ALA Contract Documents · Guide

Which ALA contract do I need?

Match your situation below to the right document. Every ALA contract is attorney-drafted by Husch Blackwell, written in plain language, and delivered as an editable Word file — $75 each, or free with ALA membership.

A client wants studies or programming before committing to design
Use the Pre-Design Services Agreement — hourly, or lump sum — so early thinking is paid work.
I’m being hired to design a project
Use the Owner/Architect Agreement — choose hourly, lump sum, or percentage of construction cost to match your fee structure.
My client needs a construction contract with their builder
Use the Owner/Contractor Agreement — lump sum for a fixed price, cost plus with GMP for open book with a ceiling, or cost plus fee for full transparency. Pair each with its matching General Conditions.
I’m bringing an engineer or consultant onto my team
Use the Architect/Consultant Agreement — or the discipline versions for electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering.
The project is small — a full contract feels heavy
Use the Terms and Conditions, Architect/Owner — attach to your fee letter and it becomes a real agreement. Same idea for consultants: Architect/Consultant T&C.
Construction is underway and things are changing
Use the Contract Change Order — plus the Certified Application for Payment for monthly billing and the Certificate of Substantial Completion at the finish line.

Still unsure? Browse the full contract library, or ask the ALA office — and if you need a contract we don’t list, tell us and we’ll work on creating it.