RIAI CPD: Understanding the RIAI 2025 Construction Contract

This CPD event provides a comprehensive introduction to the new RIAI 2025 Construction Contract, replacing the Yellow and Blue forms. The 2025 edition marks a significant update, reflecting current industry practices while maintaining the balance the RIAI contracts are known for. This event is crucial for architects, architectural technologists, and industry stakeholders, offering insights into the contract’s new features, key changes, and practical application.

Cost: 

Member Rate per per person €157.50

Individual Member rate per person associated to Practice €135  - RIAI CPD cannot be booked via the RIAI Practice’s  login in details .

Course Aim

To equip participants with a thorough understanding of the RIAI 2025 Construction Contract, enabling them to effectively apply its provisions in practice, manage risk, and navigate the new contract particulars, schedules, and key changes in contract administration.

Indicative Topics

The CPD course will cover the following topics:

• Introduction and Key Changes: Overview of structural changes, including the organization of clauses and the introduction of contract particulars.
• Particulars and Opt-in Clauses: Detailed examination of the project-specific contractual details and the application of opt-in clauses.
• Sub-Contractors and Contractor Design: Management of selected sub-contractors and contractor’s design responsibilities.
• Insurances and Liability Limits: New provisions for contractor’s liability limits and professional indemnity insurance.
• Contractor Claims and Notices: Procedures for contractor claims, including notice provisions and time bars.
• Dispute Avoidance and Resolution: Updated approaches to dispute avoidance, negotiation, and arbitration opt-out.
• Final Account and Payment Certification: Processes for final account settlement and the issuance of final certificates for payment.

Reference Documents

• RIAI 2025 Construction Contract Specimen
• RIAI 2025 Construction Contract Guidance Note

All reference documents will be shared with participants on Friday, 14th November. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course participants will have:

1. Awareness of the purpose, structure, and underlying rationale of the RIAI 2025 Construction Contract, including its alignment with current industry practice and legislative requirements.
2. Knowledge of the main updates introduced in the 2025 edition, including Contract Particulars, optional clauses, insurance provisions, liability limits, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
3. A practical understanding how to interpret and apply key contractual provisions relating to contractor design, selected sub-contractors, claims and notices, and the final account process.
4. The ability to identify relevant clauses, procedural obligations, and risk implications when administering contracts under the new RIAI 2025 edition in professional practice.

Assessment for Learning

Formative assessment: discussion (Q&A) and reflection (survey).

Teaching and Learning

Lecture based presentations with practical examples, live poll and accompanying Q&A.

Terms and Conditions

Confirmation is subject to event fee being finalised. Cancellation fees calculated at 50% of the estimated total bill will be charge for confirmed bookings cancelled less than 5 working days prior to the date of the planned event. A replacement person can attend instead. Cancellations made the day prior to an event will be charged 75% of the total estimated bill. No-shows will be charged the full fee. All cancellations must be confirmed in writing by email. RIAI will not be liable for any costs in the event of a course being re-scheduled.

Registration for Local Authority

Registration via Purchase Order can be arranged for Local Authorities. Local Authority bookings must include a Purchase Order number. Without this, the booking cannot be processed. For more information, please contact tharte@riai.ie