FILIPINO ARCHITECT’S DESIGN SERVICES

FILIPINO ARCHITECT’S DESIGN SERVICES

This Article about the Filipino Architects design services about the professional services prepared by United Architects of the Philippines that every newly board passer should be follow the guidelines of the sequence of every services which is a guide for the client every transaction. it contains a MINIMUM BASIC FEE in different type of  classification of the project.

ARCHITECT’S DESIGN SERVICES

BASED ON UAP DOCUMENTS

1. REGULAR SERVICES

1.1 The Architect, in regular practice, normally acts as his client’s or the Owner’s adviser. He translates the Owner’s needs and requirements to spaces and forms in the best manner of professional service he can render.

1.2 The Architect’s work starts at the very inception of the project when the Owner outlines his requirements to him. It ranges through his study and analysis of the various aspects of the project, goes through the preparation of the necessary instruments of service and through the multitude of construction problems and does not terminate until the project is completed.

1.3 In effect, the Architect renders services whose sequence comes in four phases as follows:

a. Schematic Design Phase

b. Design Development Phase

c. Contract Document Phase

d. Construction Phase

1.4 Schematic Design Phase

a. Consults with the Owner to ascertain the requirements of the project and confirms such requirements with him.

b. Prepares schematic design studies leading to a recommended solution including a general description of the project for approval by the Owner.

c. Submits to the Owner a Statement of Probable Project Construction Cost based on current cost parameters.

1.5 Design Development Phase

a. Prepares from approved Schematic Design Studies, the Design Development Documents consisting of plans, elevations, and other drawings, and outline specifications, to fix and illustrate the size and character of the entire project in its essentials as to kinds of materials, type of structure, mechanical, electrical and sanitary systems and such other work as may be required.

b. Submits to the Owner a further Statement of Probable Project Construction Cost.

1.6 Contract Documents Phase

a. Prepares from approved Design Development Documents, the complete

Construction Drawings and Specifications setting forth in detail the work required for the architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing / sanitary, mechanical and other service- connected equipment.

b. Prepares specifications describing type and quality of materials, finish, manner of construction and the general conditions under which the project is to be constructed.

c. Furnishes the Owner not more than five (5) complete sets of all construction drawings, specifications and general conditions for purposes of bidding.

d. Keeps the Owner informed of any adjustments to previous Statements of Probable Project Construction Cost indicated by changes in scope, requirements or market conditions.

e. Assist the Owner in filing the required documents to secure approval of government authorities having jurisdiction over the design of the Project.

1.7 Construction Phase

a. Prepares forms for contract letting, documents for construction, forms for invitation and  instruction to bidders, and forms for bidders’ proposals.

b. Assist the Owner in obtaining proposals from Contractors, in preparing abstract of bids and in awarding and preparing construction contracts.

c. When required in the contract, makes decision on all claims of the Owner and Contractors and on all other matters relating to the execution and progress of work or the interpretation of the contract Documents. Checks and approves samples, schedules, shop drawings and other requirements subject to and in accordance with the descriptive information and provisions of the Contract Documents, prepares change orders, gathers and turns over to the Owner written guarantees required of the Contractors or sub-contractors.

d. Make periodic visits to the project site to familiarize himself with the general progress and quality of the work and to determine whether the work is proceeding in accordance with the Contract Documents. He shall not be required to make exhaustive or continuous 8-hour on-site supervision to check on the quality of the work involved and he shall not be held responsible for the Contractor’s failure to carry out the construction work in accordance with the Contract Documents. During such project site visits and on the basis of his observations he shall report to the Owner defects and deficiencies noted in the work of Contractors, and shall condemn work found failing to conform to the Contract Documents.

e. Based on his observations and the Contractor’s Applications for Payment, he shall determine the amount owing and due to the Contractors and shall issue corresponding Certificates for Payment for such amounts.

2. PROJECT CLASSIFICATION

2.1 Architectural work varies in complexities and in the creative skill required to successfully meet the requirements of the Client within the constraints of the technical, functional, economic, aesthetic and other considerations.

2.2 These considerations imply that each design project can be determined only on its own merits.

2.3 The following groupings of buildings are attempts to classify them in accordance with the degree of complexity of each structure.

2.4 Based on this grouping, corresponding graduated scale charges is prescribed to be able to determine the fair remuneration to the Architect.

2.5 The Architect’s fee includes the normal structural, electrical, plumbing / sanitary, and mechanical engineering services and is determined by getting the percentage indicated in the Schedule of Minimum Basic Fee for specific group and multiplying it with the Project Construction Cost.

2.6 The schedule of charges herein indicated are to be considered as the Minimum Basic Fee since the Architects’ Charges also take into consideration his professional standing in the community.

3. SCHEDULE OF MINIMUM BASIC FEE

3.1 Group I

Structures of simplest, utilization character which are without complication of design or detail and require a minimum of finish, structural, mechanical, and electrical design.

Armories                                                                               Parking structures

Bakeries                                                                                Printing plants

Farm structures                                                                    Public Markets

Service                                                                                  garages

Freight facilities                                                                   Simple loft-type structures

Hangars

Industrial buildings                                                              Warehouses

Manufacturing / Industrial plants

Packaging and processing plants

And other similar utilization type buildings

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION COST MINIMUM BASIC FEE

P 50 Million and less ……………………….    6 Percent

Over P 50 Million to                                             P 3,000,000 plus 5 percent

P 100 Million ………………………………..     of excess of P 50 Million

Over P 100 Million to                                          P 5,500,000 plus 4 percent

P 200 Million ………………………………..     of excess of P 100 Million

Over P 200 Million to                                          P 9,500,000 plus 3 percent

P 500 Million ………………………………..     of excess of P 200 Million

Over P 500 Million to                                          P 18,500,000 plus 2 percent

P 1 Billion ……………………………………     of excess of P 500 Million

Over P 1 Billion ……………………………..     P 28,500,00 plus 1 percent

of excess of P 1 Billion

3.2 Group 2

Structures of moderate complexity of design requiring a moderate amount of structural, mechanical and electrical design and research.

Art galleries                                                                          Nursing Homes

Banks, Exchange and other                                              Office Buildings

financial institutions                                                            Park, playground and open – air

Bowling Alleys recreational facilities

Churches and Religious facilities Police Stations

City Halls                                                                               Post Offices

College buildings                                                                                Private Clubs

Convents, Monasteries and Seminaries                        Publishing plants

Correctional and Detention Institutions                           Race tracks

Court Houses                                                                       Restaurants

Dormitories                                                                           Retail Stores

Exhibition Halls and Display structures                          Schools

Fire Stations                                                                         Shopping centers

Laundries & cleaning facilities                                         Specialty shops

Libraries                                                                                Supermarkets

Motels and Apartels                                                            Welfare buildings

Multi-storey apartments

And other structures of similar nature or use

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION COST MINIMUM BASIC FEE

P 50 Million and less ………………………. 7 Percent

Over P 50 Million to P 3,500,000 plus 6 percent

P 100 Million ……………………………….. of excess of P 50 Million

Over P 100 Million to P 6,500,000 plus 5 percent

P 200 Million ……………………………….. of excess of P 100 Million

Over P 200 Million to P 11,500,000 plus 4 percent

P 500 Million ……………………………….. of excess of P 200 Million

Over P 500 Million to P 23,500,000 plus 3 percent

P 1 Billion …………………………………… of excess of P 500 Million

Over P 1 Billion …………………………….. P 38,500,00 plus 2 percent

of excess of P 1 Billion

3.3 Group 3

Structures of exceptional character and complexity of design or requiring

comparatively large amounts of structural, mechanical and electrical design and

research.

Aquariums Laboratories

Atomic facilities Marinas

Auditoriums Medical office facilities & clinics

Airports Mental institutions

Breweries Mortuaries

Cold storage facilities Observatories

Communications buildings Public health centers

Convention Halls Research facilities

Gymnasiums Stadiums

Hospitals and Medical buildings Theaters and similar facilities

Hotels Veterinary hospitals

And other structures of similar nature or use

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION COST MINIMUM BASIC FEE

P 50 Million and less ………………………. 8 Percent

Over P 50 Million to P 4,000,000 plus 7 percent

P 100 Million ……………………………….. of excess of P 50 Million

Over P 100 Million to P 7,500,000 plus 6 percent

P 200 Million ……………………………….. of excess of P 100 Million

Over P 200 Million to P 13,500,000 plus 5 percent

P 500 Million ……………………………….. of excess of P 200 Million

Over P 500 Million to P 28,500,000 plus 4 percent

P 1 Billion …………………………………… of excess of P 500 Million

Over P 1 Billion …………………………….. P 48,500,00 plus 3 percent

of excess of P 1 Billion

3.4 Group 4

Residences (Single Detached or Duplex), small apartment houses and town houses.

MINIMUM BASIC FEE.…..10 Percent of PROJECT CONSTRUCTION COST

3.5 Group 5

Monumental buildings and other facilities requiring consummate design skill and

much precise detailing.

Exposition and Fair Buildings Specialized decorative buildings

Mausoleums, Memorials,

Monuments And structures of similar nature or use

Museums

MINIMUM BASIC FEE……12 Percent of PROJECT CONSTRUCTION COST

3.6 Repetitive Construction of Buildings

When the design of the Architect is used again for a repetitive construction of similar

structures, without amending the drawing and the specifications, the Architect’s fee

is computed as follows:

First structure ………………………………. Minimum Basic Fee

Second structure …………………………… 80 % of Basic Fee

Third structure ……………………………… 60 % of Basic Fee

Succeeding structure ……………………… 40 % of Basic Fee

3.7 Group 7 Housing Projects

When the Architect is engaged to undertake a HOUSING PROJECT involving the

construction of several residential units on a single site with the use of one basic

plan and specifications, the MINIMUM FEE chargeable thereunder shall conform

with the following :

First Unit …………………………………….. 10 Percent of the Construction

Cost of one unit as Basic Fee

From two to ten units ………………………. Fee of the 1 unit plus 60% of

Basic Fee for each additional unit

Eleven units and above ……………………. Fee for 10 units plus 30% of

Basic Fee for each additional unit

3.8 Group 8

Projects involving extensive detail such as furniture design, built-in equipment,

special fitting, screens, counters, interiors and other detailed parts of appurtenances

of buildings or structures and landscaping designs.

Minimum Basic Fee …………………. 15 Percent of Project Construction Cost

3.9 Group 9

For alterations and additions of existing structures belonging to Groups 1 to 5

enumerated above, compensation for services should be increased by 50 percent or

a total of 150 percent of the Basic Fee.

3.10 Group 10 Consultations and Arbitration

Where the Architect is engaged to render opinion or give advise, clarifications or

explanation on technical matters pertaining to his profession, the Minimum Fee

chargeable thereunder shall not be less than Two Hundred Pesos (P200.00*) per

appearance irrespective of whether the scheduled hearing took place or not.

*All references to fixed amount shall refer to the value of the Peso as of November

1979. Adjustment of the price shall be made at the time of the contract.

4. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

4.1 Payments on account of the Architect’s basic services shall be as follows:

a. Upon the signing of the Agreement a minimum payment equivalent to five

percent (5%) of the compensation for basic services.

b. Upon the completion of the Schematic Design Services, but not more than 15

days after submission of the Schematic Design to the Owner, a sum equal to fifteen

percent (15%) of the Basic Fee, computed upon a reasonable estimated

construction cost of the structure.

c. Upon the completion of the Design Development Services, but not more than 15

days after submission of the Design Development to the Owner, a sum sufficient to

increase the total payments on the fee to thirty-five percent (35%) of the Basic Fee

computed upon the same estimated construction cost of the structure as in (b).

d. Upon the completion of the Contract Document Services but not more than 15

days after submission of the Contract Documents to the Owner, a sum sufficient to

increase the total payments on the fee to Eighty-five percent (85%) of the Basic Fee

computed upon a reasonable estimated construction cost of the structure as in (b).

e. Within 15 days after the awards of Bids, the payment to the Architect shall be

adjusted so that it will amount to a sum equivalent to eighty-five percent (85%) of the

Basic Fee, computed upon the winning Bid Price.

f. Upon completion of the construction work, the balance of the Architect’s fee,

computed on the Final Project Construction Cost of the structure shall be paid.

4.2 The Owner shall make partial payments during each of the various stages of the

Architect’s work, upon request of the Architect, provided that such payments are within

the framework of the manner of payments outlined above.

5. OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Provide full information as to his requirements for the project.

5.2 Designate when necessary, representative authorized to act in his behalf. Examine

documents submitted by the Architect and render decisions pertaining thereto promptly,

to avoid unreasonably delay in the progress of the Architect’s work. Observe the

procedure of issuing orders to contractors only through the Architect.

5.3 Furnish or direct the Architect to obtain at the Owner’s expense, a certified survey of

the site, giving, as may be required, topographical surveys, grades and lines of streets,

alleys, easements, encroachments, zoning, and deed restrictions, boundaries, with

dimensions and complete data pertaining to existing buildings, and other improvements

and full information as to available utility service lines both public and private; and test

boring and pits necessary for determining sub-soil conditions.

5.4 Pay for structural, acoustic, chemical, mechanical, soil mechanics or other tests and

reports as may be required for the project.

5.5 Pay for design and consultancy services on acoustic, communication, electronic,

and other specialty systems which may be required for the project.

5.6 Arrange and pay for such legal, auditing, and insurance counseling services as may

be required for the project.

5.7 Pay for all reimbursable expenses incurred in the project as called for in Section 6 “

Other Conditions on Services” and all taxes (not including income tax) that the

government may impose on the Architect as a result of the services rendered by the

Architect on the project whether the services were performed as an individual

practitioner, as a partnership or as a corporation.

5.8 If the Owner observes or otherwise becomes aware of anything that may impair the

successful implementation of the project, he shall give prompt written notice thereof to

the Architect.

6. OTHER CONDITIONS ON SERVICES

6.1 Conditions for Minimum Basic Fee

The “Minimum Basic Fee” referred in Section 3.0 applies to construction work done

by a Contractor on the basis of a Lump Sum Contract. Construction works that are

let on cost-plus-fee basis, or on any basis other than the Lump Sum contract, where

the Architect has to render additional services shall be subject to additional

compensation commensurate with the additional services required. Such additional

compensation shall be in addition to the Minimum Basic Fee.

6.2 Other Professional Services

The Architect’s fee includes normal structural, electrical, plumbing / sanitary and

mechanical engineering services. Other services that may be needed in order to

complete the project such as services of acoustic and illumination engineers, mural

painters, sculptors, interior decorators and landscape architects are to be

recommended by the Architect for the Owner’s approval and costs for these services

are to paid for separately by the Owner.

6.3 Miniature Models

The Architect may make and include miniature models of his design studies as part

of his preliminary work if he so deems it to be necessary but no extra charge for

such miniature models shall be made by the Architect. However, if the Owner

desires to have a miniature model of the final and approved design for exhibition and

display purposes, the Owner shall pay for the cost of said miniature model.

6.4 Per Diem and Traveling Expenses

A per diem of not less than P500.00* plus travelling and living expenses shall be

chargeable to the Owner on any occasion where the Architect or his duly authorized

representative shall be required to perform services at a locality beyond the radius of

100 kilometers from his established office.

6.5 Extra Sets of Contract Documents

The Architect shall furnish the Owner five (5) sets of Drawing, Specifications and

other contract documents. Cost of printing or reproduction of extra sets of Contract

Documents when required by the Owner or his representative is to be charged to

and paid for by the Owner.

6.6 Changes Ordered by the Owner

If the Architect is caused additional professional services, extra drafting or other

office expenses due to changes ordered by the Owner after approval of the Design

Development Documents, he shall be paid for such expenses and services involved.

The amount of compensation and the extension of time for the completion of the

documents shall be upon mutual agreement of both parties.

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*All references to fixed amount shall refer to the value of the Peso as of November

1979. Adjustment of the price shall be made at the time of the contract.

6.7 Work Suspended or Abandoned

If the work of the Architect is abandoned or suspended, in whole or in part, the

Architect is to be paid by the Owner for the services rendered corresponding to the

fees due at the stage of suspension or abandonment of the work.

The primary service of the Architect is the preparation of plans, specifications and

other building construction documents which are actually sets of detailed instructions

that shall serve as the basis for the Contractor to build the project. Once the

Architect has prepared all these documents he has completed the Contract

Documents Phase of his services which is equivalent to EIGHTY FIVE PERCENT

(85%) of his work. The remaining FIFTEEN PERCENT (15%) of his work is broken

down as follows:

TEN PERCENT (10%) for the Architect’s liability under the Civil Code – and –

FIVE PERCENT (5%) for the construction phase service which includes preparation

of contract document forms and periodic visits during the construction.

When the OWNER therefore fails to implement the plans and documents for

construction as prepared by the Architect, the Architect is entitled to receive as

compensation the sum corresponding to EIGHTY FIVE (85%) PERCENT of his fee.

6.8 Different Periods of Construction

If portions of the buildings are erected at different periods of time, thus increasing

the Architect’s construction phase period and burden of services rendered during the

construction phase shall be doubled. A suspension of construction for a period not

exceeding six (6) months shall not be covered by this provision.

6.9 Services of Consultants

If the Owner desires to engaged special consultants, such consultants shall be with

the consent of the Architect and the cost of their services shall be paid for separately

by the Owner and shall not be deducted from the fees due the Architect.

6.10 Separate Services

Should the Owner require the Architect to design or plan moveable or fixed pieces of

furniture, cabinets, covered walks, grottos, pools, landscaping and other items of

similar nature, the Owner shall pay the Architect in addition to the Minimum Basic

Fee, a compensation in the amount of Fifteen Percent (15%) of the Construction

Cost of the above work.

6.11 Full - Time Supervision

Upon recommendation of the Architect and with the approval of the Owner, full-time

construction inspection as will be deemed necessary shall be engaged and paid for

by the Owner. The full-time construction inspectors shall be under the technical

control and supervision of the Architect as to the progress and quality of the work

done.

6.12 Estimate

Any Statements of Probable Construction Cost, or any Semi-Detailed or Detailed

Cost Estimates submitted by the Architect is accurate only up to a certain degree.

This is so because the Architect has no control over the cost of labor and materials,

or many factors that go into competitive bidding.

6.13 Government Taxes on Services

The Architect’s Fee as stipulated in Section 3 “ Minimum Basic Fee” is net to the

Architect. Any tax that the government may impose on the Architect as a

consequence of the services performed for the Project (exclusive of income tax)

shall be paid by the Owner.

6.14 Ownership of Documents

All designs, drawings, models, specifications and copies thereof, prepared and

furnished by the Architect in connection with any project are instruments of

professional service. As instruments of service they are the property of the Architect

whether the work for which they were made may be executed or not, and are not to

be reproduced or used on other work except with a written agreement with the

Architect. This is in pursuance with the pertinent provisions Republic Act 545

promulgated on June 17, 1950 and of Presidential Degree No. 49 on the “Protection

of Intellectual Property” issued on November 14, 1972.

6.15 Cost Records

During the progress of work the Owner shall furnish the Architect two (2) copies of

records of expenses being incurred on the construction. Upon completion of the

project, the Owner shall furnish the Architect two (2) copies of the summary of all

cost of labor, services, materials, equipment, fixtures and all items used at and for

the completion of the construction.

6.16 Design and Placement of Signs

All signboards of contractors, sub-contractors, jobbers and dealers that shall be

placed at the project site during the progress of construction shall be approved by

the Architect as to size, design and contents. After the completion of the project, the

Owner or his building lessee shall consult the Architect for the design and size of all

signboards, lettering, directories and display boards that will be placed on the

exterior or public areas attached to the building, in order to safeguard the Owner’s

interest that nothing will be installed inside or outside of the building that would mark

the safety and aesthetics of the structure.

6.17 Project Construction Cost

Project Construction Cost herein referred to, means the cost of the Owner including

plumbing and electrical fixtures, mechanical equipment, elevators, escalators, airconditioning

system, automatic fire sprinkler system, alarm and clock system,

communications and electronic system, elements attached to the building and all

items indicated in the drawings designed by or specified by the Architect and his

consultant. Other items if designed and planned by the Architect, such as movable

or fixed pieces of furniture, cabinets, covered walks, grottos, pools, landscaping and

other items of similar nature are to be paid for separately by the Owner to the

Architect as stipulated in Section 6.10 (Separated Services)

The Project Construction Cost does not include any Architect’s fee or Engineer’s fee

or the salaries of the construction inspectors. When labor or materials are furnished

by the Owner below its market cost, the cost of the work shall be computed upon

such current market-cost, the cost of the work shall be computed upon such current

market-cost.