Contract Documents

The documents produced by The American Institute of Architects are the most widely used standard form contracts in the construction industry.

AIA contract documents are fair. In its contract documents, the AIA seeks to reflect an industry consensus, obtained from the advice of practicing architects, contractors, engineers, owners, surety bond producers, insurers, and attorneys. AIA contract documents balance the interests of all the parties. This ensures a fair distribution of rights and duties without bias toward any one party, including the architect. AIA contract documents reflect industry practices, not theory. Where practices are inconsistent or no guidelines for practice exist, the AIA contract documents provide a consensus-based model for practitioners to follow.

AIA contract documents reflect changing construction practices and technology. They are regularly revised to accommodate changes in professional and industry practices, and technology.  AIA contract documents reflect changes in the law. They are revised and updated to conform to evolving case law precedence and indemnity insurance.

AIA Contract documents are flexible. They are easily modified to accommodate individual project demands. Such changes can be easily distinguished from the original, printed language.  AIA contract documents are easy to interpret. They use common words and phrases. Industry and legal jargon is avoided whenever possible.

Copyright Information


AIA Contract Documents and the content therein are copyrighted works owned by The American Institute of Architects. AIA Contract Documents are protected by U.S. Copyright Law and International Treaties. Unauthorized reproduction, display or distribution of an AIA Contract Document, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible under the law. AIA Contract Documents are licensed for one time use only and may not be reproduced prior to its completion.

"AIA", "The American Institute of Architects" and the AIA emblem are registered trademarks owned by the American Institute of Architects. IT IS ILLEGAL TO REPRODUCE AIA DOCUMENTS WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE AIA. The AIA will consider all reasonable requests for permission to reprint. Please contact the AIA at 800-242-3837 if you have any questions.