The main topic of the April issue was Re-use – this approach, consisting in the reuse of materials and buildings, is gaining importance in the era of growing climate challenges and the need to implement the principles of sustainable development in architecture.
The issue also addresses the topic of minimum rates for architectural projects in Poland – an issue that arouses many emotions in the industry. What do architects think about it? His opinion on the subject was shared by, among others, arch. Bartłomiej Kisielewski, partner at Horizone Studio.
We invite you to read!
architect, partner at Horizone Studio. Since 1996, he has worked as an architect and leading architect, mainly on office and residential building projects in Poland and Germany. In 1996–1997 he worked in Berlin at Takamatsu+ Lahyani architects associates, and then at Pysall ruge architekten. In 1998–2002 he worked as a designer at the ddJm architectural office in Kraków, on numerous commercial, office and residential buildings. Since 2001 he has had the right to design without restrictions and is a member of the Małopolska Chamber of Architects. Since 2024 he has been the vice-chairman of the Municipal Urban Planning and Architectural Commission in Kraków.
Should a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of the project be introduced? Please briefly justify your answer.
It is possible, as a standard for project valuation, similarly to the regulation on the valuation of design works for public procurement. Architects will compete on quality, not price.
What should the minimum rate without specialists per square meter be for multi-family housing architecture?
About 4 percent of implementation costs; the cost of implementing a developer’s condition is about PLN 7,000 per square meter. Interior designs and additional studies should be paid separately.
What should the minimum rate without specialists per square meter be for single-family houses?
About 8–10 percent of implementation costs.
What should the minimum rate without specialists per square meter be for office buildings?
About 4–6 percent, depending on the scope and degree of complexity.
What should the minimum rate without specialists per square meter be for buildings and public spaces?
About 5–8 percent of the value of implementation costs, depending on the scale and degree of complexity.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how can we work out favorable remuneration for architects?
Disclose rates for projects and discuss them publicly. Architects offering projects for 150 and 300 PLN per square meter are essentially offering different products. The IARP Architectural Standards describing the scope of work are a good guide.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions that would deal only with the issue of architects’ remuneration?
No
