AIA Contract Documents

In 1857, thirteen architects met in New York City to form the American Institute of Architects (AIA). At the time, anyone could call themselves an architect, and the founders, including Richard Upjohn, wanted to establish professional standards. The organization's early goal was to elevate the profession's standing. Thirty-one years later, in 1888, the AIA took a step that would define its legacy: it published the first standardized contract for use between owners and contractors. This was a foundational move to bring consistency and fairness to the construction industry. Before this, agreements were inconsistent, leading to disputes. The standardized documents were created by a dedicated committee of experts to manage the complex relationships in construction projects. Over the next century, the AIA expanded its library to nearly 200 documents, becoming the industry benchmark. These contracts are not static; they are updated roughly every ten years by the AIA Documents Committee, a group of industry professionals, to reflect changes in law and construction practices. A significant event in the company's recent history was an investment from private equity firms, including True Wind Capital, indicating the value and potential for growth in its digital offerings.