Legal Aspects of Design Practice

This course focuses on the special obligations and privileges of a design professional. We study governmental regulation, taxation, accounting, and legal organization for a design firm, common contract forms for the construction industry, designer liability, errors and omissions insurance, copyright and patent protection for the designer, the liability of a construction contractor, dispute resolution, and evolving forms of project delivery. Pedagogic Objectives

To give the student exposure to all of the aspects of architectural practice, focusing on how the law impacts that practice. To explore the special role of the design professional, and the privileges and obligations which society fastens to that role.

Completion Requirements Attending all classes is mandatory. There is a midterm paper and a final examination. Please pick up the course reader in room 204 and read Case 1 prior to the first class.