Background to levels of service
A client appoints an architectural professional to provide a service for a project as contemplated by the Architectural Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 44 of 2000) and the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977) as amended.
The architectural professional accepts the appointment to exercise reasonable professional skill, care and diligence in the performance of obligations, for a fee as defined in a written agreement.
The architectural professional is authorised to and does act for the client when providing an architectural service.
The architectural professional enters into a contract of agency in a formal agreement. Typical agreements provide for a standard service. A standard service is a full level of service and comprises appointment as architectural professional, principal consultant and principal agent. Partial services may be selected alternately. Additional services to the standard service may also be selected as the parties deem appropriate.
Full level of service
A standard service is a full level of service and comprises appointment as architectural professional, principal consultant and principal agent.
Partial level of service
Partial services may be agreed on, and the options most regularly utilised are the following:
Appointment as architectural professional and principal consultant (not as principal agent).
Appointment as design architectural professional (design only).
Appointment as architectural professional of record (design by others, can be principal agent).
Appointment as principal agent only.
Additional services
The following services are additional to the standard service. These services may be added individually or in varying combinations to a full level of service or a partial level of service. Additional services must be provided only by prior agreement between the client and the architectural professional.
Special design services
Rational design by other consultants - participate in the preparation of rational designs.
Town planning and/or urban design including participation in the application for the establishment and/or amendment of regional and local town planning and urban design schemes and the amendment of title conditions, negotiations with interest groups and authorities.
Master planning - defining and planning the layout of future development of buildings and/or services on the same site.
Landscape design - participation in landscape planning and construction.
Interior design - the design of interiors and the selection of furnishings, fixtures and special finishes.
Liaison with special designers and specialist consultants.
Purpose-made items - the design and documentation of purpose-made items.
Promotional material and art work - participation in the preparation of promotional material.
Plant operation and production layouts - participation in the definition of plant operation layouts.
Special management services
Elaboration of architectural professionals' services including inter alia: the preparation of broad project parameters, project scope statements, project milestones, budget and cash flow forecasts, tender enquiry documentation, contractor and supplier selection, adjudication and tender awards, progress status monitoring, variations management, quality management over and above the industry norm, communication management, payment processing and final account close outs.
Cost and valuation services - participation in the administration of costs and payments where a quantity surveyor has not been appointed.
Special inspections - more intensive inspections and assessment of the works than the norm to assess compliance with specifications.
Special studies
Preparation of the client's brief - assist the client in the preparation of his requirements with regard to the purpose, scope, use of and operation of the project.
Site selection - research the suitability and location of a site for a proposed project.
Feasibility studies - participation in technical and/or economic feasibility studies.
Environmental studies - participation in environmental studies.
Energy analysis studies and planning.
Energy studies - participation in energy studies.
Market surveys - participation in market surveys.
Traffic studies - participation in traffic flow studies.
Work on existing premises
Surveys and inspections - inspect, survey, measure and prepare documentation of existing premises, with other consultants as needed.
Restorations and renovations - services in connection with work on existing buildings.
Heritage buildings - services in connection with work on heritage buildings.
Services in connection with demolition permits of existing buildings.
Other services
Participation in litigation and dispute resolution (where a concurrent service is rendered).
Mutually agreed other additional services.
Comments