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Novation
/noʊˈveɪʃən/
PRACTICE & STANDARDSadvanced
Definition
The legal transfer of an architect's contract from the client to the contractor, common in Design and Build procurement. After novation, the architect works for the contractor but must still serve the client's original design intent. Novation is controversial because it creates potential conflicts of interest.
Example
When a developer novates their architect to the main contractor at the end of Stage 2, the architect then receives instructions from the contractor — who may prioritise buildability and cost over the original design quality.