STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL These preliminary studies involve the procurement, analysis and use of

secondary information gathered for the project to aid the Client in early
PRACTICE (SPP) ON PRE-DESIGN decision-making. They represent the Architects initial assessment of a
SERVICES projects soundness, allowing the Client to promptly explore available/
(Part of the IRR of R.A. No. 9266) readily identifiable directions / options. Researched / processed /
validated secondary data are generally used for such studies e.g.
SPP Document 201 electronic, print, etc.
(replacing the 1979 UAP Doc. 201)
2.3 Feasibility Studies

1. INTRODUCTION Detailed analysis of the project based on pre-feasibility studies will

determine the viability of a proposed development. The studies will set
1.1. The basic services provided by the Architect have remained relatively the project against present and future trends to forecast how it will
unchanged over the years. However, the Architect must expand his perform over time. This requires primary data gathering and analysis.
services in response to the increasing demands of his/her Clients, the
evolution of new standards of regulated professional practice, the 2.4 Site Selection and Analysis
advancement of technology and the enactment of new laws.
This entails the formulation of site criteria, assistance to the Client in site
1.2. It will be most advantageous to the Client to involve the Architect in the evaluation as well as analysis to determine the most appropriate site/s
earliest stages of the project since the Architect, if suitably experienced, for a proposed project or building program.
can provide the Client with objective project analysis, establishing 2.5 Site Utilization and Land-Use Studies
parameters to optimize building needs vis--vis available resources and
attendant constraints. The detailed analysis of the site involves the identification of a sites
development potentials through the proper utilization of land. The
2. SCOPE OF PRE-DESIGN SERVICES 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
The Pre- Design Services cover a broad line of architectural services ranging environs.
from initial problem identification to activities that would allow the Architect to
initially conceptualize an array of architectural and allied solutions. The Pre- 2.6 Architectural Research
Design Services nominally include consultation, prefeasibility studies,
feasibility studies, site selection and analysis, site utilization and land-use Architectural research entails the conduct of primary and secondary
studies, architectural research, architectural programming, space planning, researches and assembled facts used as basis for conclusion.
space management studies, value management, design brief preparation,
promotional services and other related activities. 2.7 Architectural Programming

2.1 Consultation This analytical problem-seeking process will lead to the statement and
identification of both horizontal and vertical requirements in offering a
When a Client calls upon the Architect to give oral or written advice and solution. It incorporates a space program with characterizations of the
direction, to attend conferences, to make evaluations and appraisals envisioned spaces such as ambiance, cost range, etc.
regarding a contemplated project and similar activities, the Architect
renders valuable inputs whether or not the Client pursues the project. 2.8 Space Planning

2.2 Pre-Feasibility Studies 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 3.1.3 Owners Responsibilities
interviews, consultations, interfaces, focus group discussions (FGDs), 3.1.4 Other Conditions of Services
space planning surveys, space audits, etc. and subsequent analyses i.e.
spatial layouts with stacking concepts, particularly for multi-storey 3.2 The Architect can render services in any of the following ways:
structures.
3.2.1 As an individual Architect he must have special training and be
2.9 Space Management Studies knowledgeable in different fields to supplement his skills.

An analysis of the space requirements of the project based on 3.2.2 Architects Own Staff
organizational structure and functional set-up pinpoints linkages and
interaction of spaces. The formulation of the space program will serve as It is possible for Architects (as natural persons) working in a single
the basis for the development of the architectural plan / design. firm to specialize in a variety of ways. Many Architects and firms
(juridical persons) specialize without losing the generalist
2.10 Value Management approach of the Architect or firm.

This technique is applied in the cost management process to minimize 3.2.3 By Association, Consultation or Networking
the negative effect of simplified operations associated with many cost-
reduction programs. The goal of value management is to achieve an Another common practice is consultation between an Architect
unimpaired program at minimum cost. Thus, a plan, design or system and a firm of other disciplines, under the extended terms of the
that has been successfully value-managed will still satisfy the same Owner-Architect Agreement.
performance criteria as the costlier alternatives.
4. METHOD OF COMPENSATION
2.11 Design Brief Preparation
The Architects compensation is based on the Architects / architectural firms
Under design brief preparation, the Architect states the project terms of talents, skill, experience, imagination, and on the type and level of professional
reference (ToR) including the concept, objectives and other necessary services provided. Compensation for Pre-Design Services may be based on
requirements to bid out architectural services (whether public or private). one or more of the following:

2.12 Promotional Services 4.1 Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses

Projects may require promotional activities in order to develop and This cost-based method of compensation is applicable only to non-
generate financial support and acceptance from governing agencies or creative work such as accounting, secretarial, research, data gathering,
from the general public. In such cases, the Architect can act as the agent preparation of reports and the like. This method of compensation is based
of the Owner by producing and coordinating the additional activities on technical hours spent and does not account for creative work since
necessary to complete the services. In all such activities, the Architect the value of creative design cannot be measured by the length of time
must maintain his professional status as the representative of the Owner. the designer has spent on his work. The computation is made by adding
all costs of technical services (man hours x rate) and then multiplying it
3. MANNER OF PROVIDING SERVICES by a multiplier to cover overhead and profit.

3.1 After the initial meeting / conversation / correspondence with the Client, The multiplier ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 depending on the office set-up,
the Architect must submit his proposal for pre-design services, stating overhead and experience of the Architect and the complexity of the
the following: Project.

3.1.1 Scope of Work Other items such as cost of transportation, living and housing allowances
3.1.2 Manner of Payment of foreign consultants, out-of-town living and housing allowances of the
 local consultants and the like, are all to be charged to the Client. At the This method may be applied to government projects since they entail
start of the commission, the Architect shall make known to the Client the more paper work and time-consuming efforts.
rate of professionals and personnel who will be assigned to the Project
and the multiplier that has to be applied before agreeing on this method 4.4 Per Diem, Honorarium Plus Reimbursable Expenses
of compensation.
In some cases a Client may request an Architect to do work which will
FORMULA require his personal time such as:
Assume
4.4.1 attending project-related meetings, conferences or trips;
A= Architects rate / hour 4.4.2 conducting ocular inspection of possible project sites; and
C= Consultants rate / hour 4.4.3 conferring with others regarding prospective investments or
T= Rate per hour of Technical Staff, Researchers and others involved in the ventures and the like.
Project
For these particular activities, the Architect as agent of the Owner may
AN, CN, TN = No. of hours spent by Architect, Consultants and Technical Staff be paid on a per diem and honorarium basis plus out-of-pocket expenses
such as but not limited to travel, accommodations and subsistence.
M = Multiplier to account for overhead and reasonable profit. The value may range
from 1.5 to 2.5 depending on the set-up of the Architects office and the 4.5 Mixed Methods of Compensation
complexity of the Project.
The SPP provides for more than one method of compensation on a
R = Reimbursable expenses such as transportation, housing and living allowance project. Each project should be examined to determine the most
of Consultant, transportation, per diem, housing and living allowance of appropriate and equitable method of compensation.
local consultants and technical staff if assigned to places over 100 km.
from the area of operation of the Architect.

Cost of printing of extra set of drawings, reports, maps, contract

documents, etc. over the five (5) copies submitted to the Client, overseas
and long distance calls, technical and laboratory tests, licenses, fees,
taxes and similar cost items needed by the Project.

Direct cost = AN + CN + TN
Fee = Direct Cost x M

Total Cost of Service charged to Client = Fee + R

4.2 Professional Fee Plus Expenses

This method of compensation is frequently used where there is

continuing relationship involving a series of projects. It establishes a fixed
sum over and above the reimbursement for the Architects technical time
and overhead. An agreement on the general scope of the work is
necessary in order to set an equitable fee.

4.3 Lump Sum or Fixed Fee