Architect's appointment

[edit] Professional Obligations

A chartered practice must be aware of the three Codes they must follow: ARB, RIBA and RIBA Chartered Practice Codes of Conduct.

• ensure the appointment is written down in accordance with ARB standard 4.4 and RIBA Principle 2.3
• the architect must consider whether they have the skill, knowledge and resource to service the project in accordance with ARC standard 2.4 and RIBA Principle 2.1
• Firms must have adequate PI insurance to cover the project under ARB standard 8 and 9.1, RIBA Principle 3.10 and RIBA Chartered Practice Criteria 5

In addition

• - LOCAL COMMUNITY; RIBA members must have proper concern and regard for the effect that their work has on users, the local community and society under RIBA Principle 2.14
• - HERITAGE/CONSERVATION; ensure that work affecting Heritage Assets is only carried out if you are sufficiently qualified, competent or experienced to do so in the circumstances.
• - ENVIRONMENT; when considering sustainable requirements in the brief or local policy, have regard for RIBA Principle 3.3

[edit] Issues Relating to an Appointment

It is essential that any arrangement between the architect and their client is recorded in writing, even at the earliest stages of a commission.

It is in the interests of both the architect and the client that they fully understand the agreement.

• It is imperative that all staff working on the project understand clearly the limits of the services that the practice is contracted to perform on the project. This can mitigate the risks of producing abortive work and not complying with professional Codes.
• It is important for the client to know exactly what services are being provided so that their expectations can be managed and met by the architect.

Bespoke forms of appointment drafted by the clients solicitors/produced by the client can potentially increase the liability of the architect.

Bespoke forms need to be carefully examined with appropriate advice from professional indemnity insurers and legal advisers.

The appointment document/agreement should;

• define and record the services to be provided
• state the obligations of each party
• identify the associated terms and conditions
• set out the fee proposal, method for calculating the fee and method of payment

The appointment document must state that individual architects are required to be registered with the ARB, and are subject to its Code and to the disciplinary sanction of the ARB in relation to complaints of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence.

The architect should write to the client advising them of their responsibilities under the CDM 2015 regulations.

The architects may also wish to refer to any additional services they are able to provide (this may incur an additional fee).

You must sign in or register to edit or comment on an article

Return to Talk:Architect's appointment.