Job Book 9th Edition - Book - Page 27
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Stage 0 > Strategic Definition
In relation to any given project, the services will be affected by
the nature and scale of the building project, the management
structure set up for the project and the procurement method
adopted. The architect could be engaged from inception
through to completion, or perhaps for specific services at a
single stage. Given this wide diversity of potential roles, it is
important that the services to be provided in each case are
identified accurately and with care.
The job or commission can be secured through a variety
of methods. For example, it could be as a result of a direct
approach made to a potential client or through an invitation
to discuss and negotiate or to bid in competition. This might
concern only the architect, or it might call for a joint submission,
involving other professionals or partners from commerce and
industry.
Where securing a commission is subject to competitive
tendering, it is essential to know what criteria the client intends
to apply when evaluating tenders, and what procedures will
govern the submission. A careful assessment of the resources
required will be crucial in order to make realistic costings and
establish viability before tendering.
Whatever method of securing the commission is used, the
importance of having an agreement in writing cannot be
emphasised enough. It is a requirement of both the RIBA and
the Architects Registration Board (ARB) codes of conduct,
and it is normal practice to use one of the standard forms of
agreement published by the RIBA. If these are not used then
great care must be taken to allow for the effect of legislation,
which directly regulates many aspects of an architect’s
appointment, particularly payment provisions and dispute
resolution.
Sometimes, where the architect is contacted at a very early
stage, the nature of the project and the scope of the services
required may be so unclear that it is not practicable to use one
of the standard forms. In these cases it may be better to agree
the preliminary services by letter, but it is essential that the
services are confirmed in writing.
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