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摘要

Architecture has always been a strong export product for the UK. Architects are increasingly asked to tender for projects outside the country and to sign up to appointments which may not follow the UK market norms. What differences should architects be aware of in appointment documents for overseas projects? If you are confronted with an appointment document for an overseas project the first thing to do is establish whether it is subject to English law or the law of the local jurisdiction. While English law is another great export and is often used as the governing law under contracts for foreign projects, you cannot guarantee that it will be used in an appointment document for an overseas project. Where an appointment is not subject to English law, you should take foreign law advice on the proposed terms. Irrespective of the governing law of the appointment, you should also ask your insurers to confirm whether the appointment is acceptable. Insurers are often able to cover appointments for overseas projects, but do not take this for granted. Check whether any specific requirements need to be satisfied in order for the appointment to fall within cover.