C403-2021

AIA Document C403™-2021 is a standard form agreement where a client can hire a consultant to perform design assist services for a project. The terms “client” and “consultant” are intentionally flexible, as numerous parties in a project could hire someone, or be hired, to perform design assist services. However, in most instances, the design assist “consultant” will be a subcontractor or material supplier, and the “client” would be a construction manager, contractor, or owner.

Design assist describes a form of collaboration where a construction professional provides information to assist a design professional’s design, typically before pricing for the work has been agreed upon or before the work has been awarded. C403-2021 defines design assist services as “all services performed by the Consultant under this Agreement for the purpose of assisting the design professional of record in its obligation to develop the design for the Project.” The scope of a consultant’s design assist services can vary greatly, depending on the expertise of the consultant and needs of the project. Thus, Article 3 of C403-2021 allows the parties to insert a description of the design assist services or identify an exhibit that contains such a description.

When to use this document?

• Can be used as a stand-alone agreement
• Can be used as a complimentary document to many owner/contractor or owner/construction manager agreements.