Andrea Chao

I am a partner in our office in Amsterdam focusing on complex construction projects in the Construction & Infrastructure practice. These are projects that require innovative and collaborative solutions to ensure success.

My specialism relates to construction and procurement law, with a specific focus on complex circular economy, utility, water (safety), infrastructure, energy, and other construction and infrastructure projects.

I am of the view that construction contracts should primarily be used as a tool to ensure a fitting collaboration between parties and stakeholders (and individuals on their behalf) to meet project goals, rather than merely as a way to determine how to deal with projects gone sour. Collaboration between clients and contractors can for instance be improved by providing for a legal framework to stimulate communication, a proactive solution-driven attitude and positive behaviour. The goal is to prevent failure costs and allow for parties to be proud of their projects.

I am a member of the International Group of Legal Experts on Fusion Energy (FELEX), the Dutch Society for Construction Law, the editorial board of the Dutch Construction Law review, the Netherlands Council of the International Project Finance Association (IPFA) and the Advisory Board to the Water Authority Rijnland on improving relationships with the market. In addition, I have co-initiated and co-drafted the Dutch early contractor involvement model contract of Duurzaam Gebouwd (DG2020), used to procure billions of Euros of infrastructure since its launch (in the Netherlands, and in a range of EU and non-EU countries), which has also been adopted for the Polish market.

Furthermore, I am chairperson of the international FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) Task Group-17, which is assigned to prepare the new international model contract on collaborative contracting.

In addition, on a frequent basis I publish (academic) articles, contribute to books, speak at national and international events, and am interviewed on developments within the construction sector.