Into what stages does the architect’s work fall ?

In simple terms, there are three main stages: preparing the design, preparing to build, completing the work on site – in detail these consist of:

1. Preparing The Design:

1. prepare the brief (a written description of what’s wanted)
2. site analysis, possible survey work, define scope of works
3. initial design, and getting your approval as ‘client’
4. develop the design and apply for planning consents
5. detailed design and apply for building warrant

2. Preparing To Build:

1. preparing detailed construction design information.
2. seeking tenders and
3. putting tender prices to you for approval, instructing the contractor to proceed

3. Building In Progress:

1. visiting the works in progress, checking the content and quality of the work,
2. certifying how much the builder is to be paid at each stage,
3. seeking a completion certificate on your behalf

RIBA stages

For some projects, the RIBA stages of work, more complex than the above, may be recommended by some architects. These stages are:

A. Appraisal
Identification of client's requirements and possible constraints on development. Prepare studies to enable the client to decide whether to proceed and to select probable procurement method.

B. Strategic Briefing
Prepare Strategic Brief on behalf of the client confirming key requirements and constraints. Identification of procedures, organisational structure and range of consultants and others to be engaged for the project.

C. Outline proposals
Commence development of strategic brief into full project brief. Preparation of outline proposals and estimate of cost. Review of procurement route.

D. Detailed proposals
Complete development of the project brief. Preparation of detailed proposals. Application for full development control approval.

E. Final proposals
Prepare final proposals for the project sufficient for co-ordination of all components and elements of the project.

F. Production information
F1: Prepare production information in sufficient detail to enable a tender or tenders to be obtained. Application for statutory approvals.

F2: Prepare further production information required under the building contract.  

G. Tender documentation
Prepare and collate tender documentation in sufficient detail to enable a tender or tenders to be obtained for the construction of the project.

H. Tender action
Identify and evaluate potential contractors and/or specialists for the project. Obtain and appraise tenders and submit recommendations to the client.

J. Mobilisation
Let the building contract, appoint the contractor. Issue production information to the contractor. Arrange site handover to the contractor.

K. Construction to Practical Completion
Administer the building contract up to and including practical completion. Provide the contractor with further Information as and when reasonably required.

L. After Practical Completion
Administer the building contract after practical completion. Make final inspections and settle the final account.

Other services may be required, depending on the type of project. For example:

1. site survey services
2. urban design, town planning services
3. development feasibility study services
4. process analysis services: to determine building space requirements
5. interior design services
6. landscape design services
7. working abroad
8. specialist conservation services
9. arbitration services
10. CAD and 3D modelling services
11. Space planning services

The additional services may be provided by the architect you select, or he may recommend another of suitable experience to provide the expertise necessary

I need to know how are fees charged

what will the project cost

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