Book Review: Architects, Engineers and the Law 4th Edition

By John Cooke

Published by The Federation Press

Reviewed by Dominic Katter

Architects, Engineers and the Law (fourth edition) provides a broad overview of numerous legal areas pertinent to professionals in the construction industry. This text is targeted at industry professionals seeking to understand primary applicable legal principles.

The author, Dr John Cooke, has degrees in both architecture and law, completing his doctorate at Sydney University. The author is both a solicitor and qualified architect. The first edition of this specialised text was written while the author was on leave at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the University of London, and during a period of research at the Martin Centre for Architectural and Urban studies at the University of Cambridge.

The book is divided into two distinct parts. The first ten chapters provide background information as to general relevant legal topics, such as contract law and ‘types’ of liability. The remaining 16 chapters deal with specific areas of law, such as intellectual property, management and tenders applicable to the architectural and engineering professions. The book rarely delves into any topics in particular detail, but instead manages to provide an expeditious, straight-forward text to assist professionals in determining whether to engage legal assistance.

The text has a high-level of readability, in that it is not over-burdened by footnotes. It is easy to locate relevant passages, due to a detailed outline and appropriate headings throughout. The book references both Australian and international cases and in doing so provides both an appreciation of international standards, further to an appropriate consideration of the relevant domestic laws. Each chapter commences with suggested further readings to assist readers in building their understanding beyond the core principles outlined in the text.

This work commendably recognises in the preface that “this book is in no case a substitute” for “specialist advice”. Although not an authoritative resource for legal research, the book is a useful guide across a broad range of industry specific topics. In summary, the author’s strong foundations in law and architecture have allowed him to compile a summary of basic legal principles appropriate for professionals in the construction industry.