The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) today released a new joint framework aimed at strengthening collaboration between architects and contractors to improve project outcomes across the construction industry. The report, Toward Collaboration’s Future: Strengthening the Architect-Contractor Relationship, outlines practical strategies to enhance communication, align incentives, manage risk, and foster stronger team performance from project conception through completion.

“Architects and contractors perform best when aligned early on shared goals, clear roles, and open communication,” said AIA CEO/Executive Vice President, Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP. “This team-based framework builds trust, aligns incentives, manages risk proactively, and uses digital coordination to improve decisions from design through completion—driving better outcomes for owners, stronger teams, and higher-performing projects.”

The framework is the result of a multi-year effort between AGC and AIA and reflects input from industry leaders across design and construction disciplines. It is designed for use by architects, contractors, owners, and project teams of all sizes and delivery methods. 

The report emphasizes the importance of establishing clear communication protocols and shared project goals early in the process, engaging contractors during design to improve constructability and cost certainty, and clearly defining roles and responsibilities to reduce risk and avoid disputes. It also highlights the value of using shared performance metrics to track outcomes such as quality, safety, and schedule, while promoting a culture rooted in trust, transparency, and mutual accountability.

“Successful construction projects depend on strong collaboration between architects and contractors,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, Chief Executive Officer, Associated General Contractors of America. “This new framework provides a roadmap for improving communication, reducing conflict, and delivering better results for owners and project teams alike.”

In addition, the framework underscores the need for proactive risk management, structured change management processes, and the use of digital tools to improve coordination and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Association officials noted that stronger collaboration can lead to higher-quality projects, fewer delays, reduced costs, and more durable working relationships across the construction industry.