The AIGA Standard Form of Agreement
“I came to the United States from England in 1967 as an architect to teach at Columbia University. As part of my move from East to West, I eventually defected into the ranks of graphic design. However, my initial years practicing as an architect both in London and New York had gotten me into certain habits. In those days, whenever you started work for a client you simply reached for an RIBA or AIA standard form of agreement, scribbled in a few numbers, and away you went. Other than the fact that you inevitably had to slash your fees, the contract was never really an issue because it had gained such widespread acceptance. Graphic design was different, however. Agreements generally seemed to revolve around a one-page letter or some numbers casually mentioned during a meeting or phone call. After that, 50 percent of your time was spent on the design process and the rest on diplomatically making sure you got paid.”