AIA Contract Series · ARE 5.0 Exam Prep · Updated May 2026
AIA B195 explained for ARE 5.0
A plain-language breakdown of the Owner-Architect Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery — what it covers, how the architect’s role changes in IPD, and why it matters for your exam.
What is AIA B195?
The AIA B195 — formally titled Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect for Integrated Project Delivery — is the contract that governs the relationship between the owner and architect on an IPD project. The 2008 edition is the version referenced on the ARE 5.0.
B195 is the IPD equivalent of B101. Just as B101 governs the owner-architect relationship in traditional delivery, B195 governs that same relationship when the project is delivered using Integrated Project Delivery. B195 works alongside A195 (Owner-Contractor Agreement for IPD) and A295 (General Conditions for IPD) to form the complete contractual framework for an IPD project.
Why B195 appears on PjM
B195 is tested on Project Management because it redefines the architect’s services, responsibilities, and role within the IPD team structure — changes that affect how projects are managed from the earliest phases through construction completion.
PjM
Project Management
Covers how the architect’s services are structured in IPD, how the architect participates in the collaborative management structure established in A295, how compensation is structured within an IPD framework, and how the architect’s role differs from traditional delivery.
How B195 differs from B101
B195 and B101 both govern the owner-architect relationship but reflect fundamentally different approaches to project delivery:
B101 — Traditional delivery
Sequential phases, independent role
Under B101, the architect provides services in five sequential phases — SD, DD, CD, Procurement, and CA. The architect acts as an independent professional and impartial administrator during construction. Compensation is typically a fixed fee or percentage of construction cost.
B195 — IPD
Collaborative phases, shared role
Under B195, the architect’s services are organized around six IPD-oriented phases — Conceptualization, Criteria Design, Detailed Design, Implementation Documents, Construction, and Closeout (B195 §4.4). The architect participates as a collaborative team member alongside the contractor from the earliest phases. Compensation may be structured to reflect the collaborative nature of the project rather than strictly sequential design services.
Key provisions to know for the exam
Six IPD phases of service
Six phases replace five
B195 §4.4 organizes the architect’s compensation-related services into six phases that reflect the collaborative nature of IPD: Conceptualization, Criteria Design, Detailed Design, Implementation Documents, Construction, and Closeout. Unlike B101’s five phases which are largely sequential, B195’s phases are structured around IPD milestones and involve all team members more continuously throughout the project.
Collaborative management structure
Architect as collaborative team member
Under B195, the architect participates in the collaborative project management structure established in A295–2008. The architect works closely with the owner and contractor throughout the project rather than acting independently during construction administration. The governance structure and decision-making procedures are defined primarily in A295, which B195 incorporates by reference.
Collaborative role in IPD
Different from traditional construction administration
Unlike traditional delivery, B195 places the architect within a collaborative IPD structure rather than in the more independent construction administration role commonly associated with B101. The architect’s services are integrated with the owner’s and contractor’s efforts throughout all phases of the project.
Compensation structure
Structured within an IPD framework
B195 allows compensation to be structured differently from traditional delivery methods. Compensation may be based on stipulated sums, percentages of the Guaranteed Maximum Price, hourly rates, reimbursable expenses, or other agreed methods (B195 §4.1–§4.7). Because B195 operates within an IPD framework coordinated with A195 and A295, compensation structures may emphasize collaborative project goals rather than strictly sequential design services.
Waiver of consequential damages
Mutual protection between owner and architect
B195 §5.3.1 includes a mutual waiver of consequential damages between the Owner and Architect for claims arising out of or relating to the Agreement. This provision encourages open collaboration throughout the project without exposure to catastrophic liability claims between the contracting parties.
Digital data and instruments of service
Collaborative project environment
B195 addresses digital data transmission and instruments of service in a collaborative project environment and may incorporate E201–2007 Digital Data Protocol Exhibit (B195 §3, §9.2.3). Because IPD projects involve multiple parties working from shared design information, B195 establishes how the architect’s design contributions are owned, licensed, and used within the project.
The architect’s role across delivery methods
The ARE frequently tests how the architect’s role changes across delivery methods. Here is a comparison:
Traditional (B101)
Independent professional, impartial administrator
Architect contracts directly with owner. Provides services in five sequential phases. Acts as impartial administrator between owner and contractor during construction. Compensation is fixed and independent of project phase outcomes.
Design-Build (B143)
Subconsultant to design-builder
Architect contracts with design-builder, not owner. No direct relationship with owner. Cannot act as impartial administrator. Scope defined by design-builder. Paid by design-builder.
IPD (B195)
Collaborative team member, integrated structure
Architect contracts directly with owner. Participates in the collaborative project management structure established in A295 alongside the owner and contractor. Not serving in the independent construction administration role of B101. Compensation structured within an IPD framework that may reflect the collaborative nature of the project.
Common exam traps
- B195 is the IPD equivalent of B101 — it governs the owner-architect relationship in IPD projects.
- The architect still contracts directly with the owner under B195 — unlike design-build where the architect works for the design-builder.
- B195 uses six IPD-oriented phases (B195 §4.4) — not the five phases of B101.
- The architect participates in the collaborative management structure defined in A295 — not as an independent construction administrator.
- Compensation under B195 may be structured differently from traditional delivery — it can be based on GMP percentage, stipulated sum, hourly rates, or other agreed methods.
- B195 §5.3.1 includes a mutual waiver of consequential damages between the Owner and Architect specifically.
- B195 incorporates A295 by reference (§1.1, §2, §5.1, §9.2) — just as B101 incorporates A201 in traditional delivery.
- B195 works alongside A195 and A295 — all three documents together form the IPD contract framework.
Exam tip
When comparing B101 and B195 on the ARE, focus on three key differences: the phase structure (five sequential phases vs. six IPD-oriented phases per §4.4), the architect’s role (independent construction administrator vs. collaborative team member within the structure established by A295), and the compensation structure (traditional fee arrangements vs. compensation methods that may reflect the IPD project framework). These three distinctions capture the essence of how IPD changes the architect’s professional engagement with a project.
How B195 relates to other AIA contracts
B195 is one of three core documents in the IPD contract family. It works alongside A195 (Owner-Contractor Agreement for IPD) and A295 (General Conditions for IPD) to form the complete framework for IPD projects. B195 incorporates A295 by reference (§1.1, §2, §5.1, §9.2), just as B101 incorporates A201 in traditional delivery. Understanding the parallel structure between the traditional contract family (B101, A101, A201) and the IPD contract family (B195, A195, A295) is one of the most effective ways to master the delivery method questions tested across PjM.