A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
RAIC.ORG
| 1
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees
for the Services of an Architect
Copyright © 2019 by Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. All rights reserved.
Published by
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addressed to the Publisher.
Editor: Donald Ardiel, MRAIC
Copy editor: Kristen Gagnon, MRAIC
Translator: France Jodoin, C. Tr.
Cover design and layout: Vicky Coulombe-Joyce
ISBN electronic book
A Guide to Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect: 978-0-919424-75-3
ISBN electronic book
Un guide aidant à déterminer les honoraires appropriés pour les services d’un architecte: 978-0-919424-76-0
ISBN printed book
A Guide to Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect: 978-0-919424-77-7
ISBN printed book
Un guide aidant à déterminer les honoraires appropriés pour les services d’un architecte: 978-0-919424-78-4
First Edition published 2009
Second Edition published 2019
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
RAIC.ORG
Acknowledgements | 3
Acknowledgements
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada expresses much thanks to the past and present members
of the RAIC Practice Support Committee. Their extensive knowledge of architectural practice,
dedication to professionalism, and unquestioning generosity, has made this document possible.
RAIC Practice Support Committee Members (2016, 2017, and 2018)
John Peterson, FRAIC, Chairperson
Rod Kirkwood, FRAIC, former Chairperson
James Anderson, MRAIC
Douglas Clancy, FRAIC
Lawrence Dressel, FRAIC
Ted DuArte, MRAIC
Pierre Gallant, FIRAC
François Hogue, FIRAC
Eric (Rick) MacEwen, FRAIC
Brian Oakley, FRAIC
Justin Saly, MRAIC
Joseph Zareski, MRAIC
Jon Hobbs, FRAIC, former RAIC Executive Director, laid the groundwork for the original document,
A Guide to Determining the Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect, making this 2
nd
Edition
possible. With much appreciation, thank you.
The RAIC is also thankful for input from the practice committees and practice advisors of the
provincial associations of architecture, particularly Charles (Chuck) Greenberg, FRAIC, and Allen
Humphries, FRAIC, of the Ontario Association of Architects. All of the comments provided have
been thoughtful and instructive.
Donald Ardiel, MRAIC, Editor
COVER IMAGE
MICHAL AND RENATA HORNSTEIN PAVILION FOR PEACE
Atelier TAG + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes en consortium
Photo: Marc Cramer
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
RAIC.ORG
Table of Contents | 4
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Preface
The Value of the Architect
1 Architect’s Compensation
1.1 Methods of Compensation
1.1.1 Fixed Fee
1.1.2 Time Basis
1.1.3 Percentage-based Fee
1.1.3.1 Percentage-based Fee for Projects Using Building Information
Modeling (BIM)
1.1.3.2 Construction Costs
1.1.3.3 Percentage Fees and Basic Architectural Services
1.1.4 Range of Percentage Fees for Services
1.1.4.1 Range of Percentage Fees for Architectural Services Only
Without Engineering Fees for “Average” Projects
1.1.4.2 Range of Percentage Fees with Architectural and Basic
Engineering Fees for “Average”’ Projects
1.1.4.3 Notes for Fees Tables in 1.1.4.1 and 1.1.4.2
1.1.5 Other
1.1.6 InationFactor
1.2 FeeAdjustmentFactors/VariablesAectingtheArchitect’sFee
1.2.1 Fee Adjustment Factor 1 – Enhanced Scope of Services
1.2.1.1 Pre-design Services
1.2.1.2 Additional Services
1.2.2 Fee Adjustment Factor 2 - Project Delivery Method and Construction
Procurement
1.2.2.1 Design-Bid-Build
1.2.2.2 Design-Build
1.2.2.3 Construction Management
1.2.2.4 The Three Traditional Methods of Design/Construction Project
Delivery Compared
1.2.2.5 Fee Adjustment Factors Related to Project Delivery Method and
Project
1.2.2.6 Public-Private Partnership
1.2.2.7 Other Project Delivery Methods or Design Processes
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A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
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Table of Contents | 5
1.2.3 Fee Adjustment Factor 3 – Schedule and Fast Track Projects
1.2.4 Fee Adjustment Factor 4 – Project Documentation and Computer
Modeling
1.2.5 Fee Adjustment Factor 5 – Specialist Consultants
1.2.6 Fee Adjustment Factor 6 – Approvals and Authorities Having
Jurisdiction
1.2.7 Fee Adjustment Factor 7 – Submittals (not related to construction)
1.2.8 Fee Adjustment Factor 8 – New Technologies
1.2.9 Fee Adjustment Factor 9 - Construction Administration
1.2.10 Fee Adjustment Factor 10 – Project Location and Site Conditions
1.2.11 Fee Adjustment Factor 11 – Renovation to Existing Buildings (versus
new construction)
1.2.12 Fee Adjustment Factor 12 – Repeat Work or Repetitive Designs
1.2.13 Fee Adjustment Factor 13 – Architect’s Personnel
1.2.14 Fee Adjustment Factor 14 – Demobilization and Remobilization (stop
and start-up of architect’s workforce)
1.2.15 Fee Adjustment Factor 15 – Phased Building Occupancies
1.2.16 Fee Adjustment Factor 16 – Full-time On-site Field Review
1.3 Reimbursable Expenses
1.3.1 Administrative Charges
1.3.2 Professional Liability Insurance
1.4 Payment
1.4.1 Retainer
1.4.2 Billing Period
1.4.3 Interest
1.5 Other Payment Provisions
1.5.1 Statutory Holdbacks
1.5.2 Redesign Changes
2 BuildingClassications
2.1 Occupancy
2.2 Building Complexity
2.3 Building Size
2.4 Building or Construction Cost
2.5 Building Category or Building Type
3 Denitions
4 Other References
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A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
RAIC.ORG
Table of Contents | 6
Appendices
Appendix A Fee Calculation Sheet
Appendix B Example Fees Using Fee Calculation Worksheet
Appendix C Typical Invoice Using Percentage-based Fee
Appendix d Alphabetical List of Buildings by Category
Appendix e Scope of Services Checklist
Appendix F Basic Services of an Architect – Narrative Description
Appendix G List of Additional Architectural Services
Appendix H Comprehensive List of Types of Consultants on the Design Team
Appendix i Finding, Selecting and Engaging an Architect
Appendix J Typical Buildings Requiring the Services of an Architect
Table of Figures
FiGure 1 Cost of Design and Construction as a Percentage of Total Asset Life Cycle Costs
FiGure 2MacLeamyCurve:InuenceofEarlyEectiveDecision-makingonProjectOutcomes
FiGure 3 Typical Allocation of Fees for a “Traditional” Architectural Project
Tables
TABle 1 Typical Breakdown of Fees Over Design Project Phases
TABle 2 Range of Fee Breakdown for Projects with Intensive Early Phases Including
Building Information Modeling
TABle 3 Construction Cost Estimation by Project Phase
TABle 4 Basic Architectural Services
TABle 5 Average Fees for Basic Architectural Services Only
TABle 6 Average Fees for Basic Architectural and Engineering Services
TABle 7 Fee Adjustment Factors Related to Project Delivery Method
TABle 8RiskProlesRelatedtoProjectDeliveryMethods
TABle 9 Scope of Design Services in the Practice of Architecture
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A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
RAIC.ORG
Preface | 7
Preface
This guide has been developed by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) to assist
Architects and their clients in determining a fair exchange for the value of architectural services.
Throughout the second half of the 20
th
Century, expectations and roles within the design and
construction industry were consistent and clearly understood. Architects’ services for any building
project were largely the same and builders generally performed in a consistent manner based on
a standard set of conventions and procedures. Therefore, it was relatively easy to identify a typical
feefortheservicesofanarchitectforaspecictypeofbuilding.Ascheduleoffeesforarchitectural
services based on a percentage of the construction cost was widely accepted and used.
Today the situation has changed. Professional architectural service rms in Canada are bound
to operate under laws, regulations, and standards governing human resources management,
professional regulatory frameworks, building construction market conditions, and evolving digital
technologies, among others. It is necessary to examine every building project to determine the
appropriate fee for an architect’s services. The practice of architecture and the provision of
architectural services have evolved considerably. Today, the architect and client must agree upon
a wide range of project requirements and negotiate a fair exchange for value based on the unique
aspects of each project. Some of the reasons for this include:
¾ WidelydieringrequirementsofAuthoritiesHavingJurisdictionandapprovalprocessesbased
on building type and jurisdiction;
¾ Increasingly complex and sophisticated building systems and technologies;
¾ Dierentformsofprojectdelivery;
¾ Project phasing with multiple building occupancies at various times;
¾ Numerous additional specialists to consult and coordinate;
¾ Additional or reduced levels of services depending on the project-specic context and its
method of delivery;
¾ Wide variations in construction costs;
¾ New project design and documentation processes and requirements such as Building
Information Modeling (BIM), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), or Integrated Design Process
(IDP);
¾ Requirementsforthird-partycertication (suchasLEED®,GreenGlobes®, orWELLBuilding
Standard®);
¾ New demands for rapid construction and compressed schedules;
¾ Greater overhead costs because of extensive and complex “Requests for Proposals” and new
marketing expenses;
¾ Greater expectations for energy conservation and building performance;
¾ Extensive submissions at various stages of project documentation.
The primary purpose of this document is to guide a fair exchange of value in establishing appropriate
feesforarchitecturalservices.Becauseofthesesignicantchangesinthedesignandconstruction
industry, it is impossible to assume that the same professional fee will be appropriate for all
projects even if the projects are of the same size and building type. Requirements will vary, and this
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
RAIC.ORG
Preface | 8
document will help all parties in determining the appropriate fee for an architect’s services for their
unique building project.
The architect, as a member of a self-regulated profession, is ultimately responsible for the quality
of architectural services. The architect is required to satisfy their contractual and professional
obligations to the client and their regulatory obligation to protect the public interest.
Questions or suggestions regarding an architect’s fees are welcomed and should be directed to:
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
55 Murray Street, Suite 330
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 5M3
Canada
Telephone: 613-241-3600
Web: www.raic.org
Additional copies may be purchased through the RAIC Store at
https://www.raic.org/raic/online-store
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
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The Value of the Architect | 9
The Value
of the Architect
(Architecture matters)
Architecture is the sole profession whose members are qualied to design
and to provide advice, including technical and aesthetic judgment, on the
built environment. Architects provide services and solutions with technical
competence and aesthetic sensitivity suitable to the physical, social, cultural,
and economic environment, thereby inspiring the community and its citizens.
In matters of public health and safety, architects are obliged to serve the public
interest and respond to the public need. And now, these concepts of health
and safety have been expanded to encompass the sustainability of the global
environment and accessibility for all persons.
Architects add value to building projects by creating a design and layout that
is functional. Architects design for construction that is durable and energy-
ecient.Architectsworktoenhancethelookandvisualimpactoftheprojectto
provide a positive experience and increased market value to clients and users.
An architect is invaluable on any building project and furthermore, the use of
architectural services by a licensed or registered architect is a requirement
for many building types or “occupancies”, as required by building codes
across Canada.
Design services are usually around 10% of the total of all design and construction
costs. Therefore, the architect’s fees can be as low as 0.01% of the life cycle
costs for design, constructing, and operating a facility. Through good design,
the savings can be many fold over the design fees charged in the lifecycle of a
building. Building design services are an inappropriate place to cut costs.
Clients and architects need to
discuss the value of architectural
services and how an architect’s
ideas and knowledge can result
in signicant increases to the
real estate value of a building, as
well as savings in the building’s
operating and maintenance costs.
The pie chart to the right illustrates
that the architect’s fees are a very
small fraction of the total costs for
constructing and owning a building.
This important upfront investment in
professional services can have very
signicantimpactsonfuturecostsof
the ownership of any building.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
TWO HULLS HOUSE
MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects
Photo: Greg Richardson
FORT McMURRAY INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
oceofmcfarlanebiggararchitects+
designers inc. (omb) Project commenced
as predecessor rm mcfarlane green
biggar Architecture + Design Inc.
Photo: Ema Peter
AUDAIN ART MUSEUM
Patkau Architects
Photo: James Dow
Design &
Construction
1-2%
Maintenance
& Energy
10-20%
Salaries of
Occupants
80-85%
FiGure 1 Cost of Design and Construction as
a Percentage of Total Asset Life Cycle Costs
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
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The Value of the Architect | 10
Strategic thinking that is informed, integrated, and builds on intelligent pre-design and design
decision-making will have a positive impact on project quality, cost, and schedule. Clients that invest
inintegratedearlydesignwillrealizeincreasedvaluebysignicantlyreducingtheriskofproject
shortfalls. The MacLeamy Curve
1
in Figure 2 illustrates that early design-based decision-making can
leverresourcestoachievesuccessfulprojectoutcomesandoperationaleciency.Reducingproject
costsbyreducingtheresourcesavailableforaneectivedesignactstoworkagainsttheclient’sand
user’s best interests.
100%
0%
Low
Impact
High
Impact
RESOURCES CONSUMED
IMPACT OF DECISION MAKING
The greater the investment in
information gathering, analysis
and decision-making during
pre-design and conceptual design
phases, the fewer expensive
changes later in the project.
Δ TIME
Ease & ability to affect project change
Costs associated with project change
Pre-design
Stage
Bid
Stage
Conception
Design Stage
Construction Document
Stage
Construction StageDesign Development
Stage
FiGure 2 MacLeamy Curve: Inuence of Early Eective Decision-making on Project Outcomes
1
Although a number of researchers and practitioners have developed graphs that illustrate the impact of decision-making in the project
life cycle on project resources, the conguration featured here is credited to architect Patrick MacLeamy.
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Architect's Compensation | 11
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
1.1 | Methods of Compensation
There are several dierent methods of compensation for an architect’s services. The common
methods of compensation include:
¾ Fixed Fee
¾ Time basis
¾ Percentage-based Fee
Very often the project and client are best served by a combination of these methods of compensation
rather than one single fee. Frequently, it is more appropriate to use one method of compensation
foronephaseoftheprojectandadierentmethodofcompensationforanotherphase.
For example, in dealing with Authorities Having Jurisdiction and obtaining approvals for a project,
which can be indeterminate in complexity and time, it may be fair to compensate the architect on
an agreed-to hourly rate. However, the project documentation could then be compensated on a
percentage fee based on the construction cost for the project.
In another instance, specic services, such as the preparation of an architectural rendering or
marketingmaterials,couldbe provided at a xedprice.Additionalservicesforthesameproject
could, in turn, be compensated on a per diem rate or percentage of the construction cost.
1.1.1 | Fixed Fee
Axedfeeisanamountnegotiatedwiththeclientforprofessionalservicesthatcanbesuciently
denedattheoutsetoftheproject.Thisarrangementisonlysuitableifthescopeoftheproject,
the schedule for design and approvals, the construction schedule, and other variables can be
determined with reasonable accuracy by the architect.
Thexedfeeforsuchassignmentsisnegotiatedafterthearchitectandconsultantshaveprepared
a comprehensive estimate of work hours and overhead costs.
Thefeethenbecomes eectively a xedprice,unlessprojectparametersbeyondthearchitect’s
control change. If these conditions change, or if the size of the project or scope of the architectural
servicesincreasesordecreases,thenthearchitect’sxedfeemustbeadjusted.
1.1.2 | Time Basis
Time basis fees are fees that are charged on an agreed-to hourly or daily (per diem) rate. This
methodofcompensationisusefulwhentheservicesarediculttodetermineinadvanceorare
preliminary in nature, and often short in duration.
1 | Architect’s Compensation
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Architect's Compensation | 12
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Time-basis fees are typically used for the following:
¾ Servicesthatarenotwelldened;
¾ Pre-design services;
¾ Representations and transactions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction;
¾ Partial services;
¾ Additional services;
¾ Conceptual design;
¾ Foraparticularphaseoftheproject,suchasgeneral/eldreview;
¾ For services as an expert witness;
¾ Renovation projects;
¾ Preparation of record drawings;
¾ Specialist expertise or services;
¾ Program validation;
¾ Bridging the role of an architect prior to retaining a prime architect.
The actual hourly rates vary across the country and by the level of experience and seniority of the
architectandsta.Architectsareprofessionalswithextensivetraining(insomecasestheinternship
and licensing process for architects is considerably longer than that for other professionals, including
medical doctors or lawyers) and therefore the hourly rates for architects will correspond to the local
market, to the architect’s experience and expertise, and to the rates of other licensed professionals
in the region.
Hourlybillingcanutilizexeddollarrates(suchas$250perhour)ortheycanuseafeemultiplier.
There are two types of multipliers – one that is a multiplier of “Direct Salary Expenses” and another
that is a multiplier of “Direct Personnel Expenses”. Direct personnel expenses are the most common.
Whentheratesforarchitectsandtheirstaarebasedon“DirectPersonnelExpenses”theyinclude
thoseitemslistedinthedenitionssectionofthisdocument.
Additional factors should be considered for overtime expenses if such work is undertaken at the
client’s request or to meet scheduling demands beyond the architect’s control.
Thehourlyorperdiem(daily)ratesforarchitectsandtheirstashouldbeagreedattheoutset.
Additionally, the client and architect should agree upon a time period (e.g. annually) for review and
adjustmentofthehourlyratesinordertoadjustforinationandotherfactors.
1.1.3 | Percentage-based Fee
A percentage-based fee is a method of compensation which links the fee for the architect’s services
to a percentage of the construction cost of the project. The percentage will vary depending on the
type of building, the construction value, the type of construction contract, and fee adjustments
described in Section 1.2.
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Architect's Compensation | 13
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
It is possible using a percentage-based fee to calculate architectural fees on a net basis, that is
excluding all engineering and specialist consultant fees. It is also possible to calculate a percentage-
based fee including the basic engineering services for structural, mechanical, and electrical
engineering. This document includes charts which illustrate both methods.
Percentage-based fees are based on sliding scales considering both the size and complexity of the
project and the construction cost. The sliding scales are not suitable for many renovation projects
nor for very complex or custom projects. The fee indicated on the sliding scale is the starting point
for discussion. It is a baseline fee that must then be revised using the various fee adjustment factors
to determine the appropriate fee for architectural services for the unique project.
Whencalculatingthedistributionofthefeeoverthetraditionalvephasesofsimpleandaverage
projects, the following breakdown is typical:
Complex projects, such as extensive renovations or heritage conservation, may require addition
resources during the construction documentation and construction (contract administration)
phases, thus changing the balance of fees across the phases.
Phase Percentage of Total Fee
Schematic Design 12.5%
Design Development 12.5%
Construction Documents 50%
Bidding and Negotiation 2.5%
Construction (Contract Administration) 22.5%
TABle 1 Typical Breakdown of Fees Over Design Project Phases
Design
Development
Construction
Documents
Construction
Phase
100%
Schematic
Design
12-25% 12-25%
35-50%
Bidding and
Negociation
2.5-8.5%
25-35%
50%
0%
Cumulative Percent of Total Fee Percent of Fee for Each Phase
FiGure 3 Typical Allocation of Fees for a “Traditional” Architectural Project
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Architect's Compensation | 14
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
1.1.3.1 | Percentage-based Fee for Projects Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Emerging forms of project design and documentation, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM),
requiremoredocumentationanddesignintheearlyphases.Thetablebelowreectsarangeoffee
breakdownsforprojectswithintenseearlyphases.Forspecicprojects,itmaybeappropriateto
vary theses percentages, subject to agreement with the client.
1.1.3.2 | Construction Costs
Itisimportantfortheclienttohaveafullunderstandingofthedenitionofconstructioncosts.This
is the basis for calculating the fee using a percentage that has been negotiated.
Thedenitionstates:
“The Construction Cost is the total cost of the Work to the Client to construct all elements
of the project designed or specied by, or on behalf of, as a result of coordination by,
the Architect, consisting of the Construction Contract price, cost of changes to the Work
during construction, construction management fees or other fees for the coordination or
procurement of construction services, and all applicable taxes, except Value-Added Taxes,
which shall be excluded. Construction Cost excludes the compensation of the Architect and
Consultants, land cost, land development charges and other professional fees.”
Canadian Standard Form of Contract for Architectural Services – Document Six,
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Ottawa, 2018.
(Referred to as ‘RAIC Document Six’ throughout the document)
At the project outset, the construction cost is a mutually understood and agreed to budget. As
theprojectdevelops,estimatesoftheconstructioncostarepreparedandfurtherreneduntilthe
actualcontractpriceorconstructioncostisknown.Thegureisusuallyadjustedagainduringthe
construction phase based upon mutually agreed upon amounts at the beginning of each phase.
The basis for calculating the percentage fee should typically be as follows:
¾ Before a construction cost estimate is available, the fee is based on the construction budget at
the time of the invoice;
¾ After a construction cost estimate is available, the fee is based on the current construction cost
estimate at the time of the invoice;
¾ After the construction contract is entered into, the fee is based on the current construction cost
at the time of the invoice.
Phase Percentage of Total Fee
Schematic Design 20-25%
Design Development 20-25%
Construction Documents 35-25%
Bidding and Negotiation 2.5%
Construction (Contract Administration) 22.5%
TABle 2 Range of Fee Breakdowns for Projects with Intensive Early Phases Including Building Information Modeling
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Refer to “Appendix C – Typical Invoice Using Percentage-based Fee” for sample calculations when
determining the eventual fee.
1.1.3.3 | Percentage Fees and Basic Architectural Services
Basic architectural services are listed in Table 3 and described in detail in “Appendix E – Basic Services
of an Architect”. The recommended percentage-based fees listed in Tables 4 and 5 are based on
basic architectural services.
Basicarchitecturalservicesusuallymeanave-phasedapproachforthedesignandconstruction
of a building (refer to Table 3). This service will usually result in the production of the “instruments
of service”
2
neededtoobtaintherequiredpermitsforconstruction,andwillprovidegeneral/eld
reviewservicestoconrmthatthebuildingasconstructedisconsistentwiththedesign.
The phases described in the following chart list the basic services for each phase. Note that “Pre-design”
and “Post-construction” services are additional services and are therefore not included in the chart.
Neither are “Pre-design” or “Post-construction” services included in the percentage fee listed in the chart.
Phase Amount
Schematic Design Construction budget
Design Development Construction cost estimate
Construction Documents Updated construction cost estimate
Bidding and Negotiation Updated construction cost estimate
Construction (Contract Administration) Actual construction cost
TABle 3 Construction Cost Estimation by Project Phase
TABle 4 Basic Architectural Services
2
Instruments of Service are representations, in any medium of expression, of the tangible and intangible creative work that forms part
of the services or additional services. The architect and the consultants engaged by the architect shall retain all common law, statutory,
and other reserved rights, including copyrights, to the Instruments of Service. The Instruments of Service shall be used only by the client
for the intended purposes of the project at the place of the work and shall not be oered for sale or transfer to third parties without
the architect’s written consent.
Basic Architectural Services
Project
Assessment
Concept Approval Approvals from Authorities Awards of Construction Contract
1
Schematic
Design
2
Design
Development
3
Construction
Documents
4
Bidding or
Negotiation
5
Construction
Phase – Contract
Administration
ARCHITECT’S SERVICES
Client-supplied Data
Coordination
Program and Budget
Evaluation
Review of Alternative
Design Approaches
Architectural
Schematic Design
Schematic Design
Drawings and
Documents
Statement
of Probable
Construction Costs
ARCHITECT’S SERVICES
Client-supplied Data
Coordination
Design Coordination
Architectural Design
Development
Design Development
Drawings and
Documents
Statement
of Probable
Construction Costs
Client Consultation
Agency Consultation
ARCHITECT’S SERVICES
Client-supplied Data
Coordination
Project Coordination
Architectural
Construction
Documents (Working
Drawings, Form of
Construction Contract
andSpecications)
Document Checking
and Coordination
Statement of
Probable
Construction Costs
Client Consultation
Interior Construction
Documents
Consult authorities
ARCHITECT’S SERVICES
Client-supplied Data
Coordination
Project Coordination
Issue Bidding
Documents
Issue Addenda
Bid Evaluation
Construction
Contract
Client Consultation
Separate Bids or
Negotiated Bids
Services Related to
Bidders’ Proposals
Consult Authorities
ARCHITECT’S SERVICES
Contract
Administration and
General/Field Review
Progress Reports/
Evaluation
ProcessCerticates
for Payment
Interpretation of
Contract Documents
Review of Shop
Drawing
Product Data/Sample
Change Orders
Substantial
Performance Report
andCertication
Client Consultation
Interior Construction
Review
Record Drawings
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1.1.4 | Range of Percentage Fees for Services
1.1.4.1 | Range of Percentage Fees for Architectural Services Only Without Engineering
Fees for “Average” Projects
The percentage-based fees listed in Tables 5 and 6 below are based on basic architectural services
listed in Table 4 and described in detail in “Appendix E – Basic Services of an Architect”. The percentage
fees are for projects of an average level of complexity (See notes in 1.1.4.3 below).
1.1.4.2 | Range of Percentage Fees with Architectural and Basic Engineering Fees for
“Average”’ Projects
Base Percentage Fee by Building Category (in millions) –
New Construction WITHOUT Basic Engineering Fees
CONSTRUCTION
COST
<$500,000
$500,000
to <$1M
$1M to
<$2M
$2M to
<$5M
$5M to
<$10M
$10M to
<$25M
$25M to
<$50M
<$50
million
BUILDING
CATEGORY
1 7.14 6.12 5.07 4.78 4.57 4.46 4.18
Fees for
projects
with a
construc-
tion value
above
$50mto
be negoti-
ated
2 8.24 7.26 6.70 5.93 5.70 5.41 5.15
3 8.72 7.93 6.96 6.28 5.99 5.78 5.49
4 9.45 8.40 7.49 6.93 6.70 6.83 6.09
5 10.24 9.19 8.14 7.67 7.40 7.04 6.72
6 10.76 9.45 8.40 7.75 7.28 6.96 6.65
7 14.18 14.96 13.91 13.26 12.74 12.21 11.69
Base Percentage Fee by Building Category (in millions) –
New Construction WITH Basic Engineering (structural, mechanical, and electrical ONLY)
CONSTRUCTION
COST
<$500,000
$500,000
to <$1M
$1M to
<$2M
$2M to
<$5M
$5M to
<$10M
$10M to
<$25M
$25M to
<$50M
<$50
million
BUILDING
CATEGORY
1 9.22 8.17 7.85 7.76 7.55 7.34 7.13
Fees for
projects
with a
construc-
tion value
above
$50mto
be negoti-
ated
2 10.26 9.39 8.91 8.80 8.60 8.38 8.17
3 11.32 10.26 9.96 9.85 9.64 9.43 9.22
4 12.36 11.32 11.00 10.89 10.68 10.47 10.26
5 13.41 12.36 12.05 11.95 11.74 11.53 11.32
6 14.45 13.41 13.09 13.00 12.78 12.57 12.36
7 18.48 17.60 17.28 17.00 16.14 15.46 14.95
TABle 5 Average Fees for Basic Architectural Services Only
TABle 6 Average Fees for Basic Architectural and Engineering Services
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1.1.4.3 | Notes for Fees Tables in 1.1.4.1 and 1.1.4.2
For simple projects, apply a factor of 85% to the average fee.
For complex projects, apply a factor of 115% to the average fee.
“Simple”meansutilitarianincharacterwithoutcomplicationofdesign,aminimumofnishes,and
coordination of basic structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
“Average” means conventional in character requiring coordination of the structural, mechanical,
and electrical systems.
“Complex” means exceptional character and complexity of design requiring more advanced systems
and coordination of complex structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. Complex projects
require increased integration of the work of multiple other disciplines, such as information and
communications infrastructure, security, high-performance regenerative, and power generating/
conservation systems.
Fees must be adjusted based on fee adjustment factors listed in Section 1.2
Additional services may be required for simple, average,
or complex projects where the architect is responsible
for developing and managing extensive submissions to
Authorities Having Jurisdiction beyond the initial submission.
These may include repeated submissions and appearances
before committees of adjustment, site plan review panels,
or multiple levels of government. The management of
stakeholder engagement, heritage preservation, and extra-
jurisdictional approvals and/or certications may also
require work in addition to basic architectural services.
1.1.5 | Other
Occasionally, in some provinces, architects are paid on a unit
basis for projects such as multiple-unit housing or hotels
that have a repetitive element. Unit fee determinations are
frequently arbitrary and do not relate to the nature and
scope of architectural services.
1.1.6 | Ination Factor
The calculation of percentage-based fees, and the method of
adjusting fees described in Table 3, accommodates potential
changes in the value of money over the life of the projects.
Some project may extend over a protracted period and
specicmentionoffeeadjustmentfactorsbasedonination
may be required.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
COMPLEXE SPORTIF SAINT-LAURENT
SAUCIER+PERROTTE /
HCMA Architecture + Design
Photo: Olivier Blouin
FORT YORK VISITOR CENTRE
Patkau Architects Inc. /
Kearns Mancini Architects Inc.
Photo: Tom Arban Photography
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1.2 | Fee Adjustment Factors / Variables
Aecting the Architect’s Fee
As indicated in the Preface, the design and construction industry has become increasingly complex
and each project may be subject to unique factors that must be considered when determining an
appropriate fee.
Fee adjustment factors are listed below. This list is not exhaustive and certain clients or architects
mayhaveotherfactorsthataectthecostofprofessionalservicesforthebuildingproject.Fees
may be adjusted for:
Fixed Fee
Time basis
Percentage-based Fee
Enhanced Scope of Services
Pre-design Services
Additional Services
Project Delivery Method and Construction Procurement
Sequential Tendering
Design-Bid-Build
Design-Build
Construction Management
Public Private Partnerships (P3)
Other
Integrated Project Delivery
Lean Construction
Fast-track Projects
Project Documentation and Computer Modeling
Specialist Consultants
Enhanced or Extensive Submissions to Authorities Having Jurisdiction Beyond Initial Submissions
(refer to Section 1.2.6 – Fee Adjustment Factor 6)
New Technologies
Enhanced or Extensive Construction Contract Administration
Project Location and Site Conditions
Renovations to Existing Buildings (versus new construction)
Repeat Work or Repetitive Designs
Architect’s Personnel
Demobilization and Remobilization (stop and start-up of workforce)
Phased Building Occupancies
Full-time On-site General/Field Review
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Often the variable is a percentage or multiplier used to adjust the fee. Sometimes the variable may
result in a reduced fee, such as for repetitive design work, or the elimination of an entire phase
(such as bidding and contract negotiation if undertaken by the client).
This guide proposes the following variables as multipliers:
Once the client and architect have determined the building type, the project and construction
budgets, the method of project delivery, the role of consultants, and the scope of services, together
with other fee adjustment factors noted above, it is then possible to negotiate a fee for architectural
servicesthatreectsafairexchangeofvalue.Allfactorsmustbecompoundedandthenmultiplied
againstthepercentage-basedfeetodeterminetheappropriatenalfeeforeachuniqueproject.
Refer to the matrix or worksheet in “Appendix A – Fee Calculation Sheet” and “Appendix B – Example
Fees Using Fee Calculation Worksheet” to assist in the application of Fee Adjustment Factors and in
determining the appropriate fee.
1.2.1 | Fee Adjustment Factor 1 – Enhanced Scope of Services
It is necessary for the client and architect to have a mutual understanding of the nature and scope
of services required and expected. The schedule of architect’s services used in RAIC Document Six is
a comprehensive checklist to achieve a mutual understanding and agreement. “Appendix E – Basics
Services of an Architect” provides a condensed but comprehensive chart of basic architectural
services.
3
If the architect is providing “Partial” or “Additional” services, then the basic fee will need to
be reduced or increased accordingly.
1.2.1.1 | Pre-design Services
Very often a client will not have completed preliminary studies or obtained the necessary data to
commence architectural design work. The architect may provide pre-design services for an additional
fee (such as the preparation of a functional program or design brief) or arrange for the necessary
consultantstopreparethework(suchasatracstudyortoxicandhazardousmaterialsreport).
Pre-design services may include:
0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7
When there are no variables and basic services only are required.
3
Several provincial associations of architects have their own contracts for use within their province.
¾ Functional
Programming
¾ Space Relationships/
Flow Diagrams
¾ Project Development
Scheduling
¾ Project Budgeting
¾ Life Cycle Cost Studies
¾ Economic Feasibility
Studies
¾ Agency Consulting/
Review/Approval
¾ Site Selection
¾ Site Analysis Utilization
¾ Legal Survey
¾ Geotechnical Analysis
¾ Project Financing
¾ Environmental Studies
¾ Energy Studies
¾ Existing Facilities Surveys
¾ Client-supplied Data
Coordination
¾ Services Related to
Project Management
¾ Presentations
¾ Marketing Studies
¾ Special Studies
¾ Re-Zoning Assistance
¾ Project Promotion
¾ Special Consulting
Services
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1.2.1.2 | Additional Services
In addition to the basic architectural services noted above, many architects provide a wide range of
other or “additional” services. Some architects specialize in some of these additional services. For a list
of these additional services, refer to “Appendix G – List of Additional Architectural Services”.
1.2.2 | Fee Adjustment Factor 2 – Project Delivery Method and
Construction Procurement
The type of project delivery, or procurement of construction services, can have a big impact on the
architect’s services and fees. Small projects with experienced and reliable contractors may require
basiceldreviewandcontractadministrationservices.Howevermorecomplexprojects,builders
with limited experience, and newer methods of project delivery beyond the traditional design-bid-
build will require more time, more services, and consequently additional fees. Furthermore, the
typeofconstructioncontractcanaectthearchitect’sfee.Forexample,costpluscontractsorunit
price contracts (as opposed to stipulated sum contracts) require additional contract administration
servicesforthepreparationofCerticatesforPayment.Therefore,thefeemustbeincreased.
Each of the three traditional methods of project delivery described below, design-bid-build, design-
build,andconstructionmanagement,havebenetsanddrawbacks.Itiscriticalthattheclientand
architect have a shared understanding of which method is most appropriate for the client’s needs
and project success.
1.2.2.1 | Design-Bid-Build
Design-bid-build is the traditional form of project delivery and the percentage-based fee Tables
5 and 6 reect this form of construction procurement. A precondition necessary to achieve a
successful design-bid-build outcome is that the design services contract must create the conditions
necessary for services to yield design documentation of the highest quality, and appropriate to the
nature of the project (completeness + precision + accuracy). These conditions prominently include
fairexchangeofvaluefortheeortrequiredtoproducesuchdocumentation.Thisisthereason
that the scale of fees associated with this method is considered baseline.
In this instance, the architectural design and construction documents must be complete, and one
single bid package is prepared. Following bidding and preparation of one contract with one builder
or general contractor, the construction contract is administered by the architect.
1.2.2.2 | Design-Build
If the client selects a design-build team to be responsible for both the design and the construction
of the project, a design-build procurement option would be appropriate. The fees for services
provided by the architect to the design-builder can be established in accordance with the Schedules
in RAIC Document Six. A fee adjustment factor need only be applied if the conditions of the contract
introduceriskssuchassharednancialriskamongdesign-buildteammembers.
More information on the design-build process can be obtained from the Canadian Design-Build
Institute at www.cdbi.org
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1.2.2.3 | Construction Management
Construction Management is a project delivery method where a construction manager acts in a
consultative role to the client, providing information on issues such as market conditions, cost,
schedule, and constructability. Information provided by the construction manager becomes an input
into the design process. A construction manager may also be “at risk” for the ultimate construction
cost of the project. A construction manager is often involved in sequential tendering to fast-track the
project schedule and deliver the outcome earlier than other delivery methods.
The scope of the architect’s services is aected by the dened role of the construction manager.
As a result of sequential tendering, the architect may be responsible for additional services such as
cost planning/estimating, site condition studies and other pre-design issues, development of trade
contract general conditions and requirements, bidding process management and development
of bid documents, multiple construction contract administration tasks including multiple payment
certications,constructionqualitycontrolprocesses,andmultiplecloseoutprocedures.Feeadjustment
factors would be needed to address the project management processes needed for construction
management project delivery. This includes fast-tracking, sequential project design development,
multiple prime contractors, and tender packages issuance and administration.
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PROJECT DELIVERY
METHOD
Constrained Factor
Schedule Cost Performance/Quality
Design-Bid-Build
The schedule must
accommodate the time
needed to prepare
complete and accurate
design and construction
documents. It must also
providesucienttime
for the client and other
project stakeholders, in-
cluding funders, Author-
ities Having Jurisdiction,
and users, to review,
comment, and approve
the design.
Armconstructioncost
is not known until after
tender and negotiation
are completed but before
construction begins.
Performance and quality
of the outcome are
known before tender.
This is a precondition
to the design-bid-build
method to avoid scope
creep and construction-
phase changes.
Bid-Design-Build
The design-builder
or construction man-
ager may accelerate
the schedule though
sequential tendering and
fast-tracking. Through
the fast-tracking method,
design and construction
tasks are concurrent
and the schedule is
compressed. Sequential
tendering may accelerate
the schedule by provid-
ing select trades access
to tender documents in
advance of completed
design.
Armconstructioncost
is established based on
project requirements
before design.
The design-builder has
the authority to make
trade-ostoperfor-
mance/quality provided
the owner’s project re-
quirementsaresatised.
Construction
Management
The ultimate construction
cost of the project is not
known until most or all
of the separate packages
have been tendered and
inevitable changes re-
sulting from fast-tracking
have been quoted and
approved.
The performance/quality
of the project’s outcomes
is established at the
outset but adjusted as
necessary on a progres-
sive basis as the proj-
ect’s construction cost
becomes known.
TABle 7 Fee Adjustment Factors Related to Project Delivery Method
1.2.2.4 | The Three Traditional Methods of Design/Construction Project Delivery Compared
To determine whether a fee adjustment factor is appropriate based on the method of project delivery,
a critical and shared understanding of the method is required of both the client and the architect. Each
formofprojectdeliveryhasitsownbenetsanddrawbacks.Attheriskofover-simplication,these
benetsanddrawbacksarecomparedusingaprojecttriple-constraintmodelwherethescopeofthe
projectisassumedtobexed.Theconstraintsaretime(schedule),cost,andperformance/quality.
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PROJECT DELIVERY
METHOD
Constrained Factor
Schedule Cost Performance/Quality
Design-Bid-Build
Schedule certainty can only be
achieved at the expense of cost
and performance. The comple-
tion of design documents, and
therefore the project schedule,
may be delayed if project
requirements are incomplete,
complex or stakeholder inter-
estsareconicting.
Through comprehensive
pre-design and conceptual
design information gathering,
analysis, and strategic design
decision-making, the risk is
mitigated but the schedule is
lengthened, and consulting
fees may increase.
Building schedule elasticity into
the project plan may mitigate
risk.
Thermconstructioncostis
not known until the design
is complete, tenders are
analyzed, and negotiations
completed.
The risk is mitigated but
consulting fees are increased
through progressive cost esti-
mations throughout the design
and documentation phases.
Cost risk is mitigated by includ-
ing project contingencies
Performance and quality are
rmlyestablishedthroughout
the design process.
Design-Build
The schedule for project de-
livery, along with cost, should
beidentiedandstatedin
the contract. Elasticity in the
schedule may be required to
accommodate unexpected
market conditions.
The schedule may or may not
be accelerated depending on
the extent of the client’s need
to approve the design and
specications.
A commitment to the construc-
tion cost is established early in
the project.
Cost certainty is predicated
on the client, providing the
design-builder with a compre-
hensive and well-developed
statement of project require-
ments at the outset.
Changes to the requirements
leading to design-phase or
construction-phase changes
may result in disproportionate
cost increases.
The performance/quality of the
outcome may not be complete-
ly known until the project is in
construction.
The design team is under the
authority of the design-builder,
not the client.
The risks are mitigated through
the client’s development of a
comprehensive requirements
document and the engagement
of an advocate architect/en-
gineering team who monitor
design and construction on
behalf of the client. Both risk
mitigation strategies increase
consulting fees and possibly
lengthen the project schedule.
Construction
Management
The schedule may be accelerat-
ed through fast-tracking and/or
sequential tendering.
Fast-tracking requires a
signicantamountofaddi-
tionaleortinmanagingthe
design and coordinating the
design and construction work.
Fast-tracking results in an
increased risk of design and
construction rework, along with
the resulting additional fees
and construction costs.
The client must commit to de-
sign and construction without a
rmconstructioncost.
The risk is mitigated through
progressive cost estimation
and input from contractors,
trades, and product manu-
facturers. This may require
additional consulting services
and fees.
Cost cutting measures resulting
in reduced performance/quality
may be required at later stages
in the design and construc-
tion to bring the project in to
budget.
The risk is mitigated by devel-
opingatrade-oplanearlyin
the project to support strategic
decision making. This requires
additional services and fees.
TABle 8 Risk Proles Related to Project Delivery Methods
1.2.2.5 | Fee Adjustment Factors Related to Project Delivery Method and Project
Change and uncertainty are inherent in undertaking projects. Project endeavours and risk are
inseparable, and no amount of planning can remove ALL project risks. Again, at the possibility of
over-simplication,eachdesign/constructionprojectdeliverymethod has a general risk prole. To
establish a fair exchange of value, the client and architect must recognize alignment of the project
deliveryriskprolewiththeirrespectiverisksensitivities.
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A Common Risk to All Project Delivery Methods
There are several risks that may impact the schedule, cost, and/or quality of the project with all
procurement methods. A notable risk is market conditions in the construction industry. Products
planned to be used during the design phase may become unavailable or excessively expensive at
the time of construction, and substitutions must be identied, proposed, reviewed, quoted, and
approved. The tendering/negotiation phase may be extended to allow the architect to develop design
alternatives and for the successful bidder(s) to gather revised price quotes, should the quoted cost
exceed the project budget.
1.2.2.6 Public-Private Partnership
(Also referred to as P3 or Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) in Ontario)
In these various forms of project delivery, the client usually contracts with one entity. This entity may
assumeresponsibilityandusuallyintegratesallaspectsoftheprojectincluding:nancing,designand
construction, and operation and maintenance. This arrangement is increasingly common for larger
projects,includinginfrastructureprojectswherevariouslevelsofgovernmenttransferthenancing
to the private sector. Typically, this single entity (not necessarily the owner of the building) engages the
architect. The architect may or may not have the opportunity to develop a professional relationship
with the ultimate users of the project.
As in design-build procurement methods, the fees for services provided by the architect to the
lead proponent can be established in accordance with the Schedules in RAIC Document Six. A fee
adjustment factor may be applied if the conditions of the contract introduce risks such as shared
nancialriskorbeingrequiredtocontributetoprojectpursuitcosts.
1.2.2.7 Other Project Delivery Methods or Design Processes
Otherprojectdeliverymethodsareemergingthatfocusonincreasingeciencyandeectiveness
though changing the relationships of design and construction professionals and by integrating design
and construction processes more closely. Lean construction and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
are two of these new methods. Both are supported by the technological innovations introduced
by Building Information Modeling (BIM). The basis for establishing a fair exchange for value using
new project delivery methods may involve partnering and a sharing of project risk. New models of
determining appropriate fees will need to be established.
A client may require the architect to engage in alternate approaches to design, such as the Integrated
Design Process (IDP) to satisfy the requirements of a building certication process, such as LEED.
Althoughthe scheduleincludescerticationas aservice,anadjustmentfactormayberequiredto
address the additional eort needed in managing the consulting design team in alternate design
processes.
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1.2.3 | Fee Adjustment Factor 3 – Schedule and Fast Track Projects
Building on the project delivery method discussion above, in today’s fast-paced business world there
is often a pressure to complete a project as soon as possible to occupy the building. This schedule may
be necessary to accommodate tenants, to start-up a manufacturing process, or to begin a new school
session. Fast-tracking is the schedule management process where work normally done in sequence is
done concurrently. For example, construction work commences while design work is still underway.
Rework of both design and construction are inherent risks in fast-track projects, as the normal inputs
to each aspect of design may not be established and the architect and construction forces are forced
to work with an increased number of unknowns. Fast-track projects require additional fees as the
architectmayneedtoredodesignworkalreadycompleted,hireadditionalsta,paystaforovertime
work, and re-schedule other work to accommodate the priorities of such a project.
Another factor is extended construction schedules. Even with a traditional form of project delivery
such as design-bid-build, if the contractor’s construction schedule is extended, then the architect’s
services also must be extended, and compensation is required for the increased resources required
to administer the construction contract. On the other hand, if the schedule is fast and protracted,
decision times are reduced and fees may be adjusted accordingly.
1.2.4 | Fee Adjustment Factor 4 – Project Documentation and
Computer Modeling
Many clients require unique forms of documentation (such as their own specialized computer
standards or “printer-friendly” formats) or there may be a requirement to adjust the computer
language or platform to accommodate the consultant’s, contractor’s, or client’s needs.
Increasingly there is a demand to develop all designs and the project documentation using a Building
Information Model (BIM). Furthermore, there is often a need to provide electronic documents in a
varietyofformatstoseveraldierentpartiesinthedevelopmentoftheproject,whetherforreview
and approvals, the preparation of shop drawings, or for bidding purposes. This can be very time
consumingtoprovidesuchawiderangeofdocumentationtomanydierentparties.Allofthiscan
be expensive and must result in an adjustment to the architect’s and consultants’ fees.
Additional services may be required by a client to provide project stakeholders with complete 3D
visualization, computer-aided facility management (CAFM), or computer-aided energy modeling.
Analysis of the virtual design and energy modeling may become a valuable input to detailed design
developmental and be an eective risk mitigation strategy to identify incomplete, unstated or
misunderstood project requirements, or enhanced building performance.
1.2.5 | Fee Adjustment Factor 5 – Specialist Consultants
As noted previously there is need for more and more specialist consultants as technology and
regulations expand. The architect typically coordinates the specialist and subconsultants, whether
or not they have been retained directly by the architect or by the client. The fee for the services and
coordination of specialist consultants is always over and above the fee or normal percentage for the
architect’s services.
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1.2.6 | Fee Adjustment Factor 6 – Approvals and Authorities
Having Jurisdiction
The number of approvals from various Authorities Having Jurisdiction continues to grow. At one time,
certain projects may have only required a building permit. Today, however, most projects must be
reviewedbyseveraldierentauthorities.Approvalssuchassiteplanapprovalsorsitedevelopment
approvals, and phased building permits, are signicantly more time-consuming. Providing the
necessary documentation, communicating with the relevant authorities, and accommodating their
design and technical requirements, is exceedingly onerous. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and
by building type; therefore, the fee must be adjusted for each jurisdiction and for each building type.
1.2.7 | Fee Adjustment Factor 7 – Submittals (not related to
construction)
Certain clients, notably the federal and provincial governments, their agencies, and crown corporations,
require several submissions of the design and construction documents at various stages of completion.
Themorefrequentthesubmittalsthemorecostlytheeorttopreparethedocumentationforthe
submission.Thefeemustbeadjustedtoreectthenumberofsubmittalsrequired.
1.2.8 | Fee Adjustment Factor 8 – New Technologies
There are new technologies appearing daily including the need for better energy performance, new
building products and building systems, advanced construction methods, and design tools. Many
clients are anxious to incorporate these latest innovations into their projects. Sometimes this request
can be costly as there are often unknown risks in using products or systems that do not have a track
record,ortheremaybeadditionalcertications,testing,submittalsand/orapprovalsrequired.There
may also be additional specialist consultants that need to be retained and coordinated. Frequently,
there is also additional research or other services required on the part of the architect.
1.2.9 | Fee Adjustment Factor 9 – Construction Administration
Today many clients are demanding a level of service by the architect and other consultants that
exceedsthatwhichisrequiredtoexerciseareasonablestandardofcareduringtheeldreviewand
contract administration phase of the project.
Such services may include, but are not limited to:
¾ Additional meetings, coordination, and/or site visits with the client’s representatives, user groups,
contractors, and sub-trades which normally do not require the consultant’s presence at the time;
¾ Requirements for the architect to chair and/or minute meetings called by others;
¾ Requirements for a minimum number of meetings and site visits regardless of whether it is
warranted by the construction process;
¾ Additionalclaricationsandsitevisitsresultingfromtheclient’sselectionofspeciccontractors,
sub-trades, suppliers and/or products; and
¾ Excessive site visits due to the non-performance of construction forces.
Thearchitect and clientshould discuss this higher level of servicefor eld reviewsand construction
administration at the outset of the project to determine what is required, and the necessary fee
adjustments.
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1.2.10 | Fee Adjustment Factor 10 – Project Location and
Site Conditions
Theprojectlocationandsiteconditionsmayaectthearchitect’sservices.Averytight,dense,urban
site or a remote site in the north can both have complications in terms of design. Furthermore, a
remote site may require travel time and reimbursable expenses considerably beyond the normal.
Those factors related to the site conditions and location should be considered when agreeing to the
architect’s fee.
1.2.11 | Fee Adjustment Factor 11 – Renovation to Existing
Buildings (versus new construction)
Renovation work is well-known for its unknown conditions. For this reason, it is recommended that
renovations to existing buildings be performed on a time basis. If a percentage-fee is used, the fee
needs to be adjusted and increased to allow for the unknown work and the subsequent design
modicationsthearchitectswillneedtomake.
Heritageconservationprojectscanresultinasignicantlyincreasedscopeofarchitecturalservices,
as well as coordination with special consultants. A fee adjustment factor to address additional
coordination,aswellasadditionaldenedservices,isrecommended.
1.2.12 | Fee Adjustment Factor 12 – Repeat Work or
Repetitive Designs
Whentwoormorebuildingsareconstructedforthesameclientfromthesameunmodieddesign,
the fee for the architect’s services is usually reduced by about 50% (an adjustment factor of 0.5) for all
phases of the work except for construction administration, which remains the same. As each building
isconstructedseparately,constructionadministrationservices,includingeldreview,arethesame
foreach.Modicationsandadaptationsofthedesignforre-useareoftenchargedonatime-basis.
Any sale of the right to use the design, instruments of service, or royalties must be negotiated with
the architect.
4
4
Instruments of service are representations, in any medium of expression, of the tangible and intangible creative work that forms part
of the services or additional services. The architect and the consultants engaged by the architect shall retain all common law, statutory,
and other reserved rights, including copyrights, to the instruments of service. The instruments of service shall be used only by the client
for the intended purposes of the project at the place of the work and shall not be oered for sale or transfer to third parties without
the architect’s written consent.
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1.2.13 | Fee Adjustment Factor 13 – Architect’s Personnel
Thereareseveralfactorswhichmayaectthearchitect’sfeeasaresultofthearchitect’sownsta.
Overtimeworkwillrequireadditionalfees.Someprojectsbenetfromtheinvolvementofmoresenior
andexperiencedsta.Locationsotherthanthearchitect’sownpremises,orotheruniqueoverhead
costs as a result of the project, will also need to be accounted for.
1.2.14 | Fee Adjustment Factor 14 – Demobilization and
Remobilization (stop and start-up of architect’s workforce)
On some projects it is necessary to stop work on the design or preparation of construction documents.
Sometimes this is due to a delay in funding approvals or for other circumstances. Such a situation is
oftenproblematicforthearchitectwhohasconsultantsandstawhohavebeencommittedtothe
project and must be reassigned or even released. Similarly, if a project is suddenly “back on the boards”
orrestarted,thearchitectmustmakethenecessaryarrangementsforstangandtorecommence
productionworkontheproject.Suchasituationcanbecostlyandcanaectthearchitect’scashow
and bottom line; therefore it is important to negotiate a fee adjustment when this occurs.
1.2.15 | Fee Adjustment Factor 15 – Phased Building Occupancies
On certain very large and complex projects, building users and clients often want to occupy various
partsofabuildingassoonastheyarecompleted.Forexample,twoorthreeoorsonahigh-rise
hospital may require take-over and commissioning of this section of the building prior to completion of
the entire project. This additional requirement adds to the architect’s services. Multiple occupancies
over a period of time for the same project must be considered, and the appropriate adjustment to
the fee then determined when this occurs.
1.2.16 | Fee Adjustment Factor 16 – Full-time On-site Field Review
It is now common, especially on larger projects and for projects using construction management
services, for clients to request that the architect provide personnel to be present on the construction
siteon afull-timebasis.This memberofthearchitect’sstaassiststhecontractorinprocessing
Requests for Information (RFI’s), other administrative matters, undertakes general reviews, and
coordinates and resolves problems to ensure the project progresses eciently. This additional
sta member, dedicated to this particular project, must be compensated and the fee adjusted
accordingly.
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1.3 | Reimbursable Expenses
Normally the architect incurs direct expenses on behalf of the client. These expenses relate to the
provision of the architect’s services and the production of the instruments of service. They include
computer models, drawings, and specications that are the result of designing, documenting,
bidding, and constructing a building. These expenses are incurred in the interests of the project
andarenotcoveredbyprofessionalfees.“ReimbursableExpenses”isalsoadenedterminRAIC
Document Six.
Reimbursable expenses can include:
¾ Transportation for travel authorized by the client, in connection to the project (transportation,
lodging, and meals);
¾ Communication and shipping costs (long distance charges, courier, postage, dedicated web
hosting, etc.);
¾ Reproduction costs for plans, sketches, drawings, graphic representations, and other documents);
¾ Renderings, models, prints of computer-generated drawings, and mock-ups specically
requested by the client;
¾ Special computer modeling and documentation;
¾ CerticationanddocumentationcostsforthirdpartycerticationssuchasLEED®;
¾ Fees, levies, duties or taxes for permits, licenses, or approvals from Authorities Having
Jurisdiction;
¾ Additional insurance coverage or limits, including additional professional liability insurance
requested by the client in excess of that normally carried by the architect and the architect’s
consultants;
¾ Direct expenses (as listed above) incurred by the architect’s employees, engineering consultants,
and other consultants.
1.3.1 | Administrative Charges
The management of reimbursable expenses is a service provided to the client by the architect.
Reimbursable expenses are normally billed at cost plus an administrative charge (often 10-15%) to
coverin-houseadministration,handling,andnancing.
1.3.2 | Professional Liability Insurance
Architectural licensing authorities in Canada require that those architectural practices authorized to
provide services to the public carry a minimum level of professional liability insurance.
Standard forms of contract, such as RAIC Document Six, require the architect to carry such insurance
andallowsfortheclienttoobtainacopyoftheCerticateofProfessionalLiabilityInsurance.
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1.4 | Payment
The Agreement Form in RAIC Document Six also requires other payment provisions to be completed.
1.4.1 | Retainer
A retainer isan advance payment on fees that wouldbe deducted from the nal invoice and is
accounted for as a statement of credit on the client’s account. An amount should be agreed to by
the client and architect and inserted in Article A15 of RAIC Document Six. Regulations governing
retainer fees may vary from province to province. Architects are required to familiarize themselves
with these regulations prior to completing the contract for architectural services.
1.4.2 | Billing Period
Article A16 of RAIC Document Six indicates that invoices shall be issued monthly. If the frequency
ofbillingshouldbeatdierentintervals,thisclauseshouldbechangedtobi-weeklyorothertime
periods such as project milestones.
1.4.3 | Interest
TheamountofinterestonunpaidinvoicesshouldbespeciedasrequiredinRAICDocumentSix.
BORDEN PARK PAVILION
gh3
Photo: Raymond Chow (gh3)
PARALLELOGRAM HOUSE
5468796 Architecture Inc.
Photo: 5468796 Architecture
RABBIT SNARE GORGE
Omar Gandhi Architect Inc. in collaboration
with Design Base 8 (NYC)
Photo: Doublespace Photography
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1.5 | Other Payment Provisions
1.5.1 | Statutory Holdbacks
In some jurisdictions architects have lien rights and their fees are subject to statutory holdbacks
depending on the lien legislation in the province or territory. For very large projects this can represent
asignicant nancialburdenforanarchitecturalrm,especiallyfora projectwhosedesignand
construction can extend over several years.
If the client retains holdback from payments to the architect pursuant to applicable lien legislation,
and the architect provides services both before and after the commencement of the work, then for
purposes of the applicable lien legislation, this contract shall be deemed to be divided into two
contracts comprised of:
1. A contract for the provision of services up to and including the commencement of the work;
2. A second contract for the provision of services after the commencement of the work.
1.5.2 | Redesign Changes
Occasionally, it is necessary to redesign a building. Redesign may be due to changes in functional
requirements, reduced funding available, a personnel change in the client’s administration, or for
a variety of other reasons beyond the control of the architect. Redesign charges cover the cost to
preparenewdesignsandmakethenecessarychangestothedrawingsandspecications.
Redesign charges are variable and can cost as much as 50% of the original fee for the entire building,
depending upon the extent of changes. The client and architect should negotiate appropriate fees
for redesigning the project.
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Buildings can be categorized in a variety of ways: by occupancy, building size, construction cost,
andcomplexity.Eachofthesefactorscanhavesignicantimpactsonthefeeforarchitecturaland
engineering services.
2.1 | Occupancy
Building codes in Canada divide buildings by occupancy, in part because codes must deal with or
prescribe the level of public safety required for each occupancy.
Most building occupancies require the services of an architect depending upon the jurisdiction,
and it is important to consult the appropriate regulations to determine any exemptions from this
requirement.
Many buildings are of mixed uses, that is, they combine more than one occupancy, and this presents
some challenges for the determination of fees for professional services. The following are possible
methods for determining the fee for services for mixed-use buildings:
¾ Two separate fees are used based on the two distinct occupancies, such as an attached parking
garage and another distinct use;
¾ A blended percentage fee is agreed upon based upon the portion of each occupancy;
¾ The percentage fee is based on the major occupancy.
2.2 | Building Complexity
Some provincial associations have categorized buildings by building complexity, usually from simple
to complex buildings, and the categories often refer to the level of architectural services required
for the building type.
The RAIC uses the following three levels of categories: Simple, Average and Complex.
“Simple”meansutilitarianincharacterwithoutcomplicationofdesign,aminimumofnishes,and
coordination of basic structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
“Average” means conventional in character requiring coordination of the structural, mechanical,
and electrical systems.
“Complex” means exceptional character and complexity of design requiring more advanced systems
and coordination of complex structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. Complex projects
require increased integration of the work of multiple other disciplines, such as information and
communications infrastructure, security, high-performance regenerative, and power generating/
conservation systems.
2 | Building Classications
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2.3 | Building Size
Another factor in determining architectural fees is the building size or building area. Simple projects,
with repetitive elements, may oer certain economies of scale in the provision of architectural
services.Smallerprojectsrequiredierentdetailingandareverytimeconsuming,eventhoughthey
may be of a relatively low construction cost. For small projects, such as those less than 500 square
metres in size, or under 500,000 dollars in construction value, percentage fees may not always be
applicable and a time basis may be recommended. Similarly, for very large projects, over 30,000
square metres in size, the fee may need to be negotiated.
2.4 | Building or Construction Cost
Another way of categorizing buildings is by their construction cost. If the fee for services is based on
construction costs this becomes an important subdivision. Unfortunately, building costs can vary
across the country. These costs also vary during economic cycles and due to market forces, such as
supply and demand.
Standardconstructioncostcategoriesmayrangefromunder$500,000towellover$50,000,000.
Generally speaking, as construction values increase, the basic percentage fee for architect’s services,
for certain simple building categories, decreases.
2.5 | Building Category or Building Type
Some provincial associations have subdivided buildings by type, and the categories often refer to
the level of architectural services required for the particular building type. There are usually seven
categories or “types” of buildings.
The RAIC has adopted the following Building Categories: Refer to Appendix D for a similar list in
alphabetical order.
Category
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Warehouse
Barn, Stable, Storage Building, Shed, Kennel, Animal Shelter
Self-service Storage Building
2
2.1
2.2
Multiple Unit Residential Building (Apartment, Condominium, Dormitory, Townhouse, etc.)
Summer Camp, Park Building
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
Armed Forces Base, Barracks, Armoury, Drill Hall
Bowling Alley, Dance Hall
Motel and Apartment Hotel
Marina, Recreational Pier
Maintenance Building, Service Garage, Service Station, Car Dealership
CommercialorAdministrativeOceBuilding(shellonlyexcludingtenantt-up)
Mercantile Buildings for Business and Personal Services including Store, Shop, Barber and Hairdressing Shop, Supermar-
ket, Shopping Centre, Department Store (but excluding tenant layouts)
Student or Institutional Residence, Senior Citizens’ Apartment
Kindergarten and Elementary School
Industrial Building (such as light manufacturing)
Specialized Agricultural Building
Resort Building (building shell only)
A GUIDE TO
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Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Category
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
Junior, Middle and Senior High School, Vocational High School
PostOceandFinancialCustomerServiceCentre(suchasBankBranches)
Grandstand, Stadium
Convention Hall, Exhibition Building
Manufacturing, Processing or Specialized Storage Facility
Dry Cleaning Establishment, Laundry
Dairy and Creamery, Distillery
Specialized Housing (including high-level residential support), Retirement Facility, Shelter for Homeless, Shelter for Women
Animal Clinic
Police Station, Fire Station, Ambulance Facility
Hotel, Complex Motor Hotel
Club: Town, Country, Sports, Health
Community Centre
Freestanding Parking Structure
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
5.11
5.12
5.13
5.14
5.15
5.16
5.17
Pedestrian Links and Bridges
Freight Handling Terminal, Special Maintenance Garage, Aircraft Hangar
Amusement Park Building
Telephone Equipment Building, Data Centre, Emergency Operations Center
Swimming Pool, Ice Arena, Recreation Building, Physical Education Building, Gymnasium
Zoo, Animal Hospital, Botanical Gardens
Licensed Daycare
University or College Non-technical Classroom Building, and Vocational High School
Cemetery Chapel, Mausoleum, Crematorium
Funeral Home
City Hall, Town Hall
Museum (exhibition hall as shell non-complex program without environmental conditions)
Restaurant, Licensed Beverage Establishment
Church, Place of Worship, Monastery, Convent
Long Term Care Facility, Special Care Facility (such as a Group Home)
Minimum Security Detention Facility
Cannabis Production Facility
6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
6.11
6.12
6.13
6.14
6.15
Facility for High-level Medical Care (for active diagnostic and acute treatment), Chronic Care Facility, Mental Health
Facility and Rehabilitation Facility
Medical Research Facility
Communications Building, Radio or TV Facility, Studio, Computer Centre
Science Building
Laboratory
Dental Building, Walk-in Medical Clinic
Observatory, Planetarium
Museum, Art Gallery
Courthouse, Archives Building, Library
Aquarium
Rapid Transit Station
Maximum or Medium Security Detention Centre
Airport Passenger Terminal, Bus Passenger Terminal, Rail Passenger Terminal, Seaport/Ferry Passenger Terminal
Customs and Immigration Building
Theatre, Opera House, Auditorium, Concert Hall
7
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
CustomResidence,CustomResidentialSwimmingPool,OcialGovernmentResidence
Decorative Work, Exhibition Display, Public Garden, Promenade, Fountain
Commemorative Monument, Funeral Monument
AirTracControlTower,ControlCentre,FlightServiceStation
Tenant Space Planning
Legislative Building, Mint
Due to increased design complexity as a result of changing user requirements, such as security, some building types
have been moved to a higher category than indicated in some provincial associations’ fee schedules.
NOTE:
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Denitions | 35
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Construction Budget (from RAIC Document Six):
The construction budget is the amount of money the client is committed to spend on the construction
cost, as stated in Article A7 of the agreement, or an adjusted amount determined or approved by
the client under the terms of this contract.
Construction Cost (from RAIC Document Six):
The construction cost is the total cost of the work to the client to construct all elements of the project
designedorspeciedby,onbehalfof,orasaresultofcoordinationbythearchitect.Thisincludes
the construction contract price, cost of changes to the work during construction, construction
management fees or other fees for the coordination and procurement of construction services, and
all applicable taxes, except value-added taxes, which shall be excluded. Construction cost excludes
the compensation of the architect and consultants, land cost, land development charges, and other
professional fees.
Direct Personnel Expense:
The salary of the architect’s, or architect’s consultant’s, personnel engaged on the project, plus the
costofsuchmandatoryandcustomarycontributionsandemployeebenetsas:
¾ Employmenttaxesandotherstatutorybenets;
¾ Insurance;
¾ Sick leave;
¾ Statutory holidays;
¾ Vacations;
¾ Pensions; and
¾ Similarcontributionsandbenets.
Disbursement Record:
A record of billable reimbursable expenses.
Feasibility Study:
A report that outlines the research and subsequent analysis to determine the viability and
practicabilityofaproject.Afeasibilitystudyanalyzeseconomic,nancial,market,regulatory,and
technical issues.
Fee:
Theamountofcompensationpaidtothearchitectfortheprovisionofaspecicservice.Thisdoes
not include reimbursable expenses or disbursements.
3 | Denitions
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Denitions | 36
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
General/Field Review:
Generalreview,whichissynonymouswitheldreview,isareviewbythearchitectandconsultants
during visits to the place of the work and, where applicable, at locations where building components
are fabricated for use at the place of the work. It is completed at intervals appropriate to the stage
of the construction that the architect and consultants, in their professional discretion, consider
necessary to become familiar with the progress and quality of the work, and to determine that the
work is in general conformity with the construction documents and to so report, in writing, to the
client, the constructor, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
Fixed Fee:
Onestatedsumofmoneyfortheperformanceorprovisionofspecicservices.
Functional Program:
A written statement which describes various criteria and data for a building project, including
operational criteria, design objectives, site requirements and constraints, spatial requirements and
relationships,detailedinformationonrooms,furnishings,ttingsandequipment,buildingsystems
andequipment,exibility/adaptabilityrequirements,andfutureexpandability.
Multiplier:
A percentage or gure by which direct payroll expenses of sta (Direct Personnel Expense) are
multipliedtocoverpayrollburden,overheadexpenses,andprot.
Oce Overhead:
Includesrentandutilities,ocesupplies,computermaintenance,automobileexpenses,promotion
and advertising, books and subscriptions, annual dues, leasing expenses (except as noted below),
postage, delivery services, bank charges, interest charges, business taxes, donations, seminar and
training expenses, and depreciation. Consultant expenses that are related to architectural services
are excluded from overhead expenses, but other consultants for services such as legal, accounting,
marketing, and the like are included in overhead expenses. The purchase or lease of major expenditure
items,suchasautomobiles,computers,orocerenovations,arechargedasoceoverheadonlyto
the extent that such expenses can be depreciated in accordance with federal policy.
Percentage Fee:
A method of compensation which links the fee for architectural services to a percentage of the
construction cost of the project. The percentage will vary depending on the type of building, the
construction value, and the type of construction contract.
Pre-design Services:
The architectural services provided prior to the traditional building design services that assist the
clientin establishingafunctionalprogram aswellastheprojectscope,including anancialand
scheduling plan.
Project Budget:
The client’s estimated total expenditure for the entire project. It includes, but is not limited to, the
construction budget, professional fees, contingencies, costs of land, rights of way, and all other
costs to the client for the project.
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Denitions | 37
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Retainer:
Therstpaymenttothearchitect,uponengagement,representingastipendtocoverthearchitect’s
initial work and expenses on the client’s behalf. This amount is retained on the account against
theeventualnalbillingforservicesontheproject.Typically,theretainerisnegotiatedandoften
reectsthevalueofthersttwomonthsofserviceoronehalfofthevalueoftherstphaseofthe
commission.
Services (from RAIC Document Six):
Theservicesmeans theprofessionalservicesidentiedin Schedule A–Services,includingthose
performed by the architect, the architect’s employees, and the consultants engaged by the architect.
Value-Added Taxes (from RAIC Document Six):
Value-added taxes are those taxes levied by the federal or any provincial or territorial government
including the Goods and Services Tax, the Quebec Sales Tax, the Harmonized Sales Tax, and any
similar tax, the collection and payment of which are imposed by tax legislation.
MAISON DE LA LITTÉRATURE
Chevalier Morales Architectes
Photo: Chevalier Morales architectes
CASEY HOUSE
Hariri Pontarini Architects
Photo: Hariri Pontarini Architects
STADE DE SOCCER DE MONTRÉAL
SAUCIER+PERROTTE /
HCMA Architecture + Design
Photo: Olivier Blouin
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Other References | 38
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Provincial Associations of Architects’ Schedule of Fees or Tari of Fees
Architectural Institute of British Columbia. Tari of Fees for Architectural Services. Fourth Edition.
Revised February 2009.
Alberta Association of Architects. Schedule of Designated Services for Recommended Conditions of
Engagement and Schedule of Professional Fees for Building Projects. September 2013.
Saskatchewan Association of Architects. Bylaws of the Saskatchewan Association of Architects.
November 2002. Refer to Bylaws No. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25.
Association of Architects in Private Practice of Québec. Standard Contract for the Services of an
Architect. November 2013.
Architects Association of New Brunswick. Schedule of Recommended Fees. January 7, 2011.
Newfoundland Association of Architects and Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists
of Newfoundland. Guidelines and Recommended Minimum Fees for Architectural and Engineering
Projects. March 2003.
4 | Other References
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Appendices | 39
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Appendices
Appendix A Fee Calculation Sheet
Appendix B Example Fees Using Fee Calculation Worksheet
Appendix C Typical Invoice Using Percentage-based fee
Appendix d Alphabetical List of Buildings by Category
Appendix e Scope of Services Checklist
Appendix F Basic Services of an Architect – Narrative Description
Appendix G List of Additional Architectural Services
Appendix H Comprehensive List of Types of Consultants on the Design Team
Appendix i Finding, Selecting and Engaging an Architect
Appendix J Typical Buildings Requiring the Services of an Architect
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Appendices | 40
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Appendix A – Fee Calculation Sheet
FEE ADJUSTMENT
FACTOR
COMMENTS
Project Number
Project Name
MAJOR BUILDING OCCUPANCIES
Building Category
Building Area
Project Complexity
Construction Budget
Method of Project Delivery
Heritage Conservation
METHODS OF COMPENSATION TO ARCHITECT
Fee 1 Percentage-based
Fee 2 Hourly or Per Diem
Fee 3 Fixed Fee
SCOPE OF SERVICES BY PHASE
Pre-design
Design
Construction Documentation
Bidding and Contract Negotiation
Contract Administration
Post-construction
Facility Management
ADJUSTMENT FACTORS
Construction Schedule/Fast-track
Project Documentation
Specialist Consultants
Approvals
Submittals
New Technologies
ThirdPartyCertication
Construction Contract(s) Administration
Location
Renovation/Vertical Additions
Repeat Work/Repetitive Design
Architect’s Personnel
Other
Total Fee Adjustment Factors
Adjusted Fees
Fee 1 Percentage-based
Fee 2 Hourly or Per Diem
Fee 3 Fixed Fee
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Appendices | 41
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Appendix B – Example Fees using Fee Calculation Worksheet
FEE ADJUSTMENT
FACTOR
COMMENTS
Project Number 2009-08
Project Name Ottawa Valley University Classroom
MAJOR BUILDING OCCUPANCIES
Building Category Category 5 Non-technical Classroom
Building Area 3000 square metres
Project Complexity Average
Construction Budget $9,000,000
Method of Project Delivery Construction Management
Heritage Conservation
METHODS OF COMPENSATION TO ARCHITECT
Fee 1 Percentage-based 7.05
Fee 2 Hourly or Per Diem
Fee 3 Fixed Fee
SCOPE OF SERVICES BY PHASE
Pre-design N/A
Design Yes
Construction Documentation Yes
Bidding and Contract Negotiation Yes
Contract Administration Yes
Post-construction Additional
Facility Management Additional
ADJUSTMENT FACTORS
Construction Schedule/Fast-track No
Project Documentation Multiple Tender Packages Plus 0.25
Construction Document Phase
Additional Cost of 50%
Specialist Consultants Cost Consultant Separate Fee for Cost Consultant
Approvals Normal
Submittals Normal
New Technologies Green Roof Plus 0.10
ThirdPartyCertication LEEDCertication Plus 0.10
Additional Energy Analysis and
Documentation
Construction Contract(s) Administration Multiple Contracts Plus 0.10
Location Normal
Renovation/Vertical Additions No
Repeat Work/Repetitive Design No
Architect’s Personnel No Additional Personnel Required
Other
Total Fee Adjustment Factors 1.55
Adjusted Fees 7.05 x 1.55 = 10.9275 10.9275
Total Fee
Approximately $983,475
Fee 1 Percentage-based
Fee 2 Hourly or Per Diem For Additional Services Only
Fee 3 Fixed Fee Additional 9,000 for Cost Consultant
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Appendices | 42
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Appendix C – Typical Invoice Using Percentage-based Fee
A statutory holdback of consulting fees, required by lien legislation in some jurisdictions, is not included in this
sample invoice.
NOTE:
INVOICE
To: Acme Architecture Ltd.
77 Skyway Drive
Anytown, ON
Y2K 2Y2
INVOICE No.
Project:
Project No.:
Date:
GST/HST No.:
8094
AcmeOceAddition
8051
15 March 2018
R109976007
Client-Architect Agreement
Document Six, dated June 15, 2018
28 February 2018
For Professional Services Rendered:
Fees to:
Earned to date
Additional Services
Schematic Design Phase:
Design Development Phase:
Contract Documents Phase:
Tendering/Bidding Phase:
Contract Admin. Phase:
Change Orders 1, 2 & 3
100%of12.5%of8%of$500,000
100%of12.5%of8%of$500,000
100%of47.5%of8%of$500,000
100%of2.5%of8%of$500,000
20%of25%of8%of$536,800
Subtotal – Basic Services
6hours@$140/hour
15hours@$85/hour
Subtotal – Additional Service
Total fee earned to date
Less previously invoiced
TOTAL FEE DUE THIS INVOICE
Subtotal due this invoice
GST/HST @ 13%
TOTAL DUE THIS INVOICE
Reimbursable expenses due excluding GST/HST
(see attached invoices)
$34,262.20
$28,840.50
$5,421.70
$5,744.30
$746.76
$6,491.06
$322.60
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
$19,000.00
$1,000.00
$2,147.20
$32,147.20
$840.00
$1,275.00
$2,115.00
Reference:
$32,147.20
$2,115.00
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Appendices | 43
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Appendix d – Alphabetical List of Buildings by Category
AdministrativeOceBuilding(shellonlyexcluding
tenantt-up)
3
Agricultural Building (specialized) 3
AirTracControlTower 7
Aircraft Hangar 5
Airport Passenger Terminal 6
Alterations 7
Ambulance Facility 4
Amusement Park Building 5
Animal Clinic 4
Animal Hospital 5
Animal Shelter 1
Apartment 2
Aquarium 6
Archives Building 6
Armed Forces Base, Armoury 3
Art Gallery 6
Auditorium 6
Barn 1
Botanical Gardens 5
Bowling Alley 3
Bus Passenger Terminal 6
Cannabis Production Facility 5
Car Dealership 3
Cemetery Chapel 5
Chancellery 7
Chronic Care Facility 6
Church 5
City Hall 5
Club: Town or Country 4
Commemorative Monument 7
CommercialorAdministrativeOceBuilding
(shellonlyexcludingtenantt-up)
3
Communications Building 6
Community Centre 4
Computer Centre 6
Concert Hall 6
Consulate 7
Convent 5
Convention Hall 4
Courthouse 6
Crematorium 5
Custom Residence 7
Custom Residential Swimming Pool 7
Customs and Immigration Building 6
Dairy and Creamery 4
Dance Hall 3
Decorative Work 7
Dental Building 6
Distillery 4
Dormitory 2
Drill Hall 3
Dry Cleaning Establishment 4
Embassy 7
Emergency Operations Center 5
Exhibition Building 4
Exhibition Display 7
Facility for High-level Medical Care for Active Diagnostic
and Acute Treatment
6
Financial Customer Service Centre
(such as Bank Branches)
4
Fire Station 4
Flight Service Station 7
Foreign Mission 7
Fountain 7
Freight Handling Terminal 5
Funeral Home 5
Funeral Monument 7
Grandstand 4
Gymnasium 5
Hotel 4
Housing – Specialized Housing Including High-level
Residential Support
4
Housing – Multiple Unit Residential Building (Apart-
ment, Condominium, Dormitory, Townhouse, etc.)
2
Housing – Custom Residence 7
Ice Arena 5
Industrial Building (such as Light Manufacturing) 3
Junior, Middle and Senior High School 4
Kennel 1
Kindergarten and Elementary School 3
Laboratory 6
Laundry 4
Legislative Building 7
Library 6
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Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Licensed Beverage Establishment 5
Licensed Daycare 5
Long Term Care Facility 5
Maintenance Building 3
Manufacturing 4
Marina 3
Mausoleum 5
Maximum or Medium Security Detention Centre 6
Medical Clinic (Walk-in) 6
Medical Research Facility 6
Mental Health Facility and Rehabilitation Facility 6
Mercantile Buildings for Business and Personal
Services including Store, Shop, Barber and Hairdressing
Shop, Supermarket, Shopping Centre, Department
Store, (excluding tenant layouts)
3
Minimum Security Detention Facility 5
Mint 7
Monastery 5
Motel and Apartment Hotel 3
Multiple Unit Residential Building (Apartment, Condo-
minium, Dormitory, Townhouse, etc.)
2
Museum 6
Museum (exhibition hall as shell, non-complex pro-
gram without environmental conditions)
5
Observatory 6
OcialGovernmentResidence 7
Opera House 6
Park Building 2
Parking Structure (Freestanding) 4
Pedestrian Links and Bridges 5
Physical Education Building 5
Place of Worship 5
Planetarium 6
Police Station 4
PostOce 4
Processing or Specialized Storage Facility 4
Promenade 7
Public Garden 7
Radio or TV Facility 6
Rail Passenger Terminal 6
Rapid Transit Station 6
Recreation Building 5
Recreational Pier 3
Resort Building (building shell only) 3
Restaurant 5
Restoration of Historic Monument or Building 7
Retirement Facility 4
School–Junior, Middle and Senior High School 4
School–Kindergarten and Elementary School 3
Science Building 6
Seaport/Ferry Passenger Terminal 6
Data Centre 5
Self-service Storage Building 1
Senior Citizens’ Apartment 3
Service Garage 3
Service Station 3
Shed 1
Shelter for Homeless 4
Shelter for Women 4
Special Care Facility (such as a Group Home) 5
Special Maintenance Garage 5
Specialized Housing Including High-level
Residential Support
4
Stable 1
Stadium 4
Storage Building 1
Student or Institutional Residence 3
Studio 6
Summer Camp 2
Swimming Pool 5
Telephone Equipment Building 5
Tenant Space Planning 7
Theatre 6
Town Hall 5
TV Facility 6
University or College 5
Warehouse 1
Zoo 5
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Appendix e – Scope of Services Checklist
Basic and Additional Services, All Applicable Phases
Structural Consulting Engineering Services Mechanical Consulting Engineering Services Electrical Consulting Engineering Services
Acoustic Consulting Services Audio Visual Consulting Services Building Sciences Consulting Services
Energy Modeling Consulting Services Civil Engineering Consulting Services Commissioning Agent Consulting Services
Cost Estimating Consulting Services Food Services Consulting Services Heritage Conservation Consulting Services
Archaeological Consulting Services Hardware Consulting Services Interior Design Consulting Services
Laboratory Design Consulting Services Landscape Architect Consulting Services Lighting Design Consulting Services
Microclimate Consulting Services Planning Consulting Services Project Management Services
Security Consulting Services
Security and Communications Systems
Consulting Services
TracConsultingServices
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E)
Selection, Procurement, and Installation
Coordination
Graphic Design and Signage Vertical Transportation Consulting Services
Multiple Construction Contracts Coordination of Work of Client’s Own Forces Tenant Improvement Design Services
Value Engineering Services Life Cycle Cost Analysis Services Coordination of Client’s Equipment
Climate Change Analysis Enhanced Sustainable Design Energy Modeling Services
Commissioning Multiple Language Services SustainableDesignCertication
Coordination Services, All Applicable Phases
Project Protocols Client Meetings Consultant Coordination Meetings
Project Dossier Project Reporting Coordination of Consultants
Coordination of Multiple Constructors Coordination of Client’s Own Forces
Coordination of Client’s Furniture, Fixtures
and Equipment (FF&E)
Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) Building Information Modeling (BIM) BIM Model Manager
Authorities Having Jurisdiction Services, All Applicable Phases
Review of Regulatory Requirements Zoning or Land Use Amendment Variances
Site Development Review Development Approval or Agreement Public Hearings
Building Permit Application
Thesechartsaretypicalchecklistsofservicesoeredbythearchitectandtheirsub-consultants.Thenatureofeach
individual project, and the services customized to the client’s needs, will determine the scope of services required.
The checklist and table include both basic and additional services and are intended to support discussions between
the client and architect to gain a shared understanding of the services required for a project. RAIC Document Six,
Schedule A is also a useful document to support a discussion about project scope and services.
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Appendices | 46
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Appendix F – Basic Services of an Architect – Narrative Description
The following describes the basic services of the achitect on a typical project:
1.0 Architect’s Services
1.1 The architect’s services consist of those services performed by the architect, the architect’s
employees,andthearchitect’sconsultants,setforthherein,andanyadditionalservicesidentied
in the contract. They include the provision of normal structural, mechanical, and electrical
engineering services by professional engineers when these consultants are engaged by the
architect.
1.2 The architect’s services include consultant coordination required to integrate all parts of the
services.
2.0 Schematic Design Phase:
The architect shall:
2.1 Review the program of requirements furnished by the client and characteristics of the site;
2.2 Review and comment on the client’s construction budget in relation to the client’s program of
requirements;
2.3 Review with the client alternative approaches to the design of the project and the types of
construction contracts;
2.4 Review applicable statutes, regulations, codes, and by-laws and, where necessary, review the
same with the Authorities Having Jurisdiction;
2.5 Based on the mutually agreed upon program of requirements, schedule, and construction
budget, prepare for the client’s review and approval, schematic design documents to illustrate
the scale and character of the project and how the parts of the project functionally relate to each
other; and
2.6 Prepare and submit to the client an estimate of probable construction cost based on current area
or volume unit costs.
3.0 Design Development Phase:
Based on client-approved schematic design documents and agreed estimate of probable construction
cost, the architect shall:
3.1 Prepare for the client’s review and approval: design development documents consisting of
drawings and other documents appropriate to the size of the project, to describe the size and
character of the entire project including the architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical
systems, materials, and such other elements as may be appropriate;
3.2 Prepare and submit to the client for approval a revised estimate of probable construction cost;
and
3.3 Continue to review applicable statutes, regulations, codes, and by laws as the design of the
project is developed.
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4.0 Construction Documents Phase
Based on the client-approved design development documents and agreed estimate of probable
construction cost, the architect shall:
4.1 Prepare, for the client’s review and approval, construction documents consisting of drawings and
specicationssettingforthindetailtherequirementsfortheconstructionoftheproject;
4.2 Advise the client of any adjustments to the estimate of probable construction cost, including
adjustments indicated by changes in requirements and general market conditions;
4.3 Obtain instructions from, and advise the client on, the preparation of the necessary bidding
information, bidding forms, conditions of the contract, and the form of contract between the
client and the contractor; and
4.4 Review statutes, regulations, codes, and by-laws applicable to the design, and where necessary,
review the same with the Authorities Having Jurisdiction in order that the client may apply for and
obtain the consents, approvals, licenses, and permits necessary for the project.
5.0 Bidding and Negotiation Phase
5.1 Following the client’s approval of the construction documents and the latest estimate of probable
construction cost, the architect shall assist and advise the client in obtaining bids or negotiated
proposals, and in awarding and preparing contracts for construction.
6.0 Construction Phase – Contract Administration
6.1 During the construction phase – contract administration, the architect shall:
6.1.1 Be a representative of the client;
6.1.2 Advise and consult with the client;
6.1.3 Have the authority to act on the client’s behalf to the extent provided in this contract
and the construction contract documents;
6.1.4 Have access to the work at all times, wherever it is in preparation or progress;
6.1.5 Forward all instructions from the client to the contractor;
6.1.6 Carryoutthegeneral/eldreviewofthework;
6.1.7 Examine, evaluate, and report to the client upon representative samples of the work;
6.1.8 Keep the client informed of the progress and quality of the work, and report to the
clientdefectsanddecienciesintheworkobservedduringsitereviews;
6.1.9 Determine the amounts owing to the contractor under the construction contract,
based on the architect’s observations and evaluation of the contractor’s application(s)
for payment;
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6.1.10 Issuecerticatesforpaymentinthevalueproportionatetotheamountoftheconstruc-
tion contract, of work performed, and products delivered to the place of the work;
6.1.11 In the rst instance, interpret the requirements of the construction contract docu-
mentsandmakendingsastotheperformancethereunderbyboththeclientand
contractor;
6.1.12 Render interpretations in written and graphic form as may be required with reason-
able promptness on the written request of either the client or the contractor;
6.1.13 Renderwrittenndingswithinareasonabletime,onallclaims,disputes,andothermat-
ters in question, between the client and the contractor relating to the execution or per-
formance of the work, or the interpretation of the construction contract documents;
6.1.14 Renderinterpretationsandndingsconsistentwiththeintentof,andreasonablyin-
ferable from, the construction contract documents; showing partiality to neither the
client nor the contractor; but shall not be liable for the result of any interpretation or
ndingrenderedingoodfaithinsuchcapacity;
6.1.15 Have the authority to reject work that does not conform to the construction contract
documents, and whenever, in the architect’s opinion, it is necessary or advisable for
the implementation of the intent of the construction contract documents, have the
authority to require special inspection or testing of work, whether or not such work
has been fabricated, installed or completed;
6.1.16 Review and take other appropriate action with reasonable promptness upon such
contractor’s submittals as shop drawings, product data, and samples, for conformance
with the general design concept of the work, as provided in the construction contract
documents;
6.1.17 Prepare change orders and change directives for the client’s approval and signature
in, accordance with the construction contract documents;
6.1.18 Have the authority to order minor adjustments in the work that are consistent with
the intent of the construction contract documents, when these do not involve an ad
justment in the contract price or an extension of the contract time;
6.1.19 Furnish supplemental instructions to the contractor with reasonable promptness, or
in accordance with a schedule, for such instructions agreed to by the architect and the
contractor;
6.1.20 Determine the date of substantial performance of the work;
6.1.21 Receive from the contractor and forward to the client, for the client’s review, the writ-
ten warranties and related documents;
6.1.22 Verifythevalidityofthecontractor’sapplicationfornalpaymentandissueacerti-
cateofnalpayment;and
6.1.23 Prior to the end of the period of one year following the date of substantial perfor-
manceofthework,reviewanydefectsordecienciesthathavebeenreportedorob-
served during that period, and notify the contractor in writing of those items requiring
attention by the contractor to complete the work in accordance with the construction
contract.
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Appendix G – List of Additional Architectural Services
The following is a list of some of the additional services oered by architectural practices or coordinated with
special consultants.
PRE-DESIGN SERVICES
Functional Programming
Feasibility Studies
Existing Site and Facilities Analysis
TracandParkingStudies
Existing Equipment and Furniture Inventories
Energy Analysis
Master Programming and Planning
Environmental Studies
Space Schematics/Flow Diagrams
Marketing Studies
Financial Analysis
Project Financing
Advisor for Architectural Competitions
Preparation of Proposal Call Documents
POST-CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
(Re)Commissioning Services
Post-occupancy Studies
Maintenance and Operational Programming
Building Maintenance Manuals
Post-occupancy Evaluation
SITE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Site Analysis and Selection
Site Development Planning/Site Plan Agreement
Detailed Site Utilization Studies
On-site Utility Studies
O-siteUtilityStudies
Environmental Studies and Reports
Zoning and Land Use Amendments
Geotechnical Engineering
Site Surveying
Legal Survey
Landscape Design
MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS TESTING
Procurement of Testing Services
Review and Analysis of Testing
INTERIOR DESIGN AND DESIGN SERVICES
Space Planning
Adaption of Mechanical and Electrical Systems and
Other Systems to Tenant Needs
Preparation of Furnishing Requirements
Bidding or Purchasing Procedures for Furniture
Furniture and Equipment Selection and Layout
Special Furnishings Design
Tenant-related Services
Interior Partition Location
FurnitureandFinishingSpecications
Selection of Interior Materials, Finishes, and Colours
Procurement of Furniture
Coordination of Installation and Delivery of
Furniture
Design of Interior and Exterior Signage and Symbols
Selection or Acquisition of Fine Arts or Crafts
Graphic Design
Documentation of Requirements and Procurement
of Graphics Work
PROJECT ADMINISTRATION AND CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Project Administration
Disciplines Coordination/Document Checking
Enhanced or Extensive Consulting with Authorities
Having Jurisdiction
Submittal Services
Owner-supplied Data Coordination
Schedule Development/Monitoring
Testing and Inspection Administration
Project Representation
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Supplemental Documentation
Administration of Multiple Contracts
Detailed Cost Estimates and Quantity Surveys
Value Analysis or Value Engineering
Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Coordination of Mock-ups
Facility Management
Advocate Architect Services
PROMOTION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Preparation of Press Releases
Preparation of Promotional Brochures
Presentations at Public Meetings
Preparation of Leasing Material
Preparation of Models
Preparation of Renderings
Condominium Documentation
Computer Presentations
DOCUMENTATION SERVICES
Preparation of Special Certicates and Letters of
Assurance
CertiedAreaCalculations
Record Drawings and Computer Files
Preparation of Measured Drawings
Building Inspection and Reporting
Aerial Site Photography
Still Photography of Existing Conditions
Periscope Photography of Models
Presentation Photography of Renderings or Models
Construction Progress Photographs
Architectural Photography of Completed Building or Site
Videotaping
Computer Database
Inventories of Materials, Equipment or Furnishings
Building Scanning
Creating of Building Information Model (BIM) of
existing building
ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION
Historic Building Documentation
Heritage Conservation District Studies
Conservation Reports
EXPERT WITNESS
Testimony at Court or Hearing
Opinion on Codes or Regulations
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Computer Renderings
3-D Computer Presentations and Walk-throughs
Electronic Communication and Distribution
Computer Analysis and Mock-ups
Project Scheduling
Project Accounting
URBAN DESIGN
Streetscape Design
Drafting of Zoning Bylaws and Regulations
Shadow Studies
Urban Design Studies
Wind Studies
Land Use Studies
Transportation Studies
RESEARCH
Research in Construction Materials and Methods
Building Envelope Investigation
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Appendix H – Comprehensive List of Types of Consultants on the
Design Team
SPECIALIST CONSULTANTS:
Acoustical consultant
Airport consultant
Architectural historian
Art consultant
Building code consultant
Building envelope consultant
Computer or CAD consultant
Conservation or heritage architect
Construction manager
Cost consultant
Demographer
Economist
Education consultant
Elevator consultant
Energy management consultant
Environmental consultant or ecologist
Facilitator
Facilities manager
Food service/kitchen consultant
Graphic artist
Hardware consultant
Hospital consultant
Information technology consultant
Interior designer
Laboratory consultant
Land surveyor
Landscape architect
Lighting consultant
Marketing consultant
Programmer
Psychologist
Public relations consultant
Quantity surveyor
Realtor
Scheduling consultant
Security consultant
Signage or graphics consultant
Sociologist
Specicationswriter
Technologist
Theatre consultant
Translator
Transportation planner
Urban and regional planner
Urban designer
Value engineering consultant
Wayndingconsultant
Wind/snow studies consultant
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS:
Acoustical engineer
Civil engineer
Electrical engineer
Environmental engineer
Geotechnical engineer
Hydrological engineer
Mechanical engineer
Process engineer
Seismic engineer
Structural engineer
Tracengineer
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Appendix i – Finding, Selecting and Engaging an Architect
Selectingtherightarchitectisoneofthemostsignicantdecisionsyoucanmakeonabuildingproject
1.0 How to Find an Architect
Youcanndanarchitectinseveralways,including:
Use the RAIC online Member Directory called “Find an Architect”;
Request and review a copy of the RAIC Directory, or, if available, obtain a provincial association
directory, which is produced by some of the provincial associations of architects;
Visit architects’ websites;
Use your own experience to nominate architects that have served you well in the past;
Ask for recommendations from other organizations or persons who may have had similar projects;
or
Advertise in a local or province-wide publication, such as the RAIC electronic Bulletin, or a provincial
association’s newsletter or website. If you choose to advertise, you can use the suggested wording
shown in the sample advertisement on the RAIC website.
Youwillndtheprocesseasierifyoukeepthelistofpotentialarchitectstoamanageablenumber.
Fora small project, two architects may be sucient;ten or moremay be appropriate for a large,
complicated assignment.
2.0 How to Select an Architect
There are three methods for selecting an architect:
QualityorQualications-basedSelection(QBS)
Direct Selection
Architectural Design Competition
Low fee
2.1 QualityorQualications-basedSelection(QBS)
More information on QBS can abe found on the RAIC website at:
https://www.raic.org/raic/qualications-based-selection-qbs
Additional information in the OAA QBS Kit and sample templates can be found on the website
of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) at:
http://www.oaa.on.ca/images/docs/1311598926_OAA_QBS_Introduction_Final_Aug_2010.pdf
http://www.oaa.on.ca/images/docs/1305296260_OAA_QBS_SAMPLESllledout_Final__
Sept._14.06.pdf
Finally, the Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects includes a detailed Checklist and
Guidelines for Issuing Requests for Proposals at the end of Chapter 1.2.2 – The Client.
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2.2 Direct Selection
There are many good reasons why a client might select an architect directly, often because of a
referral from a previous client, or the public reputation of the architect.
Architectsareawareoftheimportanceoftheirreputation,bothonaproject-specicbasisand
onabroaderpubliclevel.Mostclientsrelyoneitherformalorinformalreferencestoconrm
that they are selecting the best architect for the project at hand.
More information on direct selection can be found on the RAIC website at:
www.raic.org/architecture_architects/choosing_an_architect/index_e.htm
2.3 Architectural Design Competition
Architectural Design Competitions are appropriate when an owner wishes to create a public
dialogue about architecture, or where a sponsor is seeking design solutions that are very
dierent,onefromtheother.Moreinformationonarchitecturalcompetitionscanbefoundon
the RAIC website at:
www.raic.org/architecture_architects/architectural_competitions/index_e.htm
2.4 Low Fee
There may be limited circumstances when the selection of an architect is based on low fee.
Although this method is strongly discouraged and the potential for reduced value to the client
ishigh,insituationswherethereisnegligibleprojectriskandasimpleandfullydenedscope
of work, low fee may be appropriate.
3.0 How to Engage an Architect
A clear and written agreement is essential.
Theservicesofanarchitectarerenderedmosteectivelywhenaclearunderstandingexistsbetween
the client and the architect, and it is incorporated into a written contractual agreement.
This understanding is most eectively accomplished by a thorough and clear discussion and
conclusion as to:
The scope of the services to be provided by the architect;
The scope of services provided by subconsulting engineers and specialists to be engaged by the
architect;
The role of the architect with respect to project coordination and any subcontracts with other
consultants;
The role of the architect relative to the review of construction;
Professional responsibility and liability;
Project timelines;
The method of establishing the architect’s fees; and
The method of payment for the architect’s services.
When a client and architect have fully discussed and agreed upon these items, a written contract
outlining all of these terms should be prepared.
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Thefollowingareamongmanyvariablesthatwillinuencethelevelofeortneededtoprovidefull
architectural services for a given project:
3.1 Project Coordination
Coordination of the consultant team is critical to the successful completion of any building
project. The architect usually undertakes this coordination. Often the architect is appointed as
the prime consultant.
3.1.1 Prime Consultant
The prime consultant not only manages and coordinates the design and administration
of the project but also makes sure that all members of the consultant team are properly
informed of, and fulll, their responsibilities. These coordinating duties must be
compensated fairly as they are of considerable value to the owner.
3.1.2 Subconsultants
Subconsultants are usually retained by the architect but they may be engaged and
retained by the client or owner. Basic engineering consultants are structural, mechanical,
and electrical engineers. It is possible to establish the architect’s fee in one of two ways:
1) Including the fees of the three basic engineering consultants; or
2) Without the basic engineering fee.
3.1.3 Specialist Consultants
Today there is an increasing demand for new specialist consultants. It should be noted
that specialist consultants are not part of the basic services of the architect. Some of these
specialist consultants are:
Fire protection consultants;
Life safety and code consultants;
Security consultants;
Building envelope consultants; and
Information technology specialists.
All of these are in addition to many of the basic consultants.
Refer to Appendix H for a complete list of possible subconsultants.
The architect typically coordinates the specialist and subconsultants, whether or not they have
been retained directly by the architect or by the owner. Compensation for this coordinating
role is sometimes called a coordination fee and the amount varies depending on:
The complexity of the project;
Thesubconsultant’sdisciplineoreldofexpertise;and
The magnitude of the coordination activity.
Often the coordination fee is approximately 25-35% of the subconsultant’s fee. The fee
for the services of specialist consultants is always over and above the fee or normal
percentage for the architect’s services.
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3.2 Scope of Services
As indicated above, the scope of services must be agreed upon and the purpose of this document
is to determine an appropriate fee for the architect’s services. . This document provides checklists
for the architect and client to review related to both basic and additional services for a building
project. If the client and architect agree to eliminate some services, or add additional services, the
fee must be adjusted accordingly.
Refer to Appendix G for a list of additional services that architects provide.
3.3 Client’s Responsibilities
The written contract or agreement sets out the services to be provided by the architect. They also
identify the client’s responsibility to provide information, such as:
The requirements for the project;
Physicalspecications(suchasspatialandfunctionalrelationships)orfunctionalprogram;
Legal services;
Site conditions (such as surveys, subsurface investigation reports, designated substances
(asbestos, lead, etc.) and mould, etc.); and
The schedule for payment of fees.
The use of RAIC Document Six is recommended.
NOTE: Some provincial associations develop their own contracts for use within their province.
The following are standard contracts which are also endorsed:
OAA Document 600 (for use in Ontario)
AIBC Standard Form of Contract 6C between Client and Consultant (for use on projects in
British Columbia with separately engaged consultants)
AAPPQ Contract Between Client and Architect (for use in the province of Québec)
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Appendix J Typical Buildings Requiring the Services of an Architect
Unless stated otherwise, this table lists the exceptions where the design services of an architect are not required.
Group A –
Assembly
Group B –
Care and
Detention
Group C –
Residential
Group D –
Business
and Personal Services
Group E – Mercantile
Group F – Industrial
Other Source
British
Columbia
Note: AIBC
Bulletin 31
describes
those buildings
for which the
design is within
the exclusive
scope of the
practice of
architects.
1
A one-story building,
other than a school
building, to be used
for public assembly,
if the gross area
exceeds 275 m
2
or
the unsupported
span exceeds 9 m.
A hospital or similar
building occupancy
with 13 or more
beds.
An apartment or
residential building
containing 5 or more
dwelling units.
A commercial or
industrial building,
or combination of
both with other
occupancies, in
excess of 470 m
2
gross area, being the
aggregate area of all
oors.
Any other building
in excess of 470 m
2
gross area, being the
aggregate area of
alloors,including
mixed-use buildings.
A mixed-use building
that contains
assembly occupancy
is assessed by the
most restrictive
use and therefore
requires an architect
when it exceeds
235 m
2
.
AIBC Bulletin 31, May
6, 2017 (Summary
of the Architects Act,
Section 60).
2
A building of more
than one story,
other than a school
building, to be used
for public assembly,
if the gross area
exceeds 235 m
2
.
A veterinary hospital
in excess of 470 m
2
gross area.
A hotel, or similar
occupancy,
containing 11 or
more guest rooms
for transient
or permanent
occupancy.
3
All schools, any size
Manitoba
Note: The
Architects Act
describes those
buildings, the
design of which
is within the
exclusive scope
of the practice
of architects.
1
All buildings, except
arenaswithaxed
seating capacity of
1000 people or less,
require an architect
or engineer.
All buildings.
A building exceeding
600 m
2
in building
area or exceeding 3
storeys in building
height.
A building exceeding
600 m
2
in building
area or exceeding 3
storeys in building
height.
The Architects Act,
Section 25, April;
20, 2018 and the
Buildings and
Mobile Homes Act,
Regulation 31/2011.
2
F2/3: A building
exceeding 600 m
2
in building area or
exceeding 3 storeys
in building height.
3
F1: All buildings
(architect or engineer).
Alberta
1
A building, 3 storeys or less in height that:
A building, 3 storeys
or less in height, for
residential occupancy
of hotel, motel, or
similar use that:
A building, 3 storeys
or less in height that:
A building that is a
farm building not for
public use.
Architects Act,
Chapter A-44, April
30, 2015.
2
In the case of a single storey building has a
gross area of 300 m
2
or less;
In the case of a single
storey building has a
gross area of 400 m
2
or less;
In the case of a single
storey building has a
gross area of 500 m
2
or less;
A relocatable
industrial camp
building.
In the case of a 2-storey building has a gross
area of 150 m
2
orlessoneachoor;and
In the case of a
2-storey building has
a gross area of 200
m
2
or less on each
oor;and
In the case of a
2-storey building has
a gross area of 250
m
2
or less on each
oor;and
Interior design.
In the case of a 3-storey building has a gross
area of 100 m
2
orlessoneachoor.
In the case of a
3-storey building has
a gross area of 130
m
2
or less on each
oor.
In the case of a
3-storey building has
a gross area of 165
m
2
or less on each
oor.
3
A single-family
dwelling.
4
A multiple family
dwelling containing 4
dwelling units or less.
Condition
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Appendices | 57
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Group A –
Assembly
Group B –
Care and
Detention
Group C –
Residential
Group D –
Business
and Personal Services
Group E – Mercantile
Group F – Industrial
Other Source
Saskatchewan
1
Any building conforming to the scope of NBCC Part 9. Any farm building
Architects Act,
Section 23, Scope of
Practice.
2
Interior design.
Condition
Ontario
1
Architect required.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 square metres in
gross area.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 square metres
in gross area.
A building used
directly in the
extraction,
processing, or
storage of ore from
a mine.
Architects Act,
Section 11, April 18,
2018.
2
A building that is
not more than 3
storeys and contains
1 dwelling unit or 2
attached dwelling
units constructed
directly on grade.
Interior design.
3
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 m
2
building area,
containing 3 or more
dwelling units.
Quebec
1
Architect required.
A semi-detached or
attached single-family
dwelling unit, a multi-
family dwelling that
contains no more
than four units, that
is not more than two
storeys and not more
than 300 square
metres in gross area
after the work is
completed and has a
single basement level.
A business,
mercantile, or
industrial occupancy
that is not more
than 2 storeys, not
more than 300
square metres in
gross area after the
work is completed,
and has a single
basement level.
Or a combination
of such dwellings
or occupancies
that is not more
than 2 storeys and
not more than 300
square metres in
gross area after the
work is completed,
and has a single
basement level.
Architects Act;
R.S.Q. Chapter A-21,
Section 16.
2
A detached single-
dwelling unit.
Ontario –
Licensed
Architectural
Technologist
(limited scope
of practice)
1
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more
than 600 square
metres in gross
area, used for a
restaurant designed
to accommodate
not more than 100
persons consuming
food or drink.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 square metres
in gross area.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 square metres
in gross area.
A building used
directly in the
extraction,
processing, or
storage of ore from
a mine.
Policy Statement:
Policy of the
Council of the
OAA with respect
to applications
for a license and
certicateof
practice by holders
ofacerticateof
qualicationto
make an application
as a Licensed
Technologist
issued by the
Ontario Association
of Applied
Architectural
Sciences (OAAAS),
January 2017.
2
A building not more
than 4 storeys and
contains 1 dwelling
unit or 2 attached
dwelling units.
Interior design.
3
A building not more
than 4 storeys and
not more than 600
m
2
in building area,
containing 3 or
more dwelling units.
A GUIDE TO
Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
Appendices | 58
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | RAIC.ORG
Group A –
Assembly
Group B –
Care and
Detention
Group C –
Residential
Group D –
Business
and Personal Services
Group E – Mercantile
Group F – Industrial
Other Source
New
Brunswick
Architect required.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 square metres
in gross area.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 square metres
in gross area.
Interior design.
Architects Act of
New Brunswick,
January 1998.
Condition
Nova Scotia
1
A building that is not
more than 1 storey
and not more than
200 square metres
in building area.
Architect required.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
450 square metres
in building area.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
450 square metres
in building area (D,
E, F2, F3).
Interior design.
Architects Act,
November 23, 2006.
2
One-dwelling or a 2
dwelling unit.
A building that is not
more than 1 storey
and not more than
200 square metres in
building area (F1).
Prince Edward
Island
1
Architect required.
A building that is
not more than 3
storeys and contains
1 dwelling unit or 2
attached dwelling
units constructed
directly on grade.
Not permitted.
A building used
directly in the
extraction,
processing, or
storage of ore from
a mine.
Architects Act,
Chapter A-18.1,
March 31, 2000.
2
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 m
2
in building
area, containing 3 or
more dwelling units
constructed directly
on grade with no
units above another.
Interior design.
TABle 9 Scope of Design Services in the Practice of Architecture
Newfoundland
and Labrador
1
A building, in whole
or in part, used
or intended for
assembly occupancy
only, where the
building’s total
occupant load
does not exceed 50
persons.
Architect required
A detached or semi-
detached house or
row housing, with or
without a subsidiary
apartment.
A building where
the total area of all
oorslocatedatand
above the lowest
outside grade does
not exceed 300 m
2
,
and the building
does not contain
more than one
dwelling unit (D & E).
Interior design.
Architects Act, 2008.
2
A building
containing only
residential units,
having a maximum
of 15 bedrooms,
where access to
each unit is only
from the exterior.
A building, in whole
or in part, used or
intended for industrial
occupancy only,
where the building’s
total occupant load
does not exceed 50
persons.
3
A lodging house or
bed and breakfast
establishment
where the maximum
number of guest
bedrooms does not
exceed 4.
Northwest
Territories
1
Architect required.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 square metres
in gross area.
A building that is not
more than 3 storeys
and not more than
600 square metres
in gross area (D, E,
F1, F2).
A building that is a
farm building not
for public use.
Architects Act;
SNWT, 2001 cp.10.
2
A relocatable industrial
camp building.