Architects Services and Fees

By Chicago Chapter Of The American Institute of Architects.

The American Institute of Architects is devoted to the maintenance of the highest possible standards of professional practice.

The range of compensation indicated herein is considered by the profession as adequate to ensure proper performance for Basic Services of the Architect in a manner that will best serve the interests of the Owner.

This information has been developed under the auspices of the Chicago Chapter of The American Institute of Architects.

Introduction

Of the many decisions an Owner makes during the building process, none will be of greater importance to him than his choice of Architects.

The responsibilities of the Architect and the importance of his services continue to increase with man's technological advances.

The time the Architect may devote to a particular task is a major element in establishing the compensation for his services to the Owner.

This Article concerns itself principally with the Basic Services and relationships between Owner and Architect for a normal construction project.

An Architect may be retained in various capacities other than for Basic Services. He may serve as a Consultant in the field of construction, prepare feasibility studies and perform other special services. These are special situations and should be handled independently, since they are not covered specifically in this article.

General

The success of any project is dependent upon mutual understanding and cooperation between Owner and Architect during all phases of development.

The Owner

The Owner in consultation with the Architect shall determine the requirements of the project and shall give realistic consideration to a proper budget for the work.

During the various phases of project development the Owner must act expeditiously upon matters requiring his attention and action.

The Architect

The primary role of the Architect is to interpret the requirements of the Owner in terms of planning, design, selection of materials and costs of construction. This function manifests itself not only through drawings, but also through general counsel regarding varied aspects of the project.

During the construction phase of the project, the Architect will provide administration of the construction contract.

Basic Services of the Architect

The American Institute of Architects Standard forms of Agreement divide the services of the Architect into five phases as summarized below:

1. Schematic Design Phase
The Architect consults with the Owner to ascertain the project requirements, prepares schematic design studies and an estimate of probable construction cost.

2. Design Development Phase
The Architect develops drawings and other documents to fix and describe the size and character of the project and a further statement of probable construction cost.

3. Construction Documents Phase
The Architect prepares the working drawings and specifications for the construction from which proposals are to be obtained.

4. Bidding or Negotiation Phase
The Architect assists the Owner in obtaining bids, negotiating proposals, preparing and awarding construction contracts.

5. Construction Phase
The Architect represents the Owner during construction of the project. He observes the work for compliance with contract documents and issues certificates for payment due the Contractor as the work progresses.

Additional Services

The Owner may authorize the Architect to perform services in addition to the Basic Services such as:

Providing special analyses of the Owner's needs, and programming the requirements of the project.

Providing financial feasibility or other special studies.

Providing planning surveys, site evaluations, or comparative studies of prospective sites.

Making measured drawings of existing construction when required for planning additions or alterations thereto.

Revising previously approved drawings, specifications or other documents to accomplish changes not initiated by the Architect.

Preparing change orders and supporting data where the change in the basic compensation resulting from the adjusted

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contract sum is not commensurate with the Architect's services required.

Preparing documents for alternate bids requested by the Owner.

Providing detailed estimates of construction costs.

Providing consultation concerning replacement of work damaged by fire or other cause during construction.

Providing professional services made necessary by the default of the Contractor in the performance of the construction contract.

Providing Contract Administration and observation of construction after the contract time has been exceeded by more than twenty percent through no fault of the Architect.

Furnishing the Owner a set of reproducible record prints of drawings showing significant changes made during the construction process.

Providing services after final payment to the Contractor.

Providing interior design and other services required for or in connection with the selection of furniture and furnishings.

Providing services as an expert witness in connection with any public hearing, arbitration proceeding, or the proceedings of a court of record.

Providing services for planning tenant or rental spaces.

When additional services are authorized, the Architect shall be paid additional compensation.

Compensation and Payment of the Architect

Multiple of Direct Personnel Expense (AIA Document B-231)

Compensation is based on the direct expense of all personnel engaged in the work, including that of the principal members of the Architect's office. These totals are then mutiplied by a factor of 3.0. Reimbursable expenses shall be included as described in the document. Professional Fee Plus Expenses (AIA Document B-331)

Compensation is established as the fixed professional fee plus direct expenses incurred by the Architect in performance of the work.

This method is normally used when the extent of the Architect's services can be determined accurately in advance. Percentage of Construction Cost (AIA Document B-131)

Compensation is established as percentage of the total project construction cost plus extraordinary and reimbursable expenses.

Extraordinary engineering or special consulting expenses include such extra services as may be specifically defined in the Architect's contract.

Reimbursable expenses include: Costs of transportation, living while traveling in discharge of duties, long distance telephone calls, telegrams and cables, reproduction of contract documents, models, photographs, special renderings, and display drawings, quantity surveys and detailed cost estimates.

Special Methods of Compensation

Compensation for either occasional or continuing service will vary with scope and frequency and is determined by negotiation with the Owner.

Building Classification Index

Compensation for basic architectural services will vary according to the degree of complexity of the project and its demand upon the time, skill, creativeness, and professional knowledge of the Architect, his staff, and his consultants.

Experience has shown that projects may be generally grouped in terms of complexity and for practical application of rates for basic architectural services.

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