PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND

ETHICS
UNIT- II : ARCHITECT SERVICES ,SCALE OF FEES & COMPETITION
Architecture Design essentially is a product of an individual mind but realized through association of experts from allied fields who
contribute in the process of construction. Mutual respect and understanding work wonders for ensuring high quality of the end-
product.

The architectural profession feels deeply concerned towards national priorities in the fields of energy conservation, ecology,
environmental pollution, protection and preservation of architectural heritage and their precincts, low-cost housing, urban
renewals, rural upliftment, economic development at local and district levels, etc. in the interest of quality of life both in rural and
urban settlements.
Conditions of engagement of an architect
• The practice of the architectural profession is regulated by the Architects Act, 1972, and the regulations framed thereunder.
• The Council of Architecture has prescribed the Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Charges under the Architects
(Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989.
• The documents stipulate the parameters within which the Architect is required to function. These define the responsibilities,
the scope of work and services, and prescribe the mandatory minimum scale of professional charges with a view to making the
Client fully aware of the duties and services which he may expect from the Architect.
• The professional services required by the Client may not be comprehensive in scope in all cases and accordingly a clear
understanding between the two must be arrived at.
• The Council of Architecture has prescribed the Conditions of Engagement based on general practice of the profession in India.
• These documents are applicable to all registered architects and such architects who have specialized in areas such as Structural
Design, Urban Design, City Planning, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture and Architectural Conservation.
• The revised version of these documents reflects the Council's response to the many challenges which the profession of
Architecture is facing at present, and is constantly endeavouring to meet them with active concern and unflinching
commitment.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
• The Council of Architecture has prescribed the Schedule of Services based on general practice of the profession
in India. It is a detailed account of the services rendered by an Architect during the various stages of
construction.
• These are applicable to all registered Architects and such Architects who have specialized in areas such as
Structural Design, Urban Design, City Planning, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture and Architectural
Conservation.
WHAT ARE THE SCHEDULE (STAGES) OF SERVICES OF AN ARCHITECT IN INDIA PRESCRIBED BY THE COA?
 CLIENTS BRIEF – STAGE 1:

 Client’s requirements – The Architect ascertains the Client’s requirements of the project.
 Site visit – He visits the Site and examines site constraints and potential.
 Examines the Codes, Legislation and standards– as they affect the project.
 Requirement list – He prepares in agreement with the Client, a programmed of requirements.
 Conditions of Engagement, scope of work/fees – He acquaints the Client with the Conditions of Engagement
and Scale of Charges.
 Letter of Appointment – The Client engages the Architect and both effectively enter an agreement by signing a
standard Letter of Appointment.
 Fees payable – Advance (Retainer) – The Architect is paid a Retainer (Advance) of Rs 20,000/- or 5% of the total
fees payable, whichever is higher, as a token of Intent
 CONCEPT DESIGN – STAGE 2:

 Site evaluation – The Architect prepares a report on site evaluation, state of existing buildings, if any; and
analysis and impact of proposed development on the immediate environment.

 Survey of site – He obtains from the Client or gets a detailed topographical survey of the site, prepared at
the Clients expense. This survey shall include all the necessary data related to the existing structure, existing
public utility lines, trees, pavements, roads, restrictions, easements and boundaries.

 Soil tests – He obtains from the Client or gets soil tests, site borings or such other tests on sub-soil
conditions done at the Clients expense.

 Conceptual designs – He prepares preliminary conceptual designs to explain his understanding of the
Client’s requirements.

 Rough cost estimate of project – He prepares a rough estimate of the cost of the project on the basis of the
area. Under no circumstance does the architect guarantee such estimate of cost.
 PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND DRAWING – STAGE 3:

 Incorporate changes in drawings – The Architect modifies the conceptual designs incorporating required
changes.

 Preliminary drawings – He prepares the preliminary drawings, sketches, study model etc. for the Client’s
approval.
 Preliminary cost estimate – He prepares a preliminary estimate of cost on the basis of the area.

 DRAWINGS FOR CLIENTS / STATUTORY APPROVALS – STAGE 4:

 Drawings for approval from Statutory authorities – The Architect incorporates the Client’s suggestions
prepares drawings necessary for approval from the Client / statutory authorities.

 Compliance – He ensures compliance with codes, standards and legislation as applicable.

 WORKING DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS – STAGE 5:

 Provide information to consultants – The Architect provides Consultants with all the necessary information to
allow them to perform their specialist work.

 Specifications, detailed estimate of cost – He prepares Working Drawings, Specifications and Schedule of
Quantities sufficient to prepare Estimate of Cost, (in consultation with his consultants).

 Preparation of Contract documents – He advises the Client and gets approval on the form of Contract and
method of placing the Contract.

 List of Contractors – He prepares a short list of suitable Contractors with appropriate justification

 Tender drawings – He prepares Tender drawings including large scale details and tender documents including
mode of measurement, method of payments, quality control procedures and other conditions of contract, to
describe the whole project adequately for the purpose of placing the main Contract.
 APPOINTMENT OF CONTRACTORS – STAGE 6:

 Invite tenders – The Architect invites, receives and analyses Tenders.

 Appointment of Contractors – He advises the Client on the appointment of the Contractors.

 CONSTRUCTION – STAGE 7:

 Working drawings – The Architect prepares Working Drawings and details for the proper execution of works
during construction

 Issue drawings to Contractors – He issues sufficient copies of working drawings, schedules, specifications, Bill of
Quantities and other contract documents to the Contractors for the proper execution of works.

 Approves Works progress schedule – He approves the Works Progress Schedule, prepared by the Contractors.

 Site visits – He Visits the site at intervals mutually agreed upon, to inspect and evaluate the construction work
and keeps the client informed on the quality and progress of work. Where necessary, he clarifies any decision
and offers interpretation of the drawings and specifications at site.
 Quality control check at site – The Architect shall ensure that the drawings are being correctly interpreted at site,
and the finishing is of acceptable quality. In case of adverse certification, the payments of the contractor shall be
with held until the defects have been rectified.

 Advises on unexpected time/cost variations – He advises the Client if the Contract time is likely to be varied, or if
the total authorized expenditure is likely to be exceeded.

 Check Contractor's bills – If required by the Client, the Architect checks the Contractors applications for payment
(Bills) with the help of the site engineers, and issues Certificates authorizing payment for an additional fees of 1%.

 Issue Certificate of completion – He issues Certificate of Virtual Completion of works.

 MODE OF PAYMENT
The architect’s fee is usually paid out in instalments, at various stages.

 Initial Design - (20% of total fees payable)

 Developed Design - (35% of total fees payable)
 Working drawings - (45% of total fees payable)
 start of Construction - (65% of total fees payable)
 During the construction - (35% of the total fees is paid)

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF PAYMENT :

CLIENTS BRIEF: On appointment and signing of Agreement – Rs 30,000/- or 5% of total fees payable,
adjustable at the last stage, based on the Rough estimate of cost.

CONCEPT DESIGN: On submitting Conceptual designs and Rough estimate – 10% of total fees payable, based
on the Rough estimate of Cost.
 PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND DRAWINGS: On submitting the required Preliminary Scheme for the Client’s approval
along with the Preliminary Estimate of cost – 20% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on Preliminary
estimate of cost.

DEVELOPED DESIGN AND DRAWINGS FOR APPROVALS: On incorporating Clients suggestions and submitting
drawings for approval from the Client/Statutory Bodies – 35% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on
Preliminary estimate of cost.

WORKING DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS: On preparation of working

drawings, specifications, schedule of quantities, estimate, and tender
documents – 45% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on Preliminary
estimate of cost.

APPOINTMENT OF CONTRACTORS: On inviting, receiving and analysing tenders and

advising the Client on appointment of Contractors – 55% of the total fees payable, less
payment already made, based on accepted Tender cost.

CONSTRUCTION: On submitting Working Drawings and details required for commencement of Work at site: 65% of
total fees payable, less payment already made, based on accepted Tender cost.

ON COMPLETION OF 20% OF WORK: This will be after the centre line and foundation stage. 70% of total fees payable,
less payment already made, based on accepted Tender cost.
 ON COMPLETION OF 40% OF WORK: For example, after casting of Ground floor slab. 75% of total fees payable, less
payment already made, based on accepted Tender cost.

ON COMPLETION OF 60% OF WORK: Probably, after casting of First floor slab. 80% of total fees payable, less
payment already made, based on accepted Tender cost.

ON COMPLETION OF 80% OF WORK: During electrical and plumbing stage. 85% of total fees payable, less payment
already made, based on accepted Tender cost.

ON COMPLETION OF 90% OF WORK: After plastering. 90% of total fees

payable, less payment already made, based on accepted Tender cost.

COMPLETION: On submitting Completion Report and drawings for the

project required in obtaining Completion/ Occupation Certificate from Statutory
Authorities and on issue of as-built drawings – 100% of total fees payable, less
Retainer & payment already made, based on Actual total cost.
 ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITIONS
 An Architectural Design Competition is a type of competition in which an organization or government
body that plans to construct a new building invites architects to submit a design proposal
The Winning Design is usually chosen by an independent panel of design professionals and stakeholders
(such as government and local representatives).
Its used to generate new ideas for the building design, to stimulate public debate, to generate publicity for
the project, and to allow emerging designers the opportunity to gain exposure.
 Such competitions are mainly conducted for commissions for public buildings: in some countries rules for
tendering public building contracts stipulate some form of mandatory open architectural competition.
 IMPORTANCE OF ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION
The purpose of Guidelines is to indicate the principles upon which competitions will be conducted and the
rules which must be observed by a promoter for conducting competitions.
These guidelines have been drawn up in the interest of both the promoter and the competitor and to
ensure that the architectural competitions are properly conducted and that selection of the design will be
on merit alone and will satisfy the promoter's requirements.
The Code of Professional Conduct of the Council of Architecture does not allow Architects to give unpaid
services in competition with each other and competitive designs shall only be submitted through
competition organized within the framework of these guidelines.
1.PROJECT/IDEA TYPE
It may be either "Projects" or "Ideas" competitions or in certain circumstances a combination of both.
PROJECT :the aim is to find the best solution for an actual building project and to appoint its author to
carry out the commission
IDEA :is to only generate new ideas like an exercise to elucidate certain aspects of architectural and
town planning problems. -The winner may be commissioned to carry out work, hence students can
participate at the discretion of the promoter.
2.OPEN /LIMITED/SPECIAL TYPE
a) OPEN COMPETITION
In this type ,all Architects are invited to participate through an announcement by advertisements in
suitable media and through circulars which may be issued by the promoters.
Its projects estimated at less than Rs. 10,00,000 could be restricted to Architects who have their main or
branch office in the State of the project site.
b) LIMITED COMPETITIONS For Competitions By Invitation
Competitions in which limited no of Architects (about 5 to 8) are selected by the promoter on the advice
of the Senior Architect Assessor or Board of Assessors, are invited to participate. Each participant who
submits his designs shall receive an honorarium.
 3.ONE/TWO STAGE TYPE THIS IS DEPENDING ON THE ORGANISATION OF THE PROJECT.
I.SINGLE STAGE COMPETITION
In single stage competition the competition ENTRIES SHALL BE - FAIRLY COMPLETE DRAWINGS i.e. plans,
section, elevations, etc. - & SUFFICIENT TO EXPLAIN the scheme as set out in the competition conditions.
The designs so submitted shall be ASSESSED BY THE ASSESSORS for the award of the prizes and the
appointment of the architect.
Such competitions are recommended for SMALL AND SIMPLE PROJECT.
II.TWO STAGE TYPE
In this type there is first & second stages
a) FIRST STAGE is for soliciting ideas . Competition entries at this stage would be limited to planning on
broad basis and drawings sufficient to indicate the intentions of the competitor.
the Assessors for selecting a small number of competitors (between 5 and 10) for second stage.
To maintain anonymity, each competitor will be informed individually whether he has been or has not been
invited to participate in the second stage. (Responsibility of the promoter to not to reveal same to assessor
or other persons)
After the end of the first stage, the Board of Assessors, may(with the approval of the Promoter) clarify or amplify points in
the competition conditions for the benefit of the second stage competitors..

II. TWO STAGE COMPETITION

The period between the Assessors award for the first stage and submission of designs for the second stage shall not exceed
six months.

b) Second stage It is limited to only a part of the subject dealt with in the first stage.
Members of the Board of Assessors shall be the same as initial stage.

The designs submitted for both the first stage and the second stage shall be exhibited and/or published only after the final
award of the second stage competition. Other wise, it will be disqualified.

Two stage competitions are recommended for town planning and for large scale or complex project.
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF COA GUIDELINES FOR ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITIONS

• Architectural Competitions have a long history, and have produced many extremely successful buildings

• They attract great public interest, and have led to the discovery of new talent and new ideas

• The purpose of these Guidelines is to indicate the principles upon which competitions will be conducted and
the rules which must be observed by a promoter for conducting competitions.

• These guidelines have been drawn up in the interest of both the promoter and the competitor and to ensure
that the architectural competitions are properly conducted and that selection of the design will be on merit
alone and will satisfy the promoter's requirements.

• The Code of Professional Conduct of the Council of Architecture does not allow Architects to give unpaid
services in competition with each other and competitive designs shall only be submitted through competition
organized within the framework of these guidelines.
GUIDELINES :

ARTICLE 1 : ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE:

Participation in any and all competitions shall be open to:

1. Architects i.e. those who are registered with the Council of Architecture under the Architects Act, 1972 on the date of
announcement of the competition and thereafter.

2. Firms in which all the partners shall be registered with the Council of Architecture under the Architects Act, 1972 on the
date of announcement of the competition and thereafter.1

3. Students of a Teaching Institution, the qualifying examination of which is recognized by the Council of Architecture
provided that no member of the staff of the said institution is the sole Assessor or in a jury of three or more Assessors,
only one Assessor is from the staff of the said institution.

4. Neither the Promoter of the competition, Assessor/s engaged for the competition nor any of their associate, partner or
employee shall compete, assist a competitor or act as an architect or joint architect for the competition project.

5. Competitor may be requested to submit a proof of qualification, copy of his valid Registration certificate issued by the
Council of Architecture, and in case of a student, a certificate from the head of his institution which is qualified as per 3
above.
ARTICLE 2 :Competition
1. The word 'Competition' shall apply to any competition described in Schedule 1 and participation shall be open only to
those qualified as per Article 1.

2. The draft competition conditions including time table, registration fees, prize monies/honoraria, board of assessors,
3. the programmed etc. of competitions shall have been finalized within the framework of the guidelines prescribed by
the Council of Architecture before any announcement is made by the promoter of the competition.

4. The conditions of the competitions shall clearly give:

Conditions based upon guidelines prescribed by the Council of Architecture.
Type of Competition.
Purpose of the competition and intentions of the promoter.
Nature of the problem to be solved.
All practical and mandatory requirements to be met by the competitors.
Number, nature, scale and dimensions of the documents, plan and/or models.
Estimates if required in standard form issued with the conditions.
Nature of prizes.
Names of Assessors.
Necessary information required for conducting the competition.

4. The competition shall be conducted in English.

5. All competition designs shall be submitted anonymously.

ARTICLE 3 :BOARD OF ASSESSORS:
The Board of Assessors shall at all times include Architects who are registered with the Council of Architecture and shall be in
a majority of at least one.

ARTICLE 4 : Prizes, Honoraria & Mentions :

No competition shall be conducted without adequate premium/honoraria and the competition conditions and the media
announcements must state the amounts and number of prizes for the open competition and the amount of premium or
honorarium to each competitor in a limited competition and in the second stage of a two stage competition.

ARTICLE 5 : Copyright & Right of ownership :

Each competitor shall retain Copyright in his own competition design.

Each competitor shall retain the right of reproduction of his own competition design.

ARTICLE 6 :
All competition designs including those disqualified by the Board of Assessors shall be exhibited for at least one week,
together with a copy of the signed report of the Board of Assessors. The exhibition shall be open to public free of charge.