This is a summary of terms, which will be formalised in a RIBA Domestic Professional Services Contract.

Updated September 2026 

General

 Silvan Architects Ltd operates under the guidance of:

• Architects Registration Board (ARB) Architects Code: Standards of Conduct and Practice. 

• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Code of Professional Conduct

 Normal Services

Generally, normal architectural services provided are set out in a RIBA Domestic Professional Services Contract, and we align our services to the RIBA Outline Plan of Work.

 Fees

All fees will be agreed in advance. We will not undertake any work without your prior knowledge of the associated fee. Any work carried out without prior agreement is undertaken at our own risk and will not be invoiced.

Lump Sum Fees

Where the scope of the work is simple and fixed then a lump sum fee can be agreed. Adjustments to a lump sum fee may be necessary should the scope or extent of the work vary.

 Consultancy Fees - Time Charge

Where the Fee Schedule sets out the estimated hours and fees based on an hourly rate, this is provided for budgeting purposes only. Time charge hourly rates will be estimated in advance, and you will be kept up to date on hours incurred against the estimate. Our standard hourly rates for architectural services are:

• Director £125

• Architect £75 

Retainer Fees (Stage 5)

Based a time allowance per week, accrued and billed monthly in arrears, from Contract Start Date (or start date on site), through to Practical Completion (or when the contractor leaves site).

• Where the construction programme extends beyond the anticipated duration, additional weekly retainer fees will apply for the extended period.

• We will keep you updated on total time used. Where time required is greater than the estimated allowance, we reserve the right to invoice additional hours at our hourly rate. We will agree lump sum fees in advance where the scope of services is known.

 Change in Scope of Works

Should the scope or complexity of works change our fee is to be amended and agreed prior to further work. This is to ensure that our fees correctly reflect the project requirements, and our level of service is resourced appropriately.

 Sub-Contracting

Unless agreed in writing, Silvan Architects Ltd do not sub-contract any part of the works and do not take responsibility for the performance and appointment of other consultants. All consultants on the design team are to be employed directly by the Client.

 Expenses

Travel to your current address and/or the project address is included in the fees. Other expenses are chargeable at cost, and will be estimated and agreed in advance, then itemised on our invoices:

• Printing - Hard copies of drawings and documents shall be charged at the following rate per page, plus postage:

  • A4 - black and white 6p/Full colour 12p

  • A3 - black and white 24p/Full colour 48p  

  • Large format prints A0-A2 will be printed by a third party and quotes can be forwarded on request.

• Travel except to the client’s home or project address - 45p per mile.

• JCT construction contracts

  • JCT Minor Works Construction Contract £100.00 + VAT, or

  • JCT Intermediate Building Contract £178.00 + VAT

• Other sundries and disbursements

 Payment

Payment notices/invoices will be issued as itemised in the Project Proposal.

 Accounts are to be settled within 14 days of issue of the account otherwise interest will be charged at 8% per year above the current bank base rate. Silvan Architects Ltd reserve the right to cease work on the project or withhold documents should payment not be received within 14 days of the date of the account.

In the case of the submission of a Planning Application, Silvan Architects Ltd does not guarantee the obtaining of Planning permission but uses its best endeavours to do so on behalf of the Client/Employer. Payment of invoice(s) relating to the completion of the Planning Application drawings and documents is unconditional upon the date on which the application is determined or the outcome of that determination.

 Professional Indemnity Insurance

We confirm that we have appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance for this project in line with the requirements of the Architects Registration Board. Proof can be provided upon request.

 Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute or difference arising under the Agreement the Client and Silvan Architects Ltd will first be referred to mediation. If unresolved, the matter will proceed to litigation through the courts, rather than arbitration, reflecting the proportionate route for the scale of residential and community work Silvan Architects undertakes. RIBA acts as the Approved Nominating Body for mediator appointments where required. RIBA Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

 Information Formats

All drawings and documents will be issued in PDF format only. Other formats will be quoted on request.

 Copyright

Copyright in all documents and drawings prepared by Silvan Architects Ltd and in any works executed from those documents and drawings shall, unless otherwise agreed, remain the property of Silvan Architects Ltd.