Delegated Design: Are You Actually Delegating Responsibility?

Architects often delegate design responsibilities to third parties, most commonly through the architect-contractor relationship, by providing performance criteria for specific elements such as custom cladding and specialty systems. These elements are often highly technical, proprietary, or trade-specific, making specialized expertise particularly valuable. But does delegation actually transfer the architect’s responsibility? Not entirely. Delegating design does not absolve the architect of responsibility and requires diligent coordination to avoid aesthetic, structural, spatial, and liability risks. Through real-world examples, this session pulls back the curtain on the hidden risks of delegated design and explores the importance of clear communication, coordination, and oversight throughout the process.

Speaker: Kriton A. Pantelidis, J.D., Principal, Construction & Design Practice

About the Speaker:
Kriton A. Pantelidis, J.D., Principal, Construction & Design Practice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ is a specialist A&E broker, Kriton structures comprehensive traditional insurance programs as well as alternative risk transfer mechanisms, like captives, tailored to clients’ needs.  He is a true risk-management partner—advising clients on contractual terms, business transactions (including M&A), project-specific risks, litigation, and insurance coverage as well as providing loss prevention training and zealous claims advocacy.  In all his efforts, Kriton leverages his 11+ years of experience as an A&E attorney, where he litigated on behalf of design professionals through trial, negotiated myriad professional services agreements and other transactions, and served as Associate General Counsel to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.  His goal is to protect clients as a strategic partner and support their growth through the aforementioned services, as a conduit for expanding business connections, and as a thought-leader on industry-specific topics.