![]() ![]() Litigation followed, and the judge determined that even if Coombs had promised to design a house that could be built for $2,500, all that could reasonably be expected of an architect was to use his skill and ability to endeavor to bring about that result. ![]() Beede wanted more in her new home than the budget could afford, and Coombs was trying to accommodate her with the design. The Beedes had a budget of $2,500 for the house, which was built for a cost of $2,700. In that case, an architect, Coombs, designed a house and barn for his clients, the Beedes. One of the earliest cases in the United States that defined the architect’s standard of care is the case of Beede vs. Society has developed an expectation that, over time, became a standard that we often hear referred to as the “common law.” Common law concepts from early court cases, repeated over time, have become adopted as standards of behavior, and for the practice of architecture, as well as other professions, a standard of care. We can think of this simple example as the standard of care for a driver of a motor vehicle. Through the collective application of this level of care, members of society endeavor to keep the streets safe from accidents. The expectation for the driver is that she will use the same care that other drivers in the same or similar situation or circumstances would use. We consciously exercise care because we do not want to cause an injury. For example, as we drive our vehicles we use caution when changing lanes or proceeding through an intersection, so as to look for other vehicles and avoid collisions. ![]() It’s best to begin with the expectation of exercising common sense and ordinary care in human behavior. How did we come by having a standard of care? One can enter the library of curiosity, also known as the internet, and spend hours weaving in and out of intellectual discussions and court cases about this topic let’s attempt to simplify the issue with a few questions, then answers. Much has been written and published about the standard of care for architects. When an architect is alleged to have committed professional negligence, the actions of the architect are measured against the applicable standard of care. Often the actions of the architect are measured against the applicable “standard of care.” What does that mean? ![]()
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