24/06/2026
The bigger picture of a project includes things designers don’t usually mention.
Insurance sits outside the strict definition of architecture, but it sits squarely inside the responsibility of a designer who cares about client outcomes.
It is pretty common in the architecture industry to focus solely on designing and detailing homes or buildings. However, it is really important to step back and see the bigger picture, and to appreciate the journey clients go on from concept through to completion. One of the aspects that catches a lot of clients out is contract works insurance, particularly when they are doing a renovation.
For a new build, contract works insurance is taken out by the builder, so as a client you do not have to worry about it. There are plenty of other things occupying your headspace at that stage.
However, if you are doing a renovation, contract works insurance needs to be taken out by you. You may be living in the home while the work is happening, and there will be existing parts of the house that are not being touched. You want to ensure both the new works and the existing structure are covered, so that if there is a disaster or damage to either, you are not left out of pocket.
Insurance sits outside the strict definition of architecture, but it sits squarely inside the responsibility of any architectural designer who genuinely cares about the new homes outcomes for their clients. Flagging it early is part of the job.
