension of time meaning a lengthening of the period within which the Works have to be completed. Clause 23.0 provides for the mechanism for notification of delay by the Contractor and the grant of extension of time by the Architect on specified grounds. An extension of time is grantable only on those grounds stipulated under this clause. The operation of Clause 23.0 modifies the obligation of the Contractor to complete the Works by the Date for Completion specified in the Appendix and his liability to pay liquidated damages for late completion. It imposes a duty on the Architect to grant a fair and reasonable extension of time for completion of the Works, under specified circumstances. In law, the word reasonable implies an objective and careful decision by the Architect. He is required to exercise reasonable skill and care in arriving at an impartial decision, independently. Neither the Employer nor the Contractor should interfere or influence the Architects decision. Failure by the architect to judiciously exercise the authority to grant time extension, where any delay to completion is caused by the Employer or those for whom he is responsible in law, relieves the Contractor from his liability to pay liquidated damages. Consequently, the time for completion may becomes at large and the Contractors contractual obligation would then be to complete the Works within a reasonable time.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 23.0

A Commentary
Continuation

Under the provisions in Clause 23.0 the Contractor is obligated to notify the Architect of events causing delay. He is required to identity the relevant causes causing the delay, giving particulars of the expected effect and an estimate of the extension of time required. The notice shall contain sufficient information and reasons why delay to completion will result. It is an express provision in the contract that the Contractor substantiate his claims for time extension. The notification of delay to the Architect, by the Contractor, is a condition precedent to the performance by the Architect of his duties under the clause. Upon receipt of the Contractors notice, the Architect is to consider granting an extension of time independantly, based on his knowledge of the progress of the Works and other matters which may affect or likely to affect its progress. The Architect should approach his assessment of the Contractors time extension claim in a prudent and methodical manner so as to arrive at a fair and reasonable extension, if so warranted. Clause 23.6 stipulates that the Contractor shall constantly use his best endeavours to prevent delay in the progress of the works. Failure of the Contractor to do so is a breach of contract. The Contractor should take positive steps in order not to breach this term of the contract, which may include rescheduling the works, revising his methods of working or identifying ways to reduce the delay. The cause or causes of delay must fall under the relevant events listed in Clause 23.8, if they are to qualify for an extension of time. The relevant delaying event is deemed to be outside the Contractors control and which, if it causes delay to completion excuses the Contractor from liability to liquidated damages.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 23.0

A Commentary
Continuation

Where the Architect decides that time extension is warranted he must then by written notice to the Contractor give a fair and reasonable extension of time, by fixing such a later date as the Date for Completion. The Architect is required to deal comprehensively with extensions of time within the stipulated time upon receipt of the Contractors notice and particulars and fix a new Date for Completion. The Architect subject to contractual provisions is obliged to give an extension of time prospectively. The contract places the onus on the Architect to grant a justifiable extension of time to the Contractor in a timely manner. The Contractor would need to incorporate the additional time into his progress schedule and coordinate the remainder of the work. His failure to do so may cause the Employer to lose the right to extend time, thus putting time at large with a consequent loss of the right to deduct liquidated and ascertained damages. It should be noted that under Clause 23.10, the Architect has the discretion to fix a new Date for Completion retrospectively.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

THE PAM 2006 FORM

With Quantities Edition

CLAUSE 24.0

LOSS AND/OR EXPENSE CAUSED BY MATTERS AFFECTING THE REGULAR PROGRESS OF THE WORKS

Clause 24.1

Loss and/or expense caused by matters affecting the regular progress of the Works

Clause 24.2

Access to Contractors books and documents

Clause 24.3

Matters materially affecting the regular progress of the Works

Clause 24.4

Loss and/or expense to be included in certificate

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 24.0

A Commentary

It is not uncommon for a Contractor to suffer disturbance in the regular progress of the works due to causes within the Employers or Architects control. The main purpose of this contractual clause is to reimburse the Contractor for any loss and/or expense which he has suffered or incurred as a direct result of certain specified events. A claim would be considered valid under this provision, only if regular progress of the works had been materially affected, as a direct consequence, by one or more of the specified events. A written application to the Architect by the Contractor, at the relevant time, is a condition precedent to a successful claim under Clause 24.0. The Architect may delegate the duty of ascertaining the quantum of loss and/or expense to the quantity surveyor and in practice this is most often the case. Upon receipt of reasonably sufficient information pertaining to the claim, from the Contractor, the Architect must undertake the task within a reasonable time frame. Should the Architect fail to ascertain or instruct the quantity surveyor to ascertain the amount of loss and/or expense, there would be a breach of contract for which the Employer may be liable in damages. Clause 24.0 also stipulates that any amount ascertained under this provision, should be added to the contract sum and included in the following Interim Certificate.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

THE PAM 2006 FORM

With Quantities Edition

CLAUSE 30.0

CERTIFICATES AND PAYMENT

Clause 30.1 Clause 30.2 Clause 30.3 Clause 30.4 Clause 30.5 Clause 30.6 Clause 30.7 Clause 30.8 Clause 30.9 Clause 30.10 Clause 30.11 Clause 30.12 Clause 30.13 Clause 30.14 Clause 30.15 Clause 30.16 Clause 30.17

Payment application and issuance of Architects certificate Amount due in Architects certificate Errors in payment certificate Set-off by Employer Retention Fund Rules regarding Retention Fund Suspension of Works for non-payment Compulsory suspension of Works Cessation insurance resulting from suspension of the Works Final Account Items in Final Account Conclusiveness of the Final Account Issuance of Penultimate Certificate Issuance of Final Certificate Final Certificate Final Certificate not conclusive Interest
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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 30.0

A Commentary

This contractual clause pertains to all payment certifications under the contract and regulates the payment mechanism. The issuance of certificates under Clause 30.0 by the Architect is to record when the Contractor has met a contractual obligation and also imposes contractual obligations in relation to the transfer or entitlement of monies between the Employer and the Contractor. The scheme of payment is for Interim Certificates to be issued at regular intervals as stated in the Appendix; monthly certification is common. The Architect issues the certificates to the Contractor with a copy to the Employer. The Architect is permitted to correct any error or discrepancy, or modify any previous certificate except the Certificate of Practical Completion or the Final Certificate. This is limited to genuine errors and discrepancies in preparing the certificates and ought not to extend to the Architects change of mind on matters that he has already decided upon. An eminent English judge, Lord Denning MR in Dawney Ltd v FG Minter Ltd and Others (1971) 1 BLR 16 had stated that there must be cashflow in the building industry and that it is the very lifeblood of the enterprise and as such an interim payment mechanism should be viewed as of benefit to both the Contractor and Employer, in reducing the overall risk factor. The Contractor is required to submit his claim with details and particulars for payment, for the Architect to certify interim payments. However, even in the absence of a payment claim from the Contractor, the Architect can certify interim payments. The Employer has to act, on the copy of the payment certificate, sent to him by the Architect, and effect payment, on or before the due date. The Contractors entitlement to payment is subject to the Employers contractual rights of deduction, for example, liquidated damages under Clause 22.0. Failure to pay by the Employer is a breach of contract.

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Specific Contractual Clauses PAM 2006 Form

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

PAM 2006 Form : Clause 30.0

A Commentary
Continuation

The primary purpose of the issue of Interim Certificates is to ensure that the Contractor receives regular payments as the work progresses. Interim Certificates are only an approximate valuation of the work done and the amount in any Interim Certificate is subject to adjustment in subsequent certificates. The Architects opinion on the state of the works, only becomes conclusive, on the issuance of the Final Certificate. The contract provides for the retention of a percentage of the total value of the work, materials and goods valued. The primary purpose of the retention fund is to afford protection to the Employer, as a safeguard against defective work. A time schedule is provided for in the contract with regards to the issuance of the Final Certificate. The issue of the Final Certificate is mandatory. Failure to issue it within the time and in the manner specified is a breach of contract for which the Employer, would be liable. On the issuance of the Final Certificate, the Architect becomes functus officio, that is, his authority under the contract comes to an end. The Architect should exercise a high degree of competence and carry out his role as certifier under Clause 30.0 of the contract in an independent, impartial and fair manner.

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Conclusion

The Architect As Contract Administrator A Legal Perspective

Conclusion

The Architects professional duties and responsibilities as a contract administrator, are without doubt onerous in nature. This responsibility must be borne, in order for the Architect to realize the satisfactory culmination of his architectural designs. The obligations imposed on the Architect require him to be technically competent in his specialised field of work and equally importantly, to be of unquestionable rectitude. These attributes will serve the Architect well and certainly minimise the prospect of professional liability disputes with either of the contracting parties. Prudence would dictate that Architects in private practice are covered by professional indemnity insurance against legal liability for negligent acts, omissions and errors. However, insurance should not be seen as a universal panacea for protecting the Architect against claims. The adoption and disciplined adherence to best practices in the Architects office would undoubtedly distance its practitioners from professional liability.

Ar Thurai Das Thuraisingham Das Azman Architects Sdn Bhd

This paper was presented at the Malaysian Institute of Architects, Northern Chapter on 12 Nov 2011

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