Introduction by Eva M. Read-Warden, AIA, PM Digest Editor
As a firm owner it is part of my job to watch the books. How does that Accounts Receivable report look? What is the percentage of invoices that are being paid in a timely manner, and why are there those lingering past-due amounts? It seems like a simple concept: we agree to do work for a client, we do the work, then we invoice for the work. One critical part remains: the client must pay the bill!
For design and architecture firms, securing timely payment is not just a financial necessity—it can be a critical risk-management indicator. Payment delays or disputes are often the first sign of a project in trouble. The AIA Trust risk report, The Collections-Claim Connection, outlines proactive, strategic measures design professionals can take to ensure they get paid in full while avoiding costly and damaging legal disputes.
Even if your A/R report is looking good, this article is a good education for how you can be proactive and avoid issues in the future.
Read the report: https://theaiatrust.com/resource/getting-paid-without-getting-sued/
(Return to the cover of the June 2026 PM Digest)