Further Legal Training for Architects, Civil Engineers, and Construction Managers

Abstract

Construction projects in Germany must be carried out in compliance with various rules and regulations such as those pertaining to construction law, environmental law, or neighbor law. A breach of law may result in financial or personal disadvantages. Currently, the daily work of architects, civil or structural engineers, and construction managers involves not only solving complex technical problems but also facing legal issues. Nevertheless, legal topics play only a minor role in engineering and architecture education. Because of this and because of frequent changes in the law, further legal education is necessary in order for architects, civil engineers, and construction managers to avoid legal pitfalls in construction projects. This paper addresses the question of whether and to what extent legal education should be offered to architects and engineers. The authors analyzed legal education in architecture, civil engineering, and industrial engineering programs at German universities and universities of applied sciences, because these programs are the basis for the law-related knowledge of architects and engineers. The paper also discusses further legal training for building-related professions. The authors explain the German situation, especially the obligation to engage in ongoing professional development, and make recommendations regarding the extent and content of further legal training.