Who pays the certified amount?

• A. The Contractor pays the Owner.
• B. The Owner pays the certified amount to the Contractor in accordance with the contract.
• C. The Architect pays the Contractor.
• D. Subcontractors pay the Contractor.

Answer: (B)

The payment flow in AIA A201 is that the Owner pays the Contractor the amount the Architect certifies as due. The Architect acts as the Owner’s certifying agent: after the Contractor submits an application for payment, the Architect reviews the work, may approve or adjust, and issues a certificate for payment for the amount due. That certified amount is what the Contractor earns for that period, and the Owner then pays it, in accordance with the contract’s terms (including any retainage). The Architect certifies, but does not pay. Subcontractors are paid by the Contractor, not directly by the Owner, and the Owner does not pay the Contractor on behalf of the Architect.