Why Use AIA Documents

AIA Documents Benefiting You and the Industry

The documents produced by The American Institute of Architects (AIA) are the most widely used standard form contracts in the construction industry.  They facilitate communication among all the parties involved in construction, which makes it easier to produce a high quality project in a timely and economical fashion.

• AIA documents are fair. AIA contracts and forms are consensus documents that reflect advice from practicing architects, contractors, engineers as well as owners, surety bond producers, insurers, and attorneys.  AIA documents balance the interests of all the parties, so no one interest, including that of the architect, is unfairly represented.

• AIA documents reflect industry practices, not theory. Where practices are inconsistent or no guidelines for practice exist, the AIA documents provide a consensus-based model for practitioners to follow.

• AIA documents reflect changing construction practices and technology. AIA documents are revised regularly to accommodate changes in professional and industry practices, insurance, and technology.

• AIA documents reflect the law. AIA documents are revised and updated to incorporate changes resulting from court interpretations and rulings, legal precedent, and nuances.

• AIA documents are flexible. AIA documents can  be easily modified to accommodate individual project demands.  Such changes are easily distinguished from the original, printed language.

• AIA documents are easy to interpret. AIA documents use the common meaning of words and phrases.  Industry and legal jargon is avoided whenever possible.

Need help deciding which AIA documents to use? The Documents Synopses provides brief descriptions of each of the major AIA documents.  The Documents Synopses can be found on www.aia.org.