Architectural services overview

A Standard Architectural Service can be broken up into 6 parts which coincide with the 6 stages of a construction project. The proportion of the stage's fees to the total fee is given in brackets.

  • Stage 1 : Inception (5%)

  • Stage 2 : Concept and Viability (15%)

  • Stage 3 : Design Development (20%)

  • Stage 4.1 : Documentation (20%)

  • Stage 4.2 : Procurement (10%)

  • Stage 5 : Construction (27%)

  • Stage 6 : Close-out (3%)

Our services are offered in standard bundles, see our section on service packages for information on which combination of services best suit your needs. You may also be interested in our additional services offered for more specialized work.

Each stage has its own focus and relies on the completion of the previous stage:

Stage 1 : Inception (5%)

  • Receive, appraise and report on the client's requirements with regard to:

    • The client's brief

    • The site, rights and constraints

    • Budgetary constraints

    • The need for consultants

    • Project programme

    • Methods of contracting

Stage 2 : Concept and Viability (15%)

  • Prepare an initial design and advise on:

    • The intended space provisions and planning relationships

    • Proposed material and intended building services

    • Technical and functional characteristics of the design

  • Check for conformity of the concept with the rights to the use of the land

  • Review the anticipated costs of the project

  • Review the project programme

Stage 3 : Design Development (20%)

  • Confirm the scope and complexity

  • Review the design, and consult with local and statutory authorities

  • Develop the design, construction system, materials and components

  • Incorporate and co-ordinate all services and the work of consultants

  • Review the design, costing and programme with the consultants

Stage 4.1 : Documentation (20%)

  • Prepare documentation required for local authority submission:

    • Co-ordinate technical documentation with the consultants and complete primary co-ordination

    • Prepare specifications for the works

    • Review the cost and programme with the consultants

    • Obtain the client's authority, and submit documents for approval

Stage 4.2 : Procurement (10%)

  • Complete construction documentation and proceed to call for tenders:

    • Obtain the client's authority to prepare documents for procuring offers for the execution of the works

    • Obtain offers for the execution of the works

    • Evaluate offers, and recommend on awarding the building contract

    • Prepare the contract documentation, and arrange the signing of the building contract.

Stage 5 : Construction (27%)

  • Administer the building contract

  • Give possession of the site to the contractor

  • Issue construction documentation

  • Initiate and / or check the sub-contract design and documentation that are appropriate

  • Inspect the works for conformity to the contract documentation and acceptable quality in terms of industry standards

  • Administer and perform the duties and obligations assigned to the principal agent in the building contract

  • Issue the certificate of practical completion

  • Assist the client in obtaining the occupation certificate

Stage 6 : Close-out (3%)

  • Facilitate the project close-out including the preparation of the necessary documentation to effect completion, handover and operation of the project.

  • When the contractor's obligations with respect to the building contract have been fulfilled, the architectural professional shall issue the certificates related to contract completion

  • Provide the client with as-built drawings and relevant technical and contractual undertakings by the contractor and sub-contractors