This article updates and replaces an earlier Practice Advisory article, "Preparing for Possible Impacts of Tariffs on Projects," published in March 2025. As tariff measures, counter-tariffs, and related trade policies continue to evolve, architectural practices and their clients should remain informed of potential impacts on project costs, schedules, procurement strategies, and contract administration.
Since early 2025, trade measures between Canada and the United States have created ongoing uncertainty for the design and construction industry. While the specific tariffs and products affected have changed over time, architecture practices report project cost escalation concerns, procurement challenges, supply chain disruptions, delayed decision-making, and increased requests for substitutions and value engineering.
The Canadian construction industry continues to rely on cross-border trade for many products and materials, manufactured building components, and specialized construction products. As a result, tariff-related pricing pressures and procurement challenges may affect projects for the foreseeable future.
Considerations for Architectural Practices
OAA members should review both their professional services contracts and the construction contracts they administer to understand how tariff-related cost increases, delays, substitutions, and other project impacts may be addressed.
Particular attention should be paid to:
Members and their clients are strongly encouraged to consult legal counsel as it pertains to contract interpretations and risk management.
Practices may also wish to revisit policies and procedures developed during the supply chain disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the lessons learned during that period remain relevant where material availability, procurement timing, or price uncertainty become significant project concerns.
Contract Administration Considerations
Where tariff-related issues affect materials, products, or equipment specified for a project, practices may encounter an increase in requests for:
As with any proposed substitution or change, carefully consider the implications for code compliance, quality, performance, warranties, coordination with other building systems, and project objectives.
Practices should maintain clear records of communications, instructions, recommendations, and decisions relating to tariff-related project impacts.
Communication with Clients
Practices may wish to proactively discuss tariff-related risks with clients, particularly during project planning, budgeting, and procurement phases.
Discussion topics may include:
Early communication can help minimize surprises and support informed project decision-making.
For further background knowledge and consideration, practices may want to review the following resources, which include third-party articles that may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the OAA or its governing Council. (Note: This list may be revised as the situation changes and updated information becomes available.)
OAA Articles on Tariffs and other Government Measures
Members may also want to subscribe to Lexology for updates from various Canadian construction law firms and to be kept informed of legal and regulatory developments regarding the impacts of tariffs on the Canadian construction industry.
An earlier version of this article originally appeared in an issue of Practice Advisory—a newsletter developed by the OAA’s Practice Advisory Services team, which offers numerous resources for both members and the public.
The OAA does not provide legal, insurance, or accounting advice. Readers are advised to consult their own legal, accounting, or insurance representatives to obtain suitable professional advice in those regards.