In which instances is the contractor required to provide professional services that constitute the practice of an engineer or architect?

• A. Only if specifically required by the contract documents or if such services are needed to carry out construction means, methods, sequences, or procedures.
• B. In all cases.
• C. Only if the owner requests.
• D. Never.

Answer: (A)

The main point is that professional services that count as the practice of engineering or architecture are not a contractor’s general obligation. They’re required only when the contract documents specifically call for them, or when such services are necessary to carry out construction means, methods, sequences, or procedures. In other words, the contractor normally focuses on executing the work, but if the project documents require licensed professional services or if certain construction aspects demand engineering judgment (for example, specialized calculations, coordination of complex systems, or shop drawings that involve professional-level design work), then those services must be provided by the contractor’s licensed professionals or as otherwise specified in the contract.

This is why the stated option is correct: it limits the obligation to situations explicitly defined by the contract or necessary to implement the construction plan. The other options imply a blanket or unconditional obligation (in all cases, whenever the owner requests, or never), which isn’t how these professional services are allocated in AIA A201.