architecture tips

The millennium has ushered in many new specializations, one of them being architectural CAD drafting services. In previous Articles we have looked at various aspects of these services, right from technical to managerial to techno commercial. In our previous article we looked at Exclusions in architectural CAD drafting services, where we discussed those tasks which most service providers do not perform, and the reasons why. On the same lines, this article looks at clauses and items normally included in contracts for architectural CAD drafting services firms. It must be mentioned that this writer dies not deem to give legal advice here, nor frame the clauses in legalese. The approach of the article is to look at the spirit or the need behind various terms and clauses. For this reason, broad categories have been created.

Scope of work The foundations of the relationship are not, as we often get deluded ourselves into, money, speed, relationship, branding, sales or CRM. These are supports, embellishments etc. But the client hires the architectural CAD drafting services firm for work. Here are some points that help to define the task:

Drawing list:Complete with details on:

ScaleSoftwareOutput fileTask to be performed in each sheet

Time

Schedule: this must include client's responsibilities, inputs, and reviews with deadlines. An ideal schedule specifies:

Drawings deliverable on each dateParty responsible those drawings (service provider or client)Time zones and time defining terms like 'EOD' (End of day)Consequences on further schedule in case of interim delaysExtensions: where there is creativity, Parkinson's Law must apply, resulting in probable extension of deadlines. The contract must deal with the impact of such schedule changes on the client as well as on the architectural CAD drafting services firmAccess: Trivial as it might sound, it must be agreed upon at what times in their time zones would certain people be available acceptable protocol for replying (especially with emails).

Money We may cry ourselves hoarse that money is not the Raison d'être of our business, but the number of points cropping under this heading - money - makes us believe we do, after all, live to eat!

Fee: goes without saying, the contract must quantify the fee specifying he currencyPayment terms: The last things a client wants is stoppage of work because of non-payment to the architectural CAD drafting services firmMilestones: a corollary of the above point, stages and triggers of interim payments must be defined with complete clarityMode: To avoid a check-is-in-the-mail situation, the mode of payment, mode of dispatch, payee name, bank details, and most of all the address at which the check (or transfer) is to be dispatched must be clear as crystal

Billing:

PeriodicityTriggerModeReceiver, approver and payer

Credit

Days receivableStarting dateOverdue paymentsRecovery

Others:

PeopleChangeCommunicationExitCopyright

The AEC Associates are, as the name suggests, your partners in ever dynamic and invigorating AEC domain; your service providers for all disciplines of the architecture, engineering and construction industry. We will assist you in all your drawing, drafting, documentation, CAD/BIM and value added services. A well-knit consortium of professionals, our combined experiences spans across continents, millions of square feet in construction spread through a wide gamut of executed projects. Our Vertical focus includes: Architectural, Structural and MEP.

View the original article here

There are countless aspects to contract negotiations. If you're dealing with good negotiators, the process can be quite smooth, but smooth doesn't necessarily mean good for you, either. Fine print has the potential to hide many things. It's impossible to know whether you're dealing with total honesty at every step of the way; now we're not saying everyone is out to rip you off - quite the opposite. Generally, people are honest and do business honestly, but there are the select few that have ulterior motives. All we're saying is be wary.

Like any negotiations, it's a process; back and forth, ironing out, amending. Our purpose with this is to provide a few simple tips that can really empower you throughout the whole process, ensuring it does run as smoothly as possible.

The best thing you can do is your homework. We cannot stress this enough. Proper preparation about what your project involves will be your strongest asset. You will speak with authority and feel far more included through the whole thing. Rather than be told what should happen, your opinion will be sought throughout, and you'll feel a genuine sense of ownership for the project. This is part of being a good negotiator.

You might also be entering a whole new vocabulary here - most importantly, do not be afraid to ask what terms and expressions mean. You should never agree to something you don't know the meaning of - exercise humility often if needed.

Good negotiators are also flexible, and tend to solve problems easily - and this includes both sides of negotiations. Which means you as well. If your partners (and let's be honest they are partners for the duration of your project) can see you're willing to be flexible, it's remarkable how much more flexible they can be, and actually, the quality of solutions to problems. Will is the key here, if they see you viewing them as a partners, they'll move Heaven and Earth to solve just about anything.

Also, don't feel awkward about talking price. The whole project is running on what things costs - materials, services and more, so you'll find most people are also willing to negotiate when talking price. Again, if you present an open, honest side, that's generally what you'll be greeted with.

Regardless of whether they represent owners, design professionals or contractors, effective negotiators enter into potentially difficult negotiations in essentially the same manner. They solve problems. Make no mistake - there will be plenty of problems, unforseens and unexpecteds. Expecting these will ensure your sanity is somewhat intact at the project's completion.

And when you work with the right partner, they will work towards a project's completion that will put a smile on every face. We always have.

View the original article here