B254-2019

AIA Document B254™–2019 is a scope of services document that should be used in situations where an Architect is expected to assist an Owner in purchasing furniture, furnishings, and equipment (FF&E) and managing FF&E contracts. B254 can be attached to any Owner/Architect agreement in which the Architect performs FF&E design and selection services, such as AIA Document B152™–2019, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect for Interior Design and Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment (FF&E) Design Services. B254 is not a stand-alone document and should not be used by itself.

B254 establishes an agency relationship that allows the Architect to enter into contracts for FF&E on behalf of the Owner. B254 places strict limitations on the Architect’s power to act as the Owner’s agent. Before entering into contracts with Vendors, the Architect must provide the Owner with the description, prices, and quantities of FF&E to be purchased. In contracts with Vendors, the Architect is also required to include statements (1) indicating that it is acting as the Owner’s purchasing agent regarding such contracts, (2) identifying the Owner as the purchaser, and (3) indicating that all warranties and guarantees shall be in the Owner’s name. The Architect also must keep the Owner reasonably informed about FF&E purchased on the Owner’s behalf. In exchange, the architect is given the protection of a disclosed agent acting on behalf of a principal, i.e. architect is not responsible for a Vendor’s poor performance and is relieved of the Owners’ obligations with regards to Vendors.