Appointment and Fees

Services are based on the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 which sets out the various work stages, and organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing, maintaining, operating and using building projects into these key stages, as summarised below.

Stage 0 – Strategic Definition

Stage 1 – Preparation and Briefing

Stage 2 – Concept Design

Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination

Stage 4 – Technical Design

Stage 5 – Manufacturing and Construction

Stage 6 – Handover

Stage 7 – Use

Conditions of our appointment will be in accordance with the RIBA Professional Services Contract Suite 2018: Architectural Services. These documents set out the terms of our appointment and detail Architect/Client responsibilities; methods of Dispute Resolution; confirmation of the level of Professional Indemnity insurance held by MiL Architects Ltd and hence the limitation of liability etc.

When working out fees for design services, MiL consider how many hours it will take to complete the scheme to planning stage, and use this to propose a fixed fee. Generally speaking, one design will be produced for initial discussion which will be developed into a final scheme over time.

If in the event it takes longer than originally estimated, this is MiL Architects’ problem, not yours. There will be no extra charge for development of the design work which will have been agreed in the scope of services. However, if asked to re-design all or part of the scheme after a layout has been agreed and subsequently further developed, this will result in an additional fee. Once submitted to the local council, any amendments requested by the planners will be charged on a time basis.

MiL Architects do try to absorb costs where possible, in the interest of maintaining a good working relationship. As strong advocates of the idea that the work produced, and the satisfaction of the client is paramount, MiL Architects believe this is the most successful method of advertising.