Seal Your Next New Business Deal with the BDP Risk® Early Access Program

Posted by & filed under BDP Blog.

By Candelario Lopez
Director of Learning Management
Berkley Design Professional, a Berkley Company

June 4, 2026

Are you looking for a way to stand out from the competition and deliver more value to your architect and engineer (A&E) clients—before a policy is even bound?

Berkley Design Professional’s BDP Risk® Early Access Program is built with exactly that goal in mind. It gives your clients early entry to our risk management education platform and provides an opportunity to qualify for an upfront premium credit that would otherwise only be available at renewal. The result: a stronger submission, a more informed client, and a meaningful advantage in a competitive quoting situation.

What is Early Access?

Early Access program gives your quoted prospects an exclusive preview of Berkley Design Professional’s award-winning risk management education platform—BDP Risk®—which offers a range of association registered eLearning courses, tools and templates designed to improve risk management practices and enhance business performance.

Here’s the best part: When a prospect completes a BDP Risk® course before binding, they are eligible for a 15% premium credit.* This early risk management engagement and associated cost savings have proven to be decisive factors in helping brokers close new business.

How does Early Access work?

The process is simple and broker-friendly:

  1. Request access. Contact your Berkley Design Professional underwriter to request Early Access for your quoted prospect.
  2. Platform orientation. Our Risk Management team will schedule a short online tour of the BDP Risk® platform, so your client quickly understands what’s available and how to use it.
  3. Course completion. We keep an eye on the effective date and proactively guide the prospect through completion of a qualifying eLearning course prior to binding.
  4. Upfront credit. Upon course completion, the Risk Management team notifies your underwriter so that a credit can be applied, helping to reduce the first-year premium.

There is no additional paperwork, no complex tracking, and no administrative burden for you or your client—just a streamlined way to introduce proactive risk management from day one.

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Free Webinar | Why Project Delivery Method Matters

Posted by & filed under Events.

Presented by:
Jeremy S. Baker, Founding Attorney, Baker Law Group LLC
Andrew D. Mendelson, FAIA, Executive Vice President, Berkley Alliance Managers

Tuesday, June 23, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time
1.0 AIA Learning Unit 
1.0 RCEP Professional Development Hour+

Register Now


Berkley DP policyholders who participate in this program can qualify for a 15% Risk Management Education credit. Contact your agent for further information*

Join Jeremy Baker and Andrew Mendelson as they compare construction delivery methods from the perspectives of the A/E, contractor, and owner. This webinar will examine traditional design-bid-build, construction manager as constructor (CMc), construction manager as advisor (CMa), design-build, and progressive design-build, highlighting the key features, tradeoffs, and contractual risk allocation of each. Participants will gain practical insights to help align delivery method selection with owner priorities, including collaboration, schedule, pricing, design control, flexibility, and risk.

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Diane P. Mika Named Chief Risk Management Officer of Berkley Alliance Managers

Posted by & filed under News Releases.

GLASTONBURY, Conn. (April 2, 2026) — Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley company specializing in professional liability insurance solutions for design, construction and service professionals has announced the appointment of Diane P. Mika as chief risk management officer.

Mika previously served as senior vice president, risk management officer and department head for Berkley Alliance Managers. She brings more than 30 years of professional liability insurance experience and a distinguished record in risk management and loss prevention education. In her new role, she will lead the client-facing risk management function for Berkley Construction Professional, Berkley Design Professional and Berkley Service Professionals, advancing the organization’s commitment to delivering industry-leading resources and solutions.

“Diane’s deep expertise in professional liability risk management, paired with her leadership in developing innovative learning and loss prevention programs, makes her uniquely qualified to lead the risk management services we provide to clients,” said Stephen L. Porcelli, president of Berkley Alliance Managers. “Her vision, industry insight and commitment to elevating client education will continue to strengthen the value we deliver to construction, design and service professionals.”

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New Claims Benchmark Report: Insights to Help Design Professionals Manage Risk

Posted by & filed under BDP Blog.

This year’s Claims Benchmark Data report highlights what over a decade of claims experience reveals about risk.

By Diane Mika
Senior Vice President, Risk Management Officer
Berkley Design Professional, a Berkley Company

March 17, 2026

As trusted partners to architects and engineers, Berkley Design Professional is committed to providing data-driven insights that help firms make smarter decisions about project work and risk management. The newly released report, Claims Benchmark Data, draws on more than a decade of data reported to Berkley Design Professional (from April 2013 through June 2025) to illuminate trends across disciplines, client types, project categories and contract structures.

Unlike past reports where findings could potentially be distorted by a few high-dollar claims, our analysis now uses loss-cost metrics, combining frequency and severity relative to fees earned. This approach provides a more accurate and balanced view of risk, ensuring a discipline doesn’t appear riskier or safer than it actually is and that trends are meaningful for all sizes of firms.

Key Takeaways by Discipline

Structural engineers continue to experience the highest average loss cost, followed closely by mechanical and geotechnical engineers. It’s not surprising that “foundational” roles such as structural and geotechnical engineers face heightened scrutiny when issues arise, since claimants tend to look for errors that occurred from the ground up. Mechanical engineers face above-average exposure primarily due to the complexity of HVAC systems and client expectations for performance.

Architects show above-average claim frequency, often due to vicarious liability for subconsultants’ work. The report notes that while only one-third of architectural claims involve subconsultants, these account for 45% of total claim dollars, underscoring the importance of managing subconsultant relationships, responsibilities and insurance requirements with care.

Interior designers, environmental engineers and electrical engineers remain lower-risk groups, consistent with prior years.

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Free Webinar | Professional Communication in the Digital Workspace

Posted by & filed under Events.

Presented by:
Diane P. Mika, Senior Vice President, Risk Management Officer, Berkley Alliance Managers
Joseph Shields, P.E Assistant Vice President, Director of Construction Professional Risk Management, Berkley Construction Professional

Thursday, January 22, 2026
10 AM Pacific/12 PM Central/1 PM Eastern

Registered for:
1.0 AIA Learning Units 
1.0 RCEP Professional Development Hours+

Berkley DP policyholders who participate in this program can qualify for a 15% Risk Management Education credit. Contact your agent for further information*

This webinar has been recorded and is available on demand for Berkley Design Professional policyholders and our appointed agents and brokers on the BDP Risk® Learning Management System.

bdp Risk® lms login

In today’s digital-first workplace, professionals routinely generate and share vast amounts of electronically stored information (ESI). This practical, scenario-based webinar will equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to manage ESI responsibly and reduce risk exposure. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, Diane Mika and Joe Shields will provide insights into smarter email habits.

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Free Webinar | Dangerous Liaisons: Managing Potential Risks in the Construction Contract Administration Phase

Posted by & filed under Events.

Presented by:
Jim D. Atkins, President, Atkins Consulting Solutions
Andrew D. Mendelson, FAIA, Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Management Officer, Berkley Design Professional

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
10-11:30 AM Pacific
12-1:30 PM Central
1-2:30 PM Eastern

Approved for:
1.5 AIA Learning Units 
1.5 RCEP Professional Development Hours+

Berkley DP policyholders who participate in this program can qualify for a 15% Risk Management Education credit. Contact your agent for further information*

This webinar has been recorded and is available on demand for Berkley Design Professional policyholders and our appointed agents and brokers on the BDP Risk® Learning Management System.

bdp Risk® lms login

Since most claims arise during the construction phase, architects and engineers can improve their risk posture by being aware of potential perils and managing services to the best advantage during construction. This session explores risks that can arise during construction. Suggestions will be provided based on actual project experience to guard against and hopefully avoid possible pitfalls. Case studies are included for each topic presented. Architects and engineers should not miss this mission critical discussion.

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Free Webinar: Risk Management Essentials of the New Normal

Posted by & filed under Events.

Presented by:
Diane P. Mika, Senior Vice President, Risk Management Officer, Berkley Design Professional
Andrew D. Mendelson, FAIA, Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Management Officer, Berkley Design Professional

Thursday, September 18, 2025
10-11 AM Pacific
12-1 PM Central
1-2 PM Eastern

Approved for 1.0 AIA Learning Units 
1 RCEP Professional Development Hours+

Berkley DP policyholders who participate in this program can qualify for a 15% Risk Management Education credit. Contact your agent for further information*

This webinar has been recorded and is available on demand for Berkley Design Professional policyholders and our appointed agents and brokers on the BDP Risk® Learning Management System.

bdp Risk® lms login

In today’s rapidly evolving AEC landscape, risk management fundamentals are more critical than ever. This webinar explores how post-pandemic shifts, emerging technologies, and changing client expectations are reshaping professional liability exposure for architects and engineers. Gain actionable insights and tools to protect your firm and enhance risk resilience in the “new normal.”

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Diane Mika Presenting at Society for Design Administration (SDA) EDSymposium25

Posted by & filed under Events.

Managing Evolving Risks of AI in Design and Construction

Presented by:
Diane P. Mika, Senior Vice President, Risk Management Officer, Berkley Design Professional

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
11:15-12:15 PM

Diane Mika, senior vice president and risk management officer, will be speaking at the Society for Design Administration (SDA) EDSymposium25. She will present on “Managing Evolving Risks of AI in Design and Construction”.

More details on the event below.

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Design and construction technology has continuously evolved, with artificial intelligence (AI) being the latest advancement. This session will provide an overview of how AI can be effectively administered within design firms. Key topics include establishing a vision and intended use for AI and implementing written AI practice standards. Presented by a professional liability insurance specialist, this session will also emphasize the importance of maintaining human oversight to uphold professional responsibility and
the standard of care.

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Free Webinar: Navigating Challenges to Design Firm Growth and Expansion

Posted by & filed under Events.

Presented by:
Andrew D. Mendelson, FAIA, Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Management Officer, Berkley Design Professional
Jacqueline L. Neal, FCAS, MAAA, Executive Vice President, Berkley Design Professional

Thursday, April 3, 2025
10-11:00 AM Pacific
12-1:00 PM Central
1-2:00 PM Eastern

Approved for
1 AIA Learning Units 
1 RCEP Professional Development Hour+

Berkley DP policyholders who participate in this program can qualify for a 15% Risk Management Education credit. Contact your agent for further information*

This webinar has been recorded and is available on demand for Berkley Design Professional policyholders and our appointed agents and brokers on the BDP Risk® Learning Management System.

bdp Risk® lms login

Join us for an insightful webinar with Andy Mendelson, FAIA, EVP, Chief Risk Management Officer, and Jackie Neal, FCAS, MAAA, Executive Vice President designed specifically for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction firms facing the challenges of growth. Learn from them how to develop a unified approach to managing risks, strategies for handling the unique challenges of branch offices or acquisitions, and maintaining a high-performing workforce. This program will explore four key considerations for firm expansion including:

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Free Webinar: Reviewing Contracts for Professional Liability Coverage and Risk

Posted by & filed under Events.

Presented by:
Diane P. Mika, Senior Vice President, Risk Management Officer, Berkley Design Professional

Tuesday, February 11, 2025
10-11:15 AM Pacific
12-1:15 PM Central
1-2:15 PM Eastern

Approved for
1.25 AIA Learning Units 
1.25 RCEP Professional Development Hours+

Berkley DP policyholders who participate in this program can qualify for a 15% Risk Management Education credit. Contact your agent for further information*

This webinar has been recorded and is available on demand for Berkley Design Professional policyholders and our appointed agents and brokers on the BDP Risk® Learning Management System.

bdp Risk® lms login

Before signing on the dotted line, you should carefully review every contract in the context of project-specific requirements, conditions, your firm’s standards and protocols, and language that is consistent with your professional liability insurance. During our upcoming webinar, Diane P. Mika, Senior Vice President, Risk Management Officer will showcase actual contract clauses that have crossed our desk and explain how to edit them for insurability.

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