Architecture, from one point of view, is the art and science of designing buildings and structures. Due to the scope and extent of architecture, many factors affect the architectural business and professional work. One of these factors, which has an enormous impact on this profession, is the legal rules and regulations related to architectural practices. Architects are obliged to deal with different professional affairs and client issues from the beginning of their careers. Hence, architects must be aware of the rules and procedures and use them to promote their professionalism.

The law should not be seen as an inconvenient factor or a burden, but as a criterion for recognising the rights of individuals in a society. In the event of a professional dispute, the architect should be aware of his/ her own and others' legal responsibilities. The architect should be aware of the basic legal information and current law related to the architectural field and know that ignorance of the law does not relieve legal responsibilities. In other words, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse in any country. If it were, the laws would lose their effect, because it can always be pretended”[1].

This book discusses the legal factors affecting the architects' professional activities, and the necessary general knowledge of the law. In summary, it provides an introductory framework for the understanding of the legal, contractual, and procedural implications of architectural practices.

The construction industry is generally a messy and high-risk business with significant amounts of money involved. Problems and misunderstandings typically end up in some form of dispute resolution. This book clearly explains the parties involved in the construction contracts and defines the professional relationships between the architects and the clients, consultants, contractors, engineers, construction managers, and so on. Furthermore, you can find information about resolution paths and necessary procedures to resolve disputes when they arise.

The present book is in Persian and consists of 11 chapters. The book is a comprehensive collection that provides the necessary information related to the law from the graduation of an architect to the stage of practice, pathways to qualify as an architect, establishing the architectural office, contract formation, tendering process, dispute resolution, and many more issues.

The 1st edition of the book ‘The Architect & the Law' was published by Alborz Fardanesh Publications in 2013. ISBN:9786002022585

[1] Quotation from Thomas Jefferson. He was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, and philosopher, who served as the third president of the United States, from 1801 to 1809.