California Architect Services Agreement

CALIFORNIA ARCHITECT SERVICES AGREEMENT

Before you use this: Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 5536.22 requires the written contract and the listed contents for a covered architect-client engagement. Execute this agreement before work begins. Render the licensing statement in section 11 in at least 12-point type in the signed copy.

This Agreement is made on [DATE] by [CLIENT LEGAL NAME], of [CLIENT ADDRESS] (Client), and [ARCHITECT LEGAL NAME], of [ARCHITECT ADDRESS] (Architect). Architect's California license number is [NUMBER]. The project address is [PROJECT ADDRESS].

1. Project

The project for which Client seeks services is [PROJECT NAME, EXISTING SITE, PROPOSED USE, SIZE, AND DESCRIPTION]. The project's known requirements and Client's construction budget, if any, are [DESCRIPTION AND AMOUNT]. The budget covers [INCLUDED COSTS] and is a planning target rather than a construction-price guarantee.

2. Architectural services

Architect will perform the following services for Client, with deliverables and review stages stated in Exhibit A:

• ☐ Programming and site or existing-condition review
• ☐ Schematic design
• ☐ Design development
• ☐ Construction drawings and specifications
• ☐ Permit submission assistance
• ☐ Bidding or contractor-selection assistance
• ☐ Construction-phase observation and submittal review
• ☐ Other: [DESCRIPTION]

Excluded services are [LIST]. Architect will coordinate the consultants it engages as named in Exhibit A. Client will retain [SURVEY / GEOTECHNICAL / OTHER] providers directly unless Exhibit A says otherwise. Architect does not perform construction or control a contractor's means, methods, or safety practices; any construction-phase site visits are limited to the tasks and frequency in Exhibit A.

3. Client information and approvals

Client will provide the site records, surveys, program, budget, and prior studies identified in Exhibit B by the stated dates. Client will identify known restrictions and respond to a submitted milestone within [NUMBER] business days with approval or one consolidated list of revisions. Architect will promptly advise Client if design information indicates a material budget risk. The parties will use section 5 to agree on any resulting scope, fee, or schedule change.

4. Compensation and payment method

The basis of Architect's compensation is ☐ a fixed fee of [AMOUNT]; ☐ the milestone fees in Exhibit C; ☐ hourly rates in Exhibit C, with a maximum of [AMOUNT] unless Client approves more in writing. Client will pay by [PAYMENT METHOD] to [PAYEE / ACCOUNT INSTRUCTIONS]. Architect will invoice [MONTHLY / AT MILESTONES] with a description of work, approved expenses, prior payments, and balance due. Undisputed amounts are due [NUMBER] days after receipt. Client will describe a disputed item in writing within [NUMBER] days and pay the undisputed part. Reimbursable expenses are [CATEGORIES, LIMITS, AND APPROVAL PROCEDURE OR NONE]. A late charge applies only if the parties insert a lawful rate: [RATE OR NONE].

5. Additional services and contract changes

Either party may request a change in the project description, services, deliverables, compensation, payment method, or schedule by written notice. Before Architect performs additional work, the parties will sign a written change authorization describing the requested change, its price or rate, payment method, and schedule effect. Architect will identify work outside the agreed scope and obtain Client's approval under this procedure. A changed direction does not alter this Agreement until both parties sign the authorization.

6. Milestones, permits, and construction

Architect will submit the deliverables on Exhibit A's schedule after receiving the listed Client information and any agreed initial payment. Dates affected by late information, Client decisions, agency review, or approved changes will be adjusted in writing. Architect will provide the permit assistance selected in Exhibit A; Client will pay permit and agency fees unless Exhibit C assigns them otherwise. Client contracts directly with the builder. Architect's construction-phase responsibilities, if selected, are only those in Exhibit A.

7. Ownership and use of instruments of service

Architect owns the drawings, models, specifications, reports, and other instruments of service Architect prepares. When Client pays the amounts due for the applicable deliverables, Architect grants Client a nonexclusive license to use them to construct, use, maintain, and alter this project at the stated site, including sharing them with Client's contractors and consultants for those purposes. Use on another project or site requires Architect's written consent. Architect may retain copies for its records and portfolio, subject to the confidentiality terms, if any, in Exhibit B. This section states the parties' agreed ownership and permitted use; it does not transfer ownership of the instruments to Client.

8. Insurance and responsibility

Architect will maintain the insurance described in Exhibit C and provide evidence on request. Each party remains responsible for its own acts and omissions under applicable law. This Agreement does not create an indemnity, duty to defend, waiver, or liability cap. Any such provision must be separately written and reviewed for the project.

9. Termination procedure

Either party may terminate for convenience by giving [NUMBER] days' written notice under section 10. Either party may terminate for a material breach by giving written notice that describes the breach and allowing [NUMBER] days after receipt to cure it. Architect may suspend unpaid work after giving [NUMBER] days' written notice of an undisputed overdue amount. On termination, Architect will deliver paid-for completed work; Client will pay for services properly performed and approved expenses incurred through termination. The parties will reconcile any advance against those amounts. Section 7 continues to govern instruments already delivered.

10. Notices, disputes, and amendments

Notice must be sent to the addresses stated above by [EMAIL WITH ACKNOWLEDGMENT / TRACKED DELIVERY / OTHER METHOD] and is received when [AGREED RECEIPT RULE]. The parties will first meet through authorized representatives within [NUMBER] days after written dispute notice. An unresolved dispute may be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in [COUNTY], California, subject to applicable law. California law governs this Agreement. An amendment must be written and signed by Client and Architect.

11. California Architects Board statement

Architects are licensed and regulated by the California Architects Board located at 2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA 95834.

12. Entire agreement and signatures

This Agreement and Exhibits A–C are the parties' entire agreement for these services. If an exhibit conflicts with this Agreement, [ORDER OF PRECEDENCE] controls. Each signer represents authority to bind the named party.

Client Signature: [________________________________] Date: [__/__/____]

Name and title: [________________________________]

Architect Signature: [________________________________] Date: [__/__/____]

Name and title: [________________________________] California license number: [________________]

Exhibit A — Services and milestones

Excluded services: [LIST]. Project assumptions: [LIST].

Exhibit B — Client information and project decisions

Confidentiality or publication restrictions, if any: [TERMS OR NONE].

Exhibit C — Fees, expenses, and insurance

Initial payment: [AMOUNT OR NONE]. Approved expense categories and limits: [LIST OR NONE]. Insurance types and limits: [LIST].

Sources and references

• California Architects Board, Architects Practice Act (April 1, 2026), § 5536.22