ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the ways in which an architect might secure a commission. While the essence of any contract is ‘offer, acceptance and performance’ and the existence of a contract can be proved if these three factors are present, it is essential that any arrangement between the architect and their client is recorded in writing. The chapter the processes involved in confirming an appointment and describes various standard forms of appointment, and gives guidance on responding to bespoke forms. There are three main ways in which architects secure commissions: direct appointment; fee tendering/submissions; and limited or open competitions. Enquiries can be received in a variety of ways at different stages of a project: for instance, many ‘design and build’ enquiries will only commence at Royal Institute of British Architects Stage 3 or Stage 4, the previous stages having been undertaken for a different client by a different architect.
