Which Architectural services should I choose?
After requesting a fee proposal, we will ask you which bundle of our services you wish us to perform for you. There are various reasons why you should consider employing us for the full scope of services, but sometimes this option may not suit your project's particular needs. Below are a few common approaches to procuring architect's services we have encountered that could assist you in making your decision.
"We want the full package.":
The building industry is a highly specialized sector, and buildings are often very complex, technical and time-consuming to design, document, price, construct and manage. Professional architects are educated, trained, experienced and dedicated to take on this challenges for you, while protecting your interests against parties with their own motivations.
Additionally, architecture as an art-form and craft has a rich history, depth of meaning and subtlety of expression that many people around the world appreciate and value highly. If any of the above resonates or appeals to you, then we recommend you appoint us for Stages 1 - 6 : Standard Architectural Service. (100% of total fees)
You may even consider appointing us for additional design services for a holistic solution to your project. Our standard fees are calculated as a percentage of the estimated construction cost of the project.
"We only want building plans, we'll handle the rest.":
Many smaller developers do not have large budgets set aside for professional services and want only the minimum required to get the project done. If this is the case for you, You may want to consider only appointing us for Stages 1 - 4.1 : Architectural Professional and Principal Consultant - We will determine your needs, create sketch plans, develop the design with the other consultants, produce construction documentation and obtain approval from the local authority. (60% of total fees)
"We already have the approved building plans, but need someone to take over and handle the construction.":
There are many reasons why a developer may be in possession of approved plans but with no professional appointment for the construction phase in place. Approved plans are often viewed as a minimum requirement or milestone by financial institutions to grant finance for the project. Until then, the project is at risk and developers are hesitant to appoint professionals for the next step. We offer this next step as a package for Stages 4.2 - 6 : Principal Agent - We will receive and audit an approved set of building plans and construction documentation, obtain bids for pricing and facilitate signing of the building contract, administer the building contract during construction and handover the completed project. (40% of total fees)
"The project is located outside South Africa." or "We only want to appoint you for the design."
We can provide a design-only service, but Since The construction industry, and by extension, provision of architectural services is regulated on a national level, In order to build within any country, an architectural professional of record, registered to practice within that country, needs to take over legal responsibility for the design we produce. This is also beneficial for projects within South Africa where travel costs for the professional would be a prohibitive factor. We offer this bundle of services as Stages 1 - 3 : Architectural Professional - We will determine your needs, create sketch plans and develop the design with the other consultants. (40% of total fees)
"We have a completed design, but still need to get it approved, costed and built."
Sometimes a developer only wants a design for marketing purposes or they are not ready to take the plunge before investing time and money in plan approvals, bids, etc. At some point however they would like to continue the process and we are willing to take on another architect's project in our service bundle for Stages 4.1 - 6 : Architectural Professional of Record - We will receive and audit a fully developed design provided by the client, Prepare additional documentation and submit them to be approved by the local authority, obtain bids for pricing and facilitate signing of the building contract, administer the building contract during construction and handover the completed project. (60% of total fees)