ABSTRACT
Both the ARB and RIBA codes of professional conduct require architects to record the terms of their appointment before undertaking any work, and to have the necessary competence and resources. A written agreement is therefore essential: setting out what the architect will be doing, the timescale for the work and the fee and payment arrangements. The RIBA Domestic Professional Services Contract is suitable for commissions for simple domestic projects of any value, in which the building works will be carried out using forms of building contract, such as the RIBA Domestic Building Contract. The client is a ‘consumer’, so his/her architect is obliged to read through the terms of the agreement with him/her and individually explain each term in the context of his/her rights. The client should ask the architect in particular to explain: payment and payment notices, and the contractual limitation period and the limitation of liability in amount.
