An architect’s compensation may be expressly included in the employment contract.[i]  The architect is entitled to be paid the reasonable value of services, if there has been no agreement establishing compensation.[ii]  The payment provisions may be used to determine the proper measure of a quantum meruit recovery, if an architect’s contract is unenforceable for other reasons, although definite in its terms.[iii]  The architect’s representatives are entitled to recover for the reasonable value of services, if an architect dies prior to the completion of the work.[iv]  Moreover, an architect may recover under the theory of unjust enrichment.

[i] Pallardy v. Link’s Landing, Inc., 536 S.W.2d 512 (Mo. Ct. App. 1976).

[ii] Haase v. Brumfield, 137 So. 2d 680 (La. Ct. App. 1st Cir. 1962).

[iii] Harper, Drake & Associates, Inc. v. Jewett & Sherman Co., 49 Wis. 2d 330, 182 N.W.2d 551 (1971).

[iv] Rowland v. Hudson County, 7 N.J. 63, 80 A.2d 433 (1951).