The notice simply stated that development activities are taking longer than planned. The AIA has contracted with a third-party software developer for this new online version, just as the desktop version is third-party produced. The Alpha trials are now slated for a March, 2012 start.

This delay in no way affects the AIA’s current AIA Contract Documents software product. Those interested can send inquiries to: software@aia.org

Why a Web App?

Anthony Frausto-Robledo (AFR):  Over the years Architosh, and its readers too, have been following the evolution of the AIA Documents application with much interest hoping for a native Mac version. Why a Web application versus a real desktop application for the Mac?

Young Chang (YC): Everything we do is always based on user feedback and sound research. Our research has been showing, year over year, continued interest in the Mac, as well as the potential of a web based application to increase the accessibility of AIA Contract Documents to our users. Such an online version simplifies its maintenance and enhances the usability of the documents. We determined that the web based alternative was best for all users.

AFR:  So why and how did the online version come about?

YC: The major reason is because users are asking for anywhere, anytime access to AIA Documents.

AFR: And it also solves your Mac user demand.

YC: Yes.

AFR:  Can you give me some examples?

YC: Yes. Users want to be able to access AIA Documents not just at job sites but at client locations like client offices or at hotels while traveling. Being able to get to your contracts and modify them while away from the main office is very beneficial.

A New Approach to Pricing

AFR:  What are some other benefits of the new online version of the AIA Contract Documents Software?

YC:  One key benefit will be the new flexible licensing models. Right now there is just one way to get the AIA Documents package. Now we will have several packages, bundles and a pay-as-you-go model, which we think will be very popular.

01 - A preview view of the new AIA Contract Documents software web-based version online. The new online software as a service will bring great benefits to AIA members and customers of the AIA Contract Documents software, including the ability to work with the software from either Mac or Windows OS computers as well as new era devices like the Apple iPad.

In this tough economic environment having pricing flexibility is very key for our members and customers. Most architects are small firms, so we [the AIA] want to maintain and improve upon how we serve our members and customers with this new service. The online version of AIA Documents online will do that.

AFR:  What kind of packages are we talking about? Can you give me some examples?

Young Chang (YC): There are over 150 separate documents available. I doubt anyone uses all of them. If you are an architect you are going to use a certain set of documents over and over. If you are a general contractor you will use another common set. Therefore, we will have packages tailored to the needs of specific types of users of the AIA Documents software.

Next page: Apple, the iPad and Development Details

For now however, this news should be pleasing to many of you.

Some Details We Know

The AIA website on AIA Documents says the next “generation of the AIA Contract Documents service will represent a significant innovation in accessibility, security, flexibility, affordability and ease of use for the design and construction industry.”

In terms of “accessibility”–an area Mac users have been concerned with deeply for nearly ten years now–the next version will work through the web and be equally accessible on either Mac or PC computers. If this means the new web-based application platform for AIA Documents works through Safari it may indeed work on an iPad as well, bringing another great tool directly the architect’s hands while away on travel or on the job site.

AECbytes.com remarks that the new AIA Documents will enable sharing and editing online among multiple parties–another excellent innovation for the software as a service (SaaS) platfrom. Apparently there will also be an online editor, the ability to compare documents side-by-side, a method of helping users pick the correct document for their needs and the ability to review and track changes. Lastly, there will be a way for digital signatures and the ability to save and print PDF finals of all documents. You can see a video of the new service on this YouTube video.

Users who are interested in beta testing this can sign up for alpha and beta level trials by contacting Young Chang, Director of Product at: youngchang@aia.org

The service is expected to be available later in the year with more details emerging in Fall of 2011.

The documents and forms are Adobe PDF file-based and they provide form data fields for users to complete.

Mac-based Architects Wanted

Access to the service in general is free. The price per document varies from 4.95.USD to 19.95.USD.

To gain access to these new online documents go to: http://documentsondemand.aia.org

Highlights will include Graphisoft’s new EcoDesigner, a meeting with Chris Yessios about auto-des-sys’ new Bonzai 3D, and several discussions planned with Autodesk, Bentley, Nemetschek, Google and more. 

auto-des-sys' new Bonzai may look familiar but under its easy looking user-interface lies the same industrial-strength modeling engine found in formZ.

The AIA itself will make several key announcements today and tomorrow. Teaming up with the city of San Francisco, the AIA will release San Francisco’s Greenest, an awarding of the city’s best green designed buildings. The AIA will also announce a 2030 Commitment concerning support for broad changes sweeping the industry, as well as Contract Document Software updates. 

From the Press Room

Oce (booth #1657) will be showing its new Oce PlotWave 300 multifunction system–a simple, green, durable, all-in-one large format printing system.

Practitioners from across the industry have collectively help write AIA E202 to provide a solid contractual structure for managing Building Information Modeling (BIM) across a project. This document says the AIA “creates an environment that encourages model authors to share their models with downstream users, designers contractors, schedulers, cost estimators and fabricators.”

AIA E202-2008

This document to be attached as an exhibit to either new IPD agreements or more traditional AIA agreements does all of the following:

• Specifies who is responsible for authoring each element of the model at each project phase, so no major design elements are missed or left unaddressed.
• Defines the extent to which downstream model users, such as contractors and fabricators, can use and rely on the model for scheduling, pricing, fabricating and construction.
• Assigns management of the model to a specific party by project phase, so there’s no confusion about who is managing the model at any time.
• Clarifies who owns the model and who has the right to use it.
• Allows easy modification to add or delete model elements and to revise the required levels of development on a project-by-project basis.
• Establishes standards and file formats to promote “interoperability” across the project.
• Provides common definitions for terms to avoid confusion.

A table in the document assigns authorship of each model element by project phase. E202-2008 was written primarily to support a project using Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). However, it can be attached to more traditional agreements.

For some further information visit:

http://www.aia.org/release_092408_condocs