A Guide for American Architects to Work Abroad
“Travel isn’t always beautiful. It’s not always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you. It has to change you. It leaves marks on your memory, consciousness, heart, and body. You take something with you. We hope you leave something good.” behind you.” – Anthony Bourdain
The late Anthony Bourdain quote can be easily applied to work on an outdoor architectural project. There is a steep learning curve. Risks and rewards. How do you educate yourself? A great resource can be found in the recently updated B161 of AIA Contract Documentation – Agreement between the client and the consultant for design consulting services where the project is located outside the United Stateswhich was first published in 2002. Below is a brief introduction to the newly revised document available at aiacontracts.org.

Who is the target audience?
Developing an agreement model to operate anywhere outside the United States and on any type of project is a challenging endeavor. Architectural practices, building methods, language, law, codes, and customs vary greatly from country to country. The previous version of the convention of 2002 threw a wide net. The revised agreement for beginners has been updated. It has been made more accessible to practitioners who do not have prior or extensive experience working abroad and who do not intend to obtain a license as an architect in a foreign jurisdiction. For this reason, the architect is identified as a “consultant”. The agreement also assumes that the architect, or consultant, will provide most of his services from the United States. Finally, the scope of services has been intentionally narrowed down. This is generally limited to completing the design development phase as a way to separate the consultant’s services from the services that will need to be provided by a separate architect.
Major updates in release 2022
The text of the agreement includes the scope of the consultant’s services, rather than the use of exhibits at the end of the agreement. The description of post-design development services has been revised to take into account the fact that the consultant is not licensed and to limit the amount of work performed outside the United States.
The 2002 edition featured a Responsibility Matrix exhibit outlining the responsibilities of the consultant, client and local architect. Exhibits like these can be useful, however, and it has proven difficult to develop one that can cater to a wide range of variables. Instead, descriptions of the responsibilities of the local consultant, client, and architect were increased within the text of the agreement to remove the need for exhibition.

The consultant’s commitment to design a project within the client’s budget was revised to align with other AIA agreements, such as B101 or B103. However, in this case, since the consultants’ services are intended to be largely completed after the design development phase, their duty to comply with the budget extends only through that phase.
The Agreement assumes that all Engineers and Consultants shall be retained by the Client as such party is likely to be most appropriate to identify appropriately experienced personnel and manage the risks related to their participation.
word of warning
Working on a project in a foreign country can be difficult and risky. The B161 Agreement helps but does not eliminate all risks. Before taking the plunge, it is recommended to consult a legal and financial expert.
In addition to the B161, AIA Contract Documents has published a free guide, B561-2022 – Handbook of International Practice and Contracting for American Architects. Provides a wealth of information for beginners.
word of encouragement
Working on a project in another country puts you outside your comfort zone and energizes you both professionally and personally. If the opportunity arises, take it.