Contractual tree for building design and construction

A contractual tree is a diagram illustrating the contractual relationship between the parties involved in a project. This might include contracts between; funders, the client, consultants, sub-consultants, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers and may include ‘secondary’ agreements which are associated with the 'primary' contracts, such as collateral warranties. On complex projects such as a PFI projects it may include other project agreements such as concession agreements.

The contractual tree only shows legal relationships, it does not set out reporting lines or limits of authority and is not the same as an organisation chart. For example, on construction management projects, trade contractors might report to the construction manager, but their legal relationship is with the client.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Appointing consultants.
• Collateral warranties.
• Construction contract.
• Design responsibility matrix.
• Project execution plan.
• Project roles table.
• RACI matrix.