What Services Does an Architect Provide? Architectural services include design, preparation of construction documents, and construction administration. Architects also provide a wide variety of services including feasibility studies, architectural programming and project management. The Client / Architect Agreement clearly defines the services and respective obligations, responsibilities, and expectations of both the architect and client, along with the services to be provided by the architect. The use of the Canadian Standard Form of Agreement Between Client and Architect: Document Six is recommended and is designed to interact with the construction contract. Be prepared to discuss the nature and scope of your project in detail - its size, your personal feelings about it, your hopes, expectations, objectives, budget and timelines. Be prepared to explore new ideas as your architect may suggest changes and solutions you had never even thought of. The following is a typical outline of services offered by architects and their sub-consultants: Project Inception Schematic Design - During this stage your architect will begin by preparing preliminary design sketches based on your program of requirements and budget to explore and illustrate possible options. The architect will review these options with you, pointing out the merits and responding to your input. This is the time at which changes should be made to reach an agreement on the design that works best in terms of site planning, function, quality, cost and appearance. Design Development - This stage refines the agreed upon schematic design for a clearer definition of the scope and quality of the finished project. Further cost projections will determine how closely the design conforms to the budget expectations, or what, if any, adjustments are required. Construction Documents - When the design concepts have been decided, the architect prepares working drawings and specifications. These are required to obtain building permits and bids, and to guide the contractor in construction. Bidding and Negotiation - Your architect can help you in important ways. Your architect can advise you on your choice of contractor - usually done by calling for competitive bids. Your architect will help evaluate the bids and select the contractor, and prepare the contract between you and the contractor. Construction and Contract Administration - Your architect will consult with you and advise you during construction. On-site visits will determine if construction is proceeding in general accordance with the contract, and that the design, materials, and workmanship meet with acceptable standards. · Substantial Performance of Construction / Occupancy Certificate - Your architect provides regular progress reports to keep you informed, authorizes staged payments to the contractor and remains involved until the project is completed. Additional Services Additional services over and beyond basic traditional services include: project management feasibility studies site selection building condition audits programming interior design renderings and promotional materials full time site representation multiple contract preparation How Much Do You Pay an Architect? Architect’s fees are made up of two components: fees for architectural services (the major component including necessary engineering fees) reimbursable expenses for out-of-pocket expenses (such as travel, communications and the reproduction of the contract documents) Architect's fees are value for money. The quality of design establishes the value of the entire project and an architect's fees are only a small part of the overall budget. By developing a design that matches your needs and by monitoring the quality and care throughout the process, an architect's services will enhance the value of your project. Once you and the architect have come to an agreement on the extent and nature of the services to be provided and the scope of the project, the architect's fees can be determined in several ways: lump sum (a fixed fee) time basis (hourly or per diem rates) percentage (of the construction cost) Frequently, a client pays a retainer to the architect upon signing of the agreement, usually based on a percentage of the total architectural fees. All in all, you pay for the expert services of a team of professional architects, and engineers if necessary, to assemble a package of design drawings, detailed drawings and specifications to allow you to obtain accurate bids from the contractor. If you only require partial service, discuss with the Architect the hourly or daily rate charged for this service. A comprehensive recommended schedule of fees and condition of engagement is available through your architect.