A plaza deck is a walking surface, which sometimes can accommodate vehicles, typically waterproofed to protect the underlying structure and/or occupied spaces below. Common surface treatments include concrete, ceramic tile, stone or other paving material, usually with...
Westcon Tribune
Symposium 2000 Review by Tom Butt, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C Introduction My presentation at the symposium included remarks about construction litigation in general, the design professional's standard of care, using standards to avoid litigation and achieve better design and...
Limiting Construction Failure Losses – A Challenge for the Insurance Industry
Thomas K. Butt, AIA, is President and John E. Clinton, SE, AIA, is Chairman of the Board of Interactive Resources, Inc., an architecture-engineering firm in Richmond, California. Mr. Butt is a registered architect, licensed general contractor, and real estate broker....
American Institute of Architects California Chapter Proposes Changes to Certificate of Merit Law
The American Institute of Architects California Chapter (AIACC) is pursuing an amendment to either the Senate or Assembly Judiciary Committee Omnibus bills that would modify the process for certificates of merit in litigation involving design professionals. For...
The Practice of Architecture in California and Architectural Negligence
Architecture and Expert Witnesses In litigation, the determination of architectural negligence, or malpractice as it is commonly known, has to be evidenced by testimony of expert witnesses. In assessing whether or not an architect conformed to the "standard of care,"...
Architect Disciplined for Designing a Flat Deck
The Uniform Building Code requirements for plaza decks (waterproofed surfaces designed for pedestrian-type occupancy) has always been somewhat ambiguous in the past, inviting experts in construction litigation to testify both in defense of and in criticism of...