ABSTRACT
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Building Contracts would be suitable in this situation, with either the main contractor or a subcontractor (client selected, if required) undertaking the design. The RIBA Building Contracts might be suitable for some of the larger work packages, but thought should be given as to how all the separate contracts are to be co-ordinated. Compliance with the Housing Grants Act is obviously a key difference between the contracts, however there are other important differences. Drafts of the contracts were subject to extensive comments by potential users, by experts and by lawyers, and the contracts are written in plain English so that the intended meaning is generally clear. The RIBA intends to update its suite of architect/consultant agreements in the near future; the agreements will also align with the new RIBA Building Contracts.
