ARCHITECTS SERVICES

This part describes Preliminary and Basic Services which an architect will normally provide. These services progress through work stages based on RIBA Plan of Work (RIBA Publications Ltd).

PRELIMINARY SERVICES:

Work Stages A and B : Inception and feasibility

• Discuss the client’s requirements; assess these and give general advice on how to proceed.
• Advise on any need for specialist contractors, subcontractors or suppliers.
• Carry out such preparatory work as may be necessary to determine the feasibility of the client’s requirements.

Preliminary Services are normally charged on a time basis.

BASIC SERVICES:

Work stages C and D : Outline proposal and scheme design

• Prepare outline proposal and develop a scheme design; prepare a cost estimate; where applicable give an indication of possible start and completion dates for the building contract.
• Make where required application for planning permission. (NB The permission itself is beyond the architect’s control and no guarantee that it will be granted can be given.)

Work stage E: Detail design

• Develop the scheme design; co-ordinate any work of specialist contractors, sub-contractors or suppliers.
• Carry out cost checks as necessary; advise on the consequences of any subsequent changes on the cost and programme.
• Make and negotiate where required applications for approvals under building acts, regulations or other statutory requirements.

Work stages F and G : Production information

• Prepare production information including drawings, schedules and specification of materials and workmanship in sufficient detail to enable a contractor to prepare a tender.

Work Stages H,J,K and L : Tender to completion

• Invite tenders from approved contractors; advise on tenders submitted. Alternatively arrange for a price to be negotiated with a contractor.
• Advise on the appointment of the contractor; where required prepare the building contract and arrange for it to be signed by the client and the contractor.
• Administer the terms of the building contract; visit the site as appropriate to inspect generally the progress and quality of the work; make where required periodic financial reports to the client.
• Administer the terms of the building contract relating to the completion of the works; give general guidance on maintenance; provide a set of drawings showing the building and the main lines of drainage.
• We provide a full architectural service is provided from inception through to contract administration and completion. 

• See here for details of other architectural services. 

• See here for a Green Oak barn extension is added to a traditional Cotswolds cottage.
• Refer here for brief details of an architect’s appointment
• A Victorian palette enlivens a Tufnell Park villa