Changes are often made to contracts for architectural services and to subcontracts for consulting services. Unlike changes to construction contracts, which are typically made in writing and follow a well-defined change notice and change order process, changes to architectural and consulting services often do not follow a formal written process. This can lead to disputes about fees for extra services, particularly toward the end of a project and when the notice provisions of the contracts are not adhered to.

To help avoid such disputes, add some standardization to the change process, and reinforce that changes to contracts should be made in writing, the OAA has developed a Change Order template for architectural services contracts and subcontracts.