>> Architect’s office setup:………………………………………………………………………..

1. Fix architect’s office type: Proprietorship, Partnership or Corporate

2. For partnership or group, choose partners that best matched
3. Select firm’s name
4. Select location
5. Open account / joint account
6. Make registration
7. Prepare logo, letter-head, visiting card, mail address, Phone-fax number
a. Location: attractive area with proper accessibility, free from any unwanted activities, well recognized
and at the same time according to the economic status of a nice firm.
b. Exterior: Name plate that should have good appearance
c. Interior: Neat and clean environment, touch of good taste from doormat to table top of the architect
d. Employee: Select skilled employee as required
e. Account section: keep records of expenses and avoid unnecessary expenditure.
f. Facilities: Adequate Computer facilities, printer, telephone, drawing table and essential stationery
g. Develop own style for management system, i.e. file management, working procedure, time
management, sheet layout, etc.

>> Dos and Don’ts: ………………………………………………………………………………..

Dos
• Develop clear understanding with client.
• Use standard form of agreement
• Use fee schedule
• State basis of charge
• Provide ownership of contract document
• Define basic services
• Have option taking retainer fee
Don’ts

• Don’t rely on verbal agreement

• Don’t guarantee preliminary estimate
• Don’t promise make drawing without charge
• Don’t guarantee on works of the contractor
• Don’t promise what is unreasonable
• Don’t agree to work on oral approval
• Don’t promise any free services
• Don’t give the client of the original document
• Don’t allow enter any partnership without legal advise
>> Legal responsibilities of an Architect during contraction period:…………………………

• Architect is the representative of the Owner

• Architect shall advise and continually consult the Owner during the Construction Phase
• The Architect shall have the authority to issue orders on behalf of the Owner
• The Architect shall not make any material deviation, alteration, addition to or omission from the approved
design without the knowledge and written consent of the Owner.
• The Architect shall have access to the work at construction site at all stages of preparation or progress.
• The Architect shall make periodic visits to the site to familiarize him with the general progress and quality
of the construction work and to determine whether or not the work is proceeding in accordance with the
Contract Documents.
• The Architect shall not be responsible for construction means, methods, techniques, sequences or
procedures, or for safety precautions and programme in connection with the work
• He shall not be responsible for the Contractor's failure to carry out the work in accordance with the
Contract Documents.
• The Architect shall issue a final Certificate for Payment for the Contractor.
• The Architect shall have authority to reject work which does not conform to the Contract Documents.
• He shall have the authority to require special inspection or testing of any work in accordance with the
provisions of the Contract Documents, irrespective of whether such work is fabricated, installed or
completed.
• The Architect shall review and approve shop drawings, samples, and other submissions of the Contractor
only for conformity with the design concept of the project and for compliance with the information given in
the Contract Documents.
• The Architect shall not be responsible for the acts or omissions of the Contractor, or any Sub-contractors,
or any of the Contractor's or Subcontractor's agents or employees.