Architecture: agree scope, project stage and costs
An architecture commission starts with the decision or building project you want to prepare. This may be a feasibility assessment before a purchase, a design for an extension or planning through to implementation. Describing the expected results and current project stage helps you compare proposals and commission the next useful steps.
Describe the commission as well as the building
A new build, renovation and change of use have different starting points. State what should be created or improved and which parts should remain. For several buildings or linked work, provide an overview of the whole project and its limits.
You can begin with a limited commission. A feasibility study does not automatically commit you to further planning; a design does not include every task through to completion. Agree what should be delivered at the end of the commissioned part.
| Service wanted | Clarify the result |
|---|---|
| Initial advice | Questions to address and form of the assessment. |
| Feasibility | Options considered, available information and outstanding checks. |
| Design | Layouts, spatial concept and alternatives. |
| Permit application | Project documents and scope of authority coordination. |
| Detailed planning | Documents for the agreed components and trades. |
| Implementation support | Tender support, checks and construction management as commissioned. |
Connect intended use with available information
Describe the current and intended use. Housing, workplaces, shops and publicly accessible areas have different spatial and technical needs. Mixed uses and phased implementation belong in the early discussion.
For an existing building, available drawings are a starting point. Their currency, missing dimensions and alterations already made need checking. A site survey or additional investigations may be needed and are not automatically included in initial advice.
If a purchase remains undecided, separate the first assessment from later full planning. Agree which accessible information supports the assessment and what still needs investigating before a decision.
Approve alternatives and the next planning steps
An early sketch may show layouts and building volumes; later drawings define materials, connections and implementation in greater detail. Compare alternatives against use, effort and the agreed objectives. An understandable visualisation does not resolve every technical question.
Set decision points and identify the people involved. Consolidated feedback helps work progress; late changes may require additional planning and coordination. When taking over an existing design, first establish which documents are usable and what responsibility the new practice accepts.
Allow for specialist design and local requirements
Structure, building services, energy, fire protection and acoustics may require specialist designers. Architecture coordinates these interfaces within the agreed commission. Record who appoints specialists, brings their results together and approves additional investigations.
Planning requirements depend on the location, use and proposed intervention. Early discussion with the relevant authorities may help, especially for extensions, changes of use or unusual existing conditions. A planning commission does not guarantee permission or replace required technical assessments.
During implementation support, distinguish design, construction management and the work performed by contractors. Agree who requests quotes, places orders and approves changes or additional work.
Specify documents that support the next phase
Name the drawings, descriptions, cost information and presentations required. Include their purpose, detail, file format and the number of alternatives or revisions covered. A drawing for an early discussion may serve a different purpose from a tender drawing.
At handover, the completed stage, open questions and further services required should be identifiable. Clarify agreed reuse of the documents and collaboration with other participants, especially when changing practices.
Compare planning fees separately from building costs
A planning fee may be offered on time, as a fixed amount or under an individually agreed basis. Actual services and deliverables matter for comparison. A price for early investigations is not the price of a complete commission including detailed planning and construction management.
Specify included meetings, alternatives, revisions and site visits. Expenses, travel, additional specialist work and VAT should be identifiable. For time-based billing, agree understandable interim updates and how additional effort will be approved.
An early building-cost estimate depends on available information and assumptions. Ask what it includes, which items remain open and when it will be updated. Planning fees and later construction, equipment or authority costs are separate items.
| Comparison point | Clarify in the quote |
|---|---|
| Commissioned stage | Steps and deliverables actually included. |
| Alternatives and changes | Number, scope and approval of further work. |
| Site visits | Surveys, meetings and inspections. |
| Specialists | Appointed disciplines and separate fees. |
| Expenses | Travel, disbursements, data preparation and VAT. |
| Cost information | Assumptions, open items and updates. |
Record the essentials before commissioning
A concise shared understanding of the project helps selection and later collaboration. The agreement should cover organisation and the limits of the commission as well as design.
- Objective. Describe intended use, changes and retained areas.
- Project stage. State ideas, existing documents and participants already appointed.
- Deliverables. Agree drawings, assessments and the next decision.
- Responsibilities. Allocate coordination, authority contacts and approvals.
- Fees and timing. Record payment basis, expenses, revisions and decision points.
From the first discussion to agreed handover
The sequence follows the commissioned scope. Brief advice may end with an assessment; a comprehensive project progresses in stages.
- Describe the project. State use, location, objectives and known project stage.
- Clarify information. Agree usable documents, necessary surveys and open questions.
- Compare the commission. Compare equivalent services, deliverables and fee terms.
- Develop the design. Assess alternatives and approve the next steps.
- Receive the results. Review documents, project status and further tasks together.
Frequently asked questions
Can I commission only initial advice or a feasibility assessment?
Yes, limited commissions are offered. Describe the decision you need help with and agree which assessment or documents you will receive. Further planning stages are commissioned separately.
What does architecture cost?
The commission, project stage and work involved determine the fee. Compare services, alternatives, visits and expenses. A building price or small advice package is not a comparable fee for a complete architecture commission.
Must I already have drawings and exact areas?
No. Known project information helps; missing technical dimensions and documents can be clarified with the practice. Existing-building projects may need a survey or additional investigations.
Are structural, energy and other specialist services included?
Only within the agreed scope. Establish which specialists are needed, who appoints them and which fees are separate. A design does not replace a necessary technical assessment.
Are permits, construction management and trade work automatically included?
No. Those services and responsibilities must be specified. A practice may offer planning and implementation support; contractors’ work is not automatically included in its planning fee.
Can another practice take over an existing design?
This needs assessment. Clarify the status, usability and agreed reuse of the documents and the new responsibilities. Existing drawings are not automatically complete or ready for construction.
