PPRACT SPP 201

Pre-Design Services

cover a broad line of architectural services ranging from initial problem identification to activities that would allow the Architect to initially conceptualize an array of architectural and allied solutions.

Pre-Design Services

nominally include consultation, pre feasibility studies, feasibility studies, site selection and analysis, site utilization and land-use studies, architectural research, architectural programming, space planning, space management studies, value management, design brief preparation, promotional services and other related activities.

preliminary studies

These _____ involve the procurement, analysis and use of secondary information gathered for the project to aid the Client in early decision-making. They represent the Architect’s initial assessment of a project’s soundness, allowing the Client to promptly explore available/ readily identifiable directions / options. Researched / processed / validated secondary data are generally used for such studies e.g. electronic, print, etc.

procurement, analysis and use of secondary information gathered

These preliminary studies involve the ___________ for the project to aid the Client in early decision-making.

Feasibility Studies

Detailed analysis of the project based on pre-feasibility studies will determine the viability of a proposed development. The studies will set the project against present and future trends to forecast how it will perform over time. This requires primary data gathering and analysis.

Site Selection and Analysis

This entails the formulation of site criteria, assistance to the Client in site evaluation as well as analysis to determine the most appropriate site/s for a proposed project or building program.

Site Utilization and Land-Use Studies

The detailed analysis of the site involves the identification of a site’s development potentials through the proper utilization of land. The analysis covers the context of the site as well as that of its surrounding environment and the development controls that apply to the site and its environs.

Architectural Research

_______ entails the conduct of primary and secondary researches and assembled facts used as basis for conclusion.

Architectural Programming

This analytical problem-seeking process will lead to the statement and identification of both horizontal and vertical requirements in offering a solution. It incorporates a space program with characterizations of the envisioned spaces such as ambiance, cost range, etc.

Space planning

The Architect determines the adequate size and appropriate configuration and assemblage for a proposed project in consideration of the use, allocation and interface of spaces for given activities.

Space planning

____ is done mainly through primary data gathering such as interviews, consultations, interfaces, focus group discussions (FGDs), space planning surveys, space audits, etc. and subsequent analyses i.e. spatial layouts with stacking concepts, particularly for multi-storey structures.

Space Management Studies

An analysis of the space requirements of the project based on organizational structure and functional set-up pinpoints linkages and interaction of spaces. The formulation of the space program will serve as the basis for the development of the architectural plan / design.

Value Management

This technique is applied in the cost management process to minimize the negative effect of simplified operations associated with many cost-reduction programs.

Value Management

The goal of value management is to achieve an unimpaired program at minimum cost. Thus, a plan, design or system that has been successfully value-managed will still satisfy the same performance criteria as the costlier alternatives.

Design Brief Preparation

the Architect states the project terms of reference (ToR) including the concept, objectives and other necessary requirements to bid out architectural services (whether public or private).

Promotional Services

Projects may require promotional activities in order to develop and generate financial support and acceptance from governing agencies or from the general public. In such cases, the Architect can act as the agent of the Owner by producing and coordinating the additional activities necessary to complete the services. In all such activities, the Architect must maintain his professional status as the representative of the Owner.

1. Scope of Work

2. Manner of Payment

3. Owner’s Responsibilities

4. Other Conditions of Services

After the initial meeting / conversation / correspondence with the Client, the Architect must submit his proposal for pre-design services, stating the following:

1. As an individual Architect he must have special training and be knowledgeable in different fields to supplement his skills.

2. Architect’s Own Staff

3. By Association, Consultation or Networking

The Architect can render services in any of the following ways:

Architect’s Own Staff

It is possible for Architects (as natural persons) working in a single firm to specialize in a variety of ways. Many Architects and firms (juridical persons) specialize without losing the generalist approach of the Architect or firm.

By Association, Consultation or Networking

Another common practice is consultation between an Architect and a firm of other disciplines, under the extended terms of the Owner-Architect Agreement.

METHOD OF COMPENSATION

The Architect’s compensation is based on the Architect’s / architectural firm’s talents, skill, experience, imagination, and on the type and level of professional services provided.

1. Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses

2. Professional Fee Plus Expenses

3. Lump Sum or Fixed Fee

4. Per Diem, Honorarium Plus Reimbursable Expenses

5. Mixed Methods of Compensation

Compensation for Pre-Design Services may be based on one or more of the following:

Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses

This cost-based method of compensation is applicable only to non-creative work such as accounting, secretarial, research, data gathering, preparation of reports and the like.

Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses

This method of compensation is based on technical hours spent and does not account for creative work since the value of creative design cannot be measured by the length of time the designer has spent on his work.

Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses

The computation is made by adding all costs of technical services (man hours x rate) and then multiplying it by a multiplier to cover overhead and profit.

Direct cost = AN + CN + TN

WHAT IS THE FORMULA TO GET DIRECT COST

Fee = Direct Cost x M

WHAT IS THE FORMULA TO GET THE FEE

Total Cost of Service charged to Client = Fee + R

WHAT IS THE FORMULA TO GET THE TOTAL COST OF SERVICE CHARGED TO CLIENT

Architect’s rate / hour

A =

Consultant’s rate / hour

C =

Rate per hour of Technical Staff, Researchers and others involved in the Project

T =

No. of hours spent by Architect, Consultants and Technical Staff

AN, CN, TN =

Multiplier to account for overhead and reasonable profit.

M =

1.5 to 2.5

M = Multiplier to account for overhead and reasonable profit. The value may range from ____ depending on the set-up of the Architect’s office and the complexity of the Project.

Reimbursable expenses

R =

Professional Fee Plus Expenses

This method of compensation is frequently used where there is continuing relationship involving a series of projects.

Professional Fee Plus Expenses

It establishes a fixed sum over and above the reimbursement for the Architect’s technical time and overhead. An agreement on the general scope of the work is necessary in order to set an equitable fee.

Lump Sum or Fixed Fee

This method may be applied to government projects since they entail more paper work and time-consuming efforts.

Per Diem, Honorarium Plus Reimbursable Expenses

In some cases a Client may request an Architect to do work which will require his personal time such as:

1. attending project-related meetings, conferences or trips;

2. conducting ocular inspection of possible project sites; and

3. conferring with others regarding prospective investments or ventures and the like.

Mixed Methods of Compensation

The SPP provides for more than one method of compensation on a project. Each project should be examined to determine the most appropriate and equitable method of compensation