Work Stages for Standard Services
Standard services in accordance with the Architects’ and Quantity Surveyors’ Act 13 of 1979 for which the architect is responsible, are set out here in a manner indicating a common sequence of activities, set out in stages, but the activities may be grouped differently by agreement with the client.
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Please note that the descriptions provided for each stage is exhaustive and that not all parts of each stage are always required for a project and will differ in terms of the relevant requirements for each project. The amount of the fee for additions is calculated in accordance with the fee schedule, and the fee for those portions of the works which constitute alterations is calculated in a similar manner but increased by 30 per cent for stages 1 to 4, and stage 5 is based on actual project cost.
STAGE ONE | PROJECT DEFINITION & APPRAISAL
the architect shall–
1.1. fully inform the client of the services to be rendered by the architect and ensure that the client understands the terminology used;
1.2. ensure that the client is aware of costs in relation to space requirements and the scope of fees applicable for the services required;
1.3. explain to the client the mechanisms that come into play when the scope of the work is substantially altered and the effect it will have on fees;
1.4. receive, appraise and report on the client’s requirements with particular regard to site information, planning and statutory requirements;
1.5. advise the client on the need if any, for the appointment of consultants and procedures to meet the requirements of the client including methods of contracting;
1.6. ensure that the report referred to, is in writing;
1.7. pay special attention (in writing) to methods of contracting; and
1.8. preferably sign the Client/Architect Agreement together with the client.
STAGE TWO | DESIGN CONCEPT
the architect shall–
2.1. after being advised by any consultants appointed, prepare a design showing space provisions, planning relationships, standards of materials intended to be used and standards and suitability of services in sufficient detail to enable the design to be approved by the client;
2.2. advise the client on the feasibility of the project as designed, estimated costs, budget, time schedule and statutory requirements; and
2.3. provide the client with –
2.3.1. a locality plan;
2.3.2. a site plan;
2.3.3. floor plan(s);
2.3.4. sections and elevations to illustrate the design;
2.3.5. preliminary schedule of proposed materials and if possible, samples of same;
2.3.6. a feasibility report; (vii) a preliminary estimated cost report;
2.3.7. a schedule of budget requirements in terms of time and cost; and
2.3.8. a schedule of statutory requirements
STAGE THREE | DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
the architect shall–
3.1. after approval of the design, develop it sufficiently to co-ordinate the work and services of consultants and specialists appointed, if any;
3.2. provide other consultants and specialists if any, with preliminary working drawings and details;
3.3. ensure that there are consecutively numbered drawings and provisional schedules of construction details;
3.4. develop provisional schedules for doors, windows, furniture and fittings, sanitary fittings and finishes;
3.5. discuss the design with the statutory authorities concerned;
3.6. review the budget and time schedule; and
3.7. inform the client in writing of the effect of the reviewed budget and time schedule.
STAGE FOUR | TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
Stthe architect shall-
4.1. prepare drawings and documentation for submission to local or statutory authorities for approval;
4.2. prepare working drawings, specifications and other technical documents necessary for the execution of the project;
4.3. ensure that the minimum requirements for working drawings are met; and
4.4. correlate the work of any consultants in the preparation of their documentation.
STAGE FIVE | CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
the architect shall-
5.1. call for tenders and/or negotiate the building contract where required;
5.2. advise the client regarding the award of the building contract and the compiling and completion of contract documents;
5.3. assist the client in completing these documents and ensure that the client is informed of the essence of the signed contract in terms of the client’s obligations and rights;
5.4. administer the building contract and inspect the works;
5.5. scrutinise the contractor’s and sub-contractor’s shop drawings and sub-contractors’ contracts; and
5.6. provide the client with “as built” drawings and the relevant technical data from suppliers when the building is completed.
supplementary services
Services not provided for in these stages will typically form part of supplementary services which are charged on an hourly basis. These include services such as feasibility studies, consultations, professional reports, and measuring of existing buildings or as-built drawings.