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

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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

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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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Resilient Design in 2025: A Smarter Standard in a Changing Climate

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By Andrew D. Mendelson, FAIA
Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Management Officer
Berkley Design Professional, a Berkley Company

October 7, 2025

Climate change is transforming the work of design professionals across the United States. In 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded 27 weather and climate disasters, each causing more than $1 billion in damages. That’s three times the annual average of the nine events per year recorded between 1980 and 2024. These disasters included major floods, hurricanes, wildfires and other extreme weather events that continue to challenge infrastructure and design standards.

The changing climate has not gone unnoticed by the design and insurance communities. In recent years, architects and engineers have made meaningful progress in addressing climate-related risks and embracing resilient design. Although progress is difficult to quantify across such a broad sector, one trend is unmistakable: Awareness of climate risk is at an all-time high. That awareness is a critical first step toward lasting, industry-wide change.

When Code Compliance Falls Short

At Berkley Design Professional, we started noticing a shift about 10 years ago, after several policyholders experienced major losses in storm-prone areas including Central and South Texas. Even though they were designed to comply with code, the built projects were overwhelmed by storms that exceeded FEMA projections and historical climate models.

While engineers and architects are obligated to comply with the existing codes, the challenge is to encourage those involved in designing projects to consider recent severe climate events, become educated about future predictions, and adapt to the changing world.

Today, more design professionals understand this. Over the past five years, we’ve observed a noticeable increase in awareness. Engineers and architects are realizing that minimum code compliance might no longer be sufficient.

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Jude Sedliak Named Chief Underwriting Officer of Berkley Design Professional

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MONTEREY, Calif., October 6, 2025 – Berkley Design Professional, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley Company, specializing in professional liability insurance products and services for architects and engineers, has announced Jude Sedliak as chief underwriting officer.

“Jude’s extensive professional liability underwriting experience, including 20 years in an A&E professional liability role, positions him perfectly to lead our underwriting team and aligns with our commitment to providing innovative solutions for clients in the design professional industry,” said Tom Rea, executive vice president of Berkley Design Professional.

Jude joined Berkley Service Professionals, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, in 2021 as vice president, underwriting. He was promoted to senior vice president in 2023. He has nearly 30 years of experience underwriting professional liability insurance. Jude’s expertise includes over a dozen E&O classes, with 20 years specifically in A&E professional liability. He previously served as vice president at two leading E&S insurance carriers and at a managing general agency. Jude has achieved the designation of Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU).

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What to Look for in Your A&E Professional Liability Insurance Provider

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By Paul Dillon
Senior Vice President, Executive Underwriter
Berkley Design Professional, a Berkley Company

September 10, 2025

In the professional liability market for design firms, the value of an insurance provider extends well beyond price. It lies in thoughtful underwriting, proactive risk management and a claims team that genuinely understands the industry.

At Berkley Design Professional, we’ve worked closely with agents and brokers across the country who serve the unique needs of architects and engineers (A&E). Over time, we’ve listened carefully to what they say makes an insurance provider stand out and what keeps them coming back with new business and renewals.

Based on our brokers’ feedback and ongoing industry insights, here are three qualities that distinguish Berkley Design Professional as a trusted partner in the A&E professional liability insurance marketplace.

1. Creative and Flexible Coverage

A solid policy form is the key to dependable coverage. At Berkley Design Professional, we adopt a flexible and innovative approach to underwriting that meets the real-world needs of A&E firms. For example, we recently issued an enhanced primary policy form with significant updates, including:

  • Definition of insured: Now covers independent contractors
  • Waiver of subrogation: May apply to parties with a written agreement with the insured (excluding their subcontractors or sub-consultants)
  • Extended reporting period: New option to extend reporting up to five years
  • Cannabis coverage: Clearly included in the policy to address an emerging risk

We also clarified our definitions of claim, contractors pollution coverage, professional services and deductible credits, making it easier for agents and brokers and their clients to understand how our policy works and how coverage applies.

For an additional premium, our policies feature several elements that agents, brokers and clients appreciate:

  • Project limits enable firms to allocate specific coverage to individual projects. This helps manage liability, meet client requirements and maintain the overall policy limit.
  • Run-off 3 Year policy providing ongoing protection for work completed before a firm closes or changes ownership, ensuring claims related to past work are still covered.
  • Separate defense limits allocate funds specifically for legal defense, so indemnity coverage isn’t depleted by high legal costs.

Berkley Design Professional also offers admitted follow-form excess policy options, which provide coverage above the primary policy, following the same terms. This is especially beneficial for A&E firms handling complex or high-value projects.

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Berkley Design Professional, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, Named One of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Insurance for Second Consecutive Year

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MONTEREY, Calif., September 10, 2025 – Berkley Design Professional, a division of Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley Company, specializing in professional liability insurance for architects and engineers, announced that it has been recognized as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Insurance by Business Insurance, marking the second consecutive year the business has earned this prestigious honor.

This annual award recognizes insurance businesses that excel at creating outstanding workplaces by emphasizing employee engagement, satisfaction and culture. Only 100 businesses from the industry are chosen based on a comprehensive review of their workplace policies, practices and employee feedback.

“We are incredibly proud to be named a Best Place to Work in Insurance for the second straight year,” said Steve Porcelli, president of Berkley Design Professional. “This recognition truly reflects our people, their passion, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to our clients and each other. At Berkley Design Professional, we believe investing in our people fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration and long-term success.”

Berkley Design Professional’s ongoing recognition highlights its commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered and inspired. The business’s entrepreneurial culture encourages individuals to contribute meaningfully and take responsibility for their impact.

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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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Construction claim trends in a changing risk landscape

Posted by & filed under Published Articles.

These emerging trends are challenging traditional construction risk management.

By Stephanie Thomas | August 14, 2025

As construction practices evolve to meet new environmental, technological and efficiency demands, so too do the associated risks.

Three emerging areas are giving rise to increasingly complex claims scenarios: solar farms, data centers, and modular construction. Each involves unique exposures, legal ambiguities and implications for underwriting and risk management.

Solar farms: Small damages, giant verdicts

As the renewable energy sector continues to grow worldwide, the construction of solar farms across America’s rural areas has triggered an uptick in high-severity pollution runoff claims. Though these claims often involve limited physical damage caused by silt or sediment runoff onto neighboring residential properties and waterways, they increasingly result in multi-million-dollar jury awards.

Solar farm construction involves clearing and grading large sections of land, often in rural communities. This phase of construction can lead to significant erosion and major sediment run-off into waterways and neighboring residential properties if the stormwater controls and drainage basins are inadequate. What might begin as a modest environmental incident can escalate into a highly litigious and emotionally charged dispute.

A landmark example of this trend is the Lumpkin Solar case, in which a Georgia jury awarded $135.5 million, including $125 million in punitive damages, to a couple whose private pond was contaminated by runoff during the construction of a nearby solar farm. The actual cost to remediate the damage was estimated at less than $1 million, but the verdict reflected deeper social dynamics: a strong jury inclination to penalize corporations thought to be infringing on rural livelihoods.

These high-dollar claims are rarely driven by catastrophic physical losses. Rather, they emerge from a mix of social inflation, the rise of third-party litigation funding and a growing public skepticism toward industrial-scale projects in rural settings — all resulting in nuclear jury verdicts, defined as verdicts in excess of $10 million. Plaintiffs’ attorneys have recognized this dynamic and are actively seeking similar cases, which is accelerating both the frequency and severity of these claims.

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