Under an A141-2014 agreement the owner holds one contract for design and construction together. The practical effect is not administrative simplification. It is that coordination failures between design and construction become the design-builder’s problem instead of the owner’s, which is the risk owners most consistently underestimate when comparing delivery methods on price alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AIA A141?
The American Institute of Architects standard agreement between owner and design-builder, covering design and construction under a single contract.
How does A141 differ from A101?
A101 is an owner-contractor agreement used where the owner holds a separate design contract. A141 unifies both under one party.
Does a single contract reduce the owner's control?
It changes where control is exercised. Influence concentrates in programming and design review rather than in mediating between parties during construction.
Related Reading