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Travelers: Sealed and Delivered

Sealed and Delivered

July 2024 A risk management publication for design professionals DOWNLOAD EDITION

Risk Management Tip

The Value of a Peer Review Peer reviews are one way design professionals can guard against mistakes and help promote project efficiency. Read more »

News from the Profession </...

Essential Insurance Considerations for Architecture, Engineering and Survey Firms During a Merger or Acquisition

By: Eric M. Alderson, MLIS, CRIS, Risk Manager

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are complex undertakings that require meticulous planning and a thorough understanding of various aspects to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success. Among the many critical areas to consider—such as legal, accounting, and ...

Great American: Design Professional Newsletter

In this issue! 

Delay Claims: Introduction

Timing is of the essence when it comes to providing professional services.  When the timeline for a project is extended, delay damages may be triggered. Mark Bonavitacola defines delay damages and discusses how to mitigate the risk. Read ...

Architect Not Responsible for Site Safety

by Kent Holland | May 28, 2024

Where a subcontractor employee of the prime contractor was injured on a job site, it filed suit against the Architect, claiming negligence in preparation and approval of design plans and specifications, failure to adequately design, and failure to monitor and supervise ...

AI on AI: Risks Created by Emergence of AI for Design Professionals

By Jonathan C. Shoemaker, Lee/Shoemaker PLLC (via a/e ProNet)

When asked, “What risk does the emergence of artificial intelligence create for architects and engineers,” ChatGPT identified nine categories of risks: Job displacement. Ethical concerns. Dependency on technology. Data security and privacy. Quality control and accountability. Lack ...

How Cybercriminals Are Weaponizing Artificial Intelligence

The past few years have seen artificial intelligence (AI) surge in popularity among both businesses and individuals. Such technology encompasses machines, computer systems and other devices that can simulate human intelligence processes. In other words, this technology can perform a variety of cognitive functions typically associated with the human mind, ...

Navigating Professional Liability in Mergers and Acquisitions for Architecture and Engineering Firms

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are common strategies for growth and consolidation in the architecture and engineering (A&E) industry. However, these transactions bring about a range of professional liability issues that firms must navigate carefully to ensure a successful integration while mitigating legal and financial risks. This article delves into the key professional liability concerns associated with M&A in A&E firms and provides insights on how to manage them effectively.

Quality Control and Standardization

When A&...

Travelers Podcast Series: Change Orders

A Risk Management Resource for Design Professionals

15 Minutes on Construction Contract Administration:

Change Orders

“…there will always be changes on a project. The only project that never has a change order is the one that never gets built. ...

Travelers Podcast Series: Submittals Part II

A Risk Management Resource for Design Professionals

15 Minutes on Construction Contract Administration:

Submittals Part II

“…I think what's important is to look at what your contract says. What is your obligation in the contract regarding submittal review? Both ...

How to Protect Employees Who Are Extra Vulnerable to Malware

By Kip Boyle, Founder and CEO, Cyber Risk Opportunities

Cybersecurity people (like me) regularly tell everyone don't click on links or open up attachments that unexpectedly arrive in an email message. Unfortunately, there are lots of people who go to work every day and can't possibly follow this ...

Case Study: Should you be Performing Home Inspections as a Design Professional?

by Roseanne DeBellis - Great American Insurance Co.

You may be or have been approached by family member, friend, colleague or client prospect to perform a home inspection in conjunction with the purchase of a home. You are a licensed design professional and should have the qualifications to ...

Broad Arbitration Clause Flowed Down to Subcontractor Requiring it to Arbitrate Claim against Prime Even though not in Dispute with Owner

(via ConstructionRisk, LLC.) Parties to a construction subcontract disagreed over whether their dispute fit within the scope of the arbitration provision in the subcontract.  Trial court denied a motion to compel arbitration.  Appellate court reversed, holding that the arbitration provision in the Prime Contract flowed down to the ...