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Client's Guide
Whether you intend to construct a new building, expand your current facility, or adapt an existing structure, it makes sense to consult a professional.
How much does it cost?
Architects' fees can be based on a percentage of the total construction cost or time expended, or can be a lump sum. You can select all or part of an architect's service, from an initial design discussion through to the final delivery of the project on site.
How to select the right architect
Clients often appoint an architect who is known to them or who has been recommended, or whose work they admire. This can be a sound initial response, but a more structured process of selection is desirable where matching requirements with the range of skills and services available has to be more precise.
A good place to start is our Members list. We are all RIBA chartered architects with a wide range of skills and experience which is described in the list. Browse through our list of members and select a shortlist.
Call each firm on your shortlist, describe your project and ask if they are available to accommodate it. If so, request literature that outlines the firm's qualifications and experience. Ask to see a portfolio of work, or to visit finished buildings, and visit their websites. Above all, talk to your intended architect. It is important to ensure that you are compatible. Your architects must convince you both of their creativity and their ability to get things done.
A good place to start is our Members list. We are all RIBA chartered architects with a wide range of skills and experience which is described in the list. Browse through our list of members and select a shortlist.
Call each firm on your shortlist, describe your project and ask if they are available to accommodate it. If so, request literature that outlines the firm's qualifications and experience. Ask to see a portfolio of work, or to visit finished buildings, and visit their websites. Above all, talk to your intended architect. It is important to ensure that you are compatible. Your architects must convince you both of their creativity and their ability to get things done.
Writing the brief
The ultimate success of your project depends on the quality of your brief, i.e. your ability to describe to your architect clearly the requirements and functions of your building, and proposed methods of operation and management. It is wise to ask your architect to assist you in preparing a final brief. Your architect will need to know:
- Your aims
- Your design style: are you looking for a design in keeping with the existing building? Do you want a contemporary or high-tech design? Are you concerned about having a sustainable or ecological design?
- Your reasons for embarking on this building project: what activities are intended for it?
- Your authority: who will be making the decisions about the designs, costs and day-to-day matters when the project is underway?
- Your overall expectations: what do you hope to achieve by this project - a more comfortable place for you to live in?
Appointing an architect
A good working relationship between architect and client is crucial to the success of any project. You and your architect should discuss and agree on the scope and cost of architectural services before the project begins and ensure that the agreement is in writing.
To help clients who are embarking on smaller building projects, the RIBA publishes two forms of agreement:
All the agreements can be obtained from RIBA Publications: +44 (0) 20 7256 7222.
To help clients who are embarking on smaller building projects, the RIBA publishes two forms of agreement:
- Domestic Project Agreement - suitable for use where the client requires work to his or her home
- Concise Agreement - suitable for a professional commission or construction project with simple contract terms where the client is acting for business or commercial purposes
- Standard Agreement - suitable for any professional commission or project where detailed contract terms are necessary. It can apply to most procurement methods, including design and build.
All the agreements can be obtained from RIBA Publications: +44 (0) 20 7256 7222.
The planning process
You are obliged to comply with legislation concerning planning, building regulations and health and safety. These are all matters on which your architect can advise, often dealing with the various authorities on your behalf.
On commercial projects there are often a number of people who need to be involved in decision making and review. Many organisations find it helpful to organise a committee to include all the people who need to be involved. However you structure your decision-making process, make sure that one person is designated as the point of contact between your organisation and the architect. The RIBA Client Services team can assist you in the appointment of an RIBA Client Adviser, who can perform this role.
On commercial projects there are often a number of people who need to be involved in decision making and review. Many organisations find it helpful to organise a committee to include all the people who need to be involved. However you structure your decision-making process, make sure that one person is designated as the point of contact between your organisation and the architect. The RIBA Client Services team can assist you in the appointment of an RIBA Client Adviser, who can perform this role.
Preparing to build
With planning approval in place, your architect can recommend an appropriate form of building contract and will prepare drawings with technical specifications that describe your agreed proposals, for selected builders to cost.
Work in progress
Your architect can, if you require, monitor the builder's work in terms of meeting the standards required, finishing on time and not exceeding the contract figure.
More information
The RIBA publishes the booklet A Client's Guide to Engaging an Architect. To order a copy contact RIBA Publications 020 7256 7222
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