Contract Resources

Contract Tips & FAQ

How to choose the right agreement, use it well, and get the most from ALA’s contract library.

ALA contracts are built to be clear enough that you rarely need a manual. Still, a few pointers help you pick the right document the first time and put it to work with confidence. Start here, then browse the full library on the Contract Documents page.

Choosing the right agreement

Two questions get you to the right contract: who are the parties, and how is compensation set.

Between an owner and an architect

Use the Owner/Architect Agreements (OA). Choose hourly, lump sum, or a percentage of construction cost depending on how you are paid. For early feasibility work before scope is defined, start with a Pre-Design Services agreement, then move to a full Owner/Architect agreement once the project is real.

Between an owner and a contractor

Use the Owner/Contractor Agreements (OC) — lump sum, cost-plus-fee, or cost-plus with a guaranteed maximum price — and pair each one with the matching General Conditions (GC). The agreement sets the deal; the general conditions set the rules of the job.

Between an architect and a consultant

Use the Architect/Consultant Agreement (AC), or the discipline-specific versions for electrical, mechanical, or structural engineering consultants. Attach the corresponding Terms & Conditions document so the standard provisions travel with the agreement.

Tips for using your contract

Edit with Track Changes on

Every ALA contract is an editable Word file. Turn on Word’s Track Changes before you customize, so every party can see exactly what was added, cut, or reworded during negotiation.

Fill every blank

Read through and complete each blank — names, dates, project description, fee terms. An unfilled field is where disputes start. When in doubt, spell it out.

Keep the set together

Agreements are designed to work as a set: the OC agreement with its General Conditions, the consultant agreement with its Terms & Conditions. Use the companions together for full coverage.

Handle changes on paper

When scope shifts mid-project, record it with a Contract Change Order rather than a handshake. Document the substantial-completion date with the Certificate of Substantial Completion.

Frequently asked questions

Are ALA members really free to download every contract?

Yes. ALA membership includes unlimited free downloads of every contract and form. Non-members pay $75 per document. If you expect to use more than one contract a year, membership more than pays for itself — and includes continuing education and CE tracking on top.

What format are the contracts in?

Editable Microsoft Word (.doc) files, so you can tailor each one to your project. Working with them is easiest if you understand Word’s Track Changes.

How do I receive a contract after I buy it?

Automatically. After checkout, the documents you purchased are emailed straight to you — no waiting and no office hours. Members download instantly from the member downloads page.

Can I use ALA contracts outside Illinois?

ALA is a nationwide association and members across the country use these agreements. As with any contract, review the terms against the law of the state where the project is located, and consult your own counsel where appropriate.

How are ALA contracts different from other standard forms?

They cover the same core relationships as other industry-standard documents, written in plainer language and offered at a fraction of the cost. They are developed by architects, for architects, and ALA’s legal partner is Husch Blackwell, one of the nation’s top-ranked construction-law firms.

What if the contract I need isn’t in the library?

Tell us. Members can request specific contracts or forms, and ALA can often develop them. The library grows because members ask — email [email protected] with what you need.

Do the contracts replace legal advice?

ALA contracts are professionally developed standard forms, not a substitute for advice on your specific situation. For complex projects or unusual terms, have your attorney review the final agreement.

More from our legal partner

ALA’s legal partner, Husch Blackwell, runs a Construction Academy — a free library of seminars, articles, and tools that break construction-law fundamentals down to plain language. Founded by Joshua Levy, it is a genuinely useful companion to the ALA contracts you use every day.

Visit the Construction Academy

Ready to put a contract to work?

Browse the full library, buy what you need, or join ALA and download everything free.