Projects vary in size and complexity. Most of the projects that we complete have been supported by a Full Architectural Service as defined by the RIBA Plan of Work (see services list below). The RIBA also publish a useful guide on ‘Working with an Architect for your Home’ . We will sometimes undertake limited design tasks, site assessment or technical assistance for a lump sum or hourly rate fee.
A project typically starts with an initial meeting with a client on site. There is usually no fee for this visit. Once the client has decided that they wish to proceed with a Full Architectural Service, we will confirm the project particulars by letter and these details will form the basis of a standard RIBA Domestic Professional Services Contract 2020 which sets out the services included, appointment conditions, duties and fees.
Insurance
Emma Adams Architect Ltd carries Professional Indemnity Insurance of £500,000 in accordance with the ARB Code of Conduct and Practice.
Fees
Fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the (net) build cost of the project. Although fee scales are not mandatory, experience and analysis of our fee and time sheet database has shown that percentage fees have accurately reflected the time spent and have worked out similarly to projects based on hourly rates.
The percentage fee will be based on a sliding scale and as a guide, the percentage charged will be: 15.5% at £50,000; 14% at £100,000; 12.5% at £250,000 and 12% at £500,000 net build cost. An additional 1-2% will be added for work to Listed Buildings, depending on the complexity of the services required.
Fees are usually invoiced at completion of project work stages in the following proportions:
RIBA 2013 Plan of Work Stages (see outline below)
0,1,2: 20%
(Completion of Concept Design)
3: 20%
(at Planning Application Submission, or equivalent)
4a: 20%
(at Building Regulations Submission)
4b: 15%
(at Tender / appointment of Contractor)
5a: 16%
(at commencement of decorations)
5b: 8%
( at Practical Completion)
6: 1%
(at issue of Final Certificate)
Emma Adams Architect Ltd is VAT registered and VAT at the current rate will be applied to all fees and expenses.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013: Project stages & services
0 Strategic Definition & 1 Preparation & Brief:
• Visit the property and carry out an initial appraisal.
• Assist the Client in preparing the Client’s requirements.
• Discuss alternative solutions for the project.
• Advise on the need for services by consultants or specialists.
• Arrange: survey of site and/or buildings.
2 Concept Design:
• Prepare a preliminary design and discuss with the Client.
• Conduct preliminary enquiries with planning authority if appropriate
3 Developed Design
• Develop the final design.
• Provide information for an approximate estimate of cost.
• Submit the final design proposals and approximate cost for approval.
• Make an application for detailed planning permission.
4a Technical Design:
• Co-ordinate and integrate any designs provided by others.
• Prepare drawings and other information in sufficient detail to enable tenders to be obtained.
• Make an application for Building Regulations approval.
4b Technical Design:
• Prepare (a) a specification or (b) schedule of works.
• Advise on an appropriate form of building contract, its conditions and the responsibilities of the Client, the consultants and the builder.
•Prepare documents required for tendering purposes.
• Advise on potential builders to be invited to tender for the work.
• Invite, appraise and report on tenders.
5 Construction:
• Advise on the appointment of a builder.
• Prepare the building contract and arrange for it to be signed.
• Provide the builder with information required for construction.
• Visit the site to see that the work is proceeding generally in accordance with contract.
• Certify payments for work carried out or completed. Advise on final cost.
• Provide or obtain record drawings showing the building and its services.
• Give general advice on maintenance .
6 Handover:
• Make final inspections and advise on resolution of any defects.
• Agree final account and issue a final certificate
A project typically starts with an initial meeting with a client on site. There is usually no fee for this visit. Once the client has decided that they wish to proceed with a Full Architectural Service, we will confirm the project particulars by letter and these details will form the basis of a standard RIBA Domestic Professional Services Contract 2020 which sets out the services included, appointment conditions, duties and fees.
Insurance
Emma Adams Architect Ltd carries Professional Indemnity Insurance of £500,000 in accordance with the ARB Code of Conduct and Practice.
Fees
Fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the (net) build cost of the project. Although fee scales are not mandatory, experience and analysis of our fee and time sheet database has shown that percentage fees have accurately reflected the time spent and have worked out similarly to projects based on hourly rates.
The percentage fee will be based on a sliding scale and as a guide, the percentage charged will be: 15.5% at £50,000; 14% at £100,000; 12.5% at £250,000 and 12% at £500,000 net build cost. An additional 1-2% will be added for work to Listed Buildings, depending on the complexity of the services required.
Fees are usually invoiced at completion of project work stages in the following proportions:
RIBA 2013 Plan of Work Stages (see outline below)
0,1,2: 20%
(Completion of Concept Design)
3: 20%
(at Planning Application Submission, or equivalent)
4a: 20%
(at Building Regulations Submission)
4b: 15%
(at Tender / appointment of Contractor)
5a: 16%
(at commencement of decorations)
5b: 8%
( at Practical Completion)
6: 1%
(at issue of Final Certificate)
Emma Adams Architect Ltd is VAT registered and VAT at the current rate will be applied to all fees and expenses.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013: Project stages & services
0 Strategic Definition & 1 Preparation & Brief:
• Visit the property and carry out an initial appraisal.
• Assist the Client in preparing the Client’s requirements.
• Discuss alternative solutions for the project.
• Advise on the need for services by consultants or specialists.
• Arrange: survey of site and/or buildings.
2 Concept Design:
• Prepare a preliminary design and discuss with the Client.
• Conduct preliminary enquiries with planning authority if appropriate
3 Developed Design
• Develop the final design.
• Provide information for an approximate estimate of cost.
• Submit the final design proposals and approximate cost for approval.
• Make an application for detailed planning permission.
4a Technical Design:
• Co-ordinate and integrate any designs provided by others.
• Prepare drawings and other information in sufficient detail to enable tenders to be obtained.
• Make an application for Building Regulations approval.
4b Technical Design:
• Prepare (a) a specification or (b) schedule of works.
• Advise on an appropriate form of building contract, its conditions and the responsibilities of the Client, the consultants and the builder.
•Prepare documents required for tendering purposes.
• Advise on potential builders to be invited to tender for the work.
• Invite, appraise and report on tenders.
5 Construction:
• Advise on the appointment of a builder.
• Prepare the building contract and arrange for it to be signed.
• Provide the builder with information required for construction.
• Visit the site to see that the work is proceeding generally in accordance with contract.
• Certify payments for work carried out or completed. Advise on final cost.
• Provide or obtain record drawings showing the building and its services.
• Give general advice on maintenance .
6 Handover:
• Make final inspections and advise on resolution of any defects.
• Agree final account and issue a final certificate