THE COST OF ARCHITECTURAL BRIEF WRITING

Dear South African Architectural Friends,

?I was recently surprised, when comparing the SACAP “CLIENT PROFESSIONAL PROJECT AGREEMENT FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES” and the SACAP Guideline for Professional Fees (BOARD NOTICE 471 OF 2023) with the SAIA “A client’s guide to working with a SAIA architect” document, to discover a conflict pertaining to the roles and responsibilities of the Client and the Architect regarding the responsibility and cost of preparation of the ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BRIEF.

?·??????? SACAP: “The Client Shall: …clearly and timeously provide the architectural professional with the requirements of the project, including the accommodation schedule, desired level of quality, and financial and time constraints”

?·??????? SACAP fee guideline document identifies as a “Special Study” under “ADDITIONAL SERVICES” (warranting “additional fees…”): “Preparation of the client's brief…”

?·??????? SAIA: “Stage 1 – Inception …the architect will engage with you to confirm a detailed project brief… your requirements, preferences, priorities, aspirations, your budget and the quality you require… The site will be analyzed… A study of documentation regarding local authority regulations and the rights and restrictions pertaining to the property…”

So which party ought rightfully to carry the responsibility for (and the cost of) the production of the Architectural Design Brief?

Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages.

Design Competitions presuppose preparation of the brief by the Client or the Client’s duly appointed specialist team.

You are cordially invited to share your views / comments.

DENNIS SHAW

Cape Town

2024.06.28