Foreword

In November 2014, the RIBA published two new forms of building contract, responding directly to members’ needs for simple, easy-to-read and flexible forms for use on projects that are, so often, less straightforward than those for which the shorter JCT contracts are intended. The new forms have been well received and, by promoting collaborative team working, providing for flexible payments, staged completions and contractors’ programmes, and including a plethora of much needed clarifications, they are a very useful addition to the current forms of contract.

Nonetheless it can be stressful trying to understand the implications of the terms of a contract under which you will be acting as the contract administrator, particularly for a busy architect in practice, and even more so when working with a form of contract with which you have little experience. Help is now, thank goodness, at hand and from the pre-eminent contract guide author of her time.

Sarah Lupton’s guide responds to the new contracts perfectly: it explains them in simple, easy-to-read language, with hints, tips and pertinent legal back-up in the form of legislation and case reports. It will provide the reassurance to understand the implications – for all members of the team.

The Guide runs in a logical order, covering when to start thinking about which contract to use, how and when to set out and select the contract terms, what to do to ensure continuity of good relationships, what paperwork is needed, and how best to use the clauses to the advantage of both parties. The tricky topics of change management, programme adherence, and even termination are clearly structured and explained – all with a good dollop of advice from an author who is both an active professional and a calm, knowledgeable, experienced and astute adviser.

This is the book that all members of the team should be issued with, from the moment that one of these forms of Contract has been selected, if not before. Clearly explaining what the new contracts involve, this Guide will be equally invaluable for the student, for the professional considering contractual options and for all parties involved in an active contract. Expect it to become well thumbed!

Jane Duncan
RIBA President Elect