The 21st century architect will be utilizing more technology based, real time design and project management tools. The digital age allows for the rapid dissemination of information, including project correspondence and other documents such as the Architect’s Instruments of Service. This ease of dissemination, and the potential for easy document alteration, has lead to concerns about protection of intellectual property rights and liability for the subsequent misuse of transmitted data.

To address those concerns, in April 2007, the AIA published two new contract documents, C106™– 2007, Digital Data Licensing Agreement, and E201™– 2007, Digital Data Protocol Exhibit. It’s becoming increasingly important for those in the design and construction industries to protect themselves when transmitting data in a digital environment and maintaining control over its future use. Whether working in 2D, 3D, or 4D, fully integrating BIM or just testing the waters, this podcast previews these documents and describes how to use these new project management tools.

In this piece, Middlebrooks and Weiss analyze the rationale behind the need for flexible, yet binding, digital practice agreements, identify ways digital practice documents can manage the expectations of project participants, and explore how to use a digital practice exhibit and keep it current throughout the project cycle. They also mention the next step – the development of similar protocols dealing with integrated practices and global alliances.

For more information on these and other documents, please visit the AIA Contract Documents Page.