Architect Insurance
Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Canberra

Describe the stages for which the practice accepts responsibility. Concept design, detailed documentation, consultant coordination, contract administration and site observation are distinct services, and a project may involve only some of them. Explain the building types, construction methods and jurisdictions involved, along with the scale of your largest appointments. Include feasibility advice, existing-building assessments and work undertaken as a subconsultant. If another architect’s design is adopted or developed, explain the review process and how responsibility is allocated. A portfolio of attractive completed buildings does not replace a clear account of the professional tasks actually performed.

Digital collaboration introduces further boundaries to discuss. Identify who controls the model, who can amend it and whether contractors or clients rely on information beyond the agreed deliverables. Explain how the practice works with engineers, specialist designers and overseas drafting support. Ask the broker how the proposed professional indemnity wording relates to those services, prior work and allegations involving several consultants. Separately describe office premises, site visits and physical property exposures. A client’s requested limit is one consideration, but the review also needs to address the scope of insured services, exclusions and the way a claim would be notified.

Maintain a record linking client instructions, design assumptions, consultant input and the versions issued for each purpose. A concept sketch and a construction drawing should remain clearly distinguishable in the project history. Retain approval of material changes, including substitutions requested after a specification has been agreed. Meeting notes are more useful when they identify a decision owner and a next action. Discuss how the practice records site observations without implying a level of inspection beyond the appointment. If a client or builder requests extra certification or assurances, review that request before treating it as routine administration.

Bring appointment agreements, collateral warranties, consultant deeds and relevant tender requirements to the insurance review. Clauses concerning fitness for purpose, reliance, liability limits and continuing insurance can have practical significance. Ask appropriate advisers to clarify terms that exceed the practice’s usual appointment. Keep intellectual property permissions for reused design material and distinguish ownership of drawings from permission to use them on another project. Where a contract identifies a particular practice entity, confirm that the proposal and requested certificate use the correct entity. Clear paperwork supports the discussion, although the contractual obligation and the insurance response remain separate questions.

A potential design issue may emerge as a request for clarification before anyone alleges negligence. Preserve the original drawing, model, specification and relevant correspondence, then establish the precise concern and current project stage. Obtain appropriate technical and insurance guidance about the response, especially if construction is continuing. Record any corrective issue with its date and purpose instead of silently replacing earlier files. Check notification requirements for circumstances or claims under the applicable wording. Maintain professional communication with the client while seeking guidance before accepting responsibility for rectification costs or signing a document that changes the practice’s liability.

Review the coming year’s work as well as completed projects at renewal. A move into larger buildings, a different construction system, developer-led procurement or broader contract administration may alter the risk profile. Explain acquisitions, retiring principals and discontinued services so the broker can discuss continuity and prior-work considerations. Keep a plan for retrieving archived project records after staff or software changes. Ask how retroactive dates, run-off options where relevant and record access relate to the practice’s circumstances. The aim is a proposal that accurately describes the practice and its history, with the limitations of the chosen wording understood.