Pre Design Services

STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (SPP) ON PRE-DESIGN SERVICES
(Part of the IRR of R.A. No. 9266)

SPP Document 201
(replacing the 1979 UAP Doc. 201)
PRE-DESIGN SERVICES
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. The basic services provided by the Architect have remained relatively unchanged over the
years. However, the Architect must expand his services in response to the
increasing demands of his/her Clients, the evolution of new standards of regulated

professional practice, the advancement of technology and the enactment of new laws.
1.2. It will be most advantageous to the Client to involve the Architect in the
earliest stages of the project since the Architect, if suitably experienced, can provide
the Client with objective project analysis, establishing parameters to optimize building needs vis-
à-vis available resources and attendant constraints.
PREPARED BY:
AR. MARICEL CAINGLES-VIGOR, UAP, MBA, CFMP
SPP Document 201
2. SCOPE OF PRE-DESIGN SERVICES
The Pre- Design Services cover a broad line of architectural services ranging from
initial problem identification to activities that would allow the Architect to

initially conceptualize an array of architectural and allied solutions.
The Pre-Design Services nominally include consultation, prefeasibility studies, feasibility

studies, site selection and analysis, site utilization and land-use studies, architectural
research, architectural programming, space planning, space management studies, value
management, design brief preparation, promotional services and other related activities.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.1 Consultation
When a Client calls upon the Architect to give oral or written advice and direction,
to attend conferences, to make evaluations and appraisals regarding a contemplated
project and similar activities, the Architect renders valuable inputs whether or not the
Client pursues the project.
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SPP Document 201
2.2 Pre-Feasibility Studies
These preliminary studies involve the procurement, analysis and use of

secondary information gathered for the project to aid the Client in early decision-
making. They represent the Architect’s initial assessment of a project’s soundness,

allowing the Client to promptly explore
available/ readily identifiable directions /
options. Researched / processed /
validated secondary data are generally
used for such studies e.g. electronic,
print, etc.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.3 Feasibility Studies

Detailed analysis of the project
based on pre-feasibility studies will
determine the viability of a
proposed development. The
studies will set the project against
present and future trends to forecast
how it will perform over time. This
requires primary data gathering and
analysis.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.4 Site Selection and Analysis

This entails the formulation of site
criteria, assistance to the Client in site
evaluation as well as analysis to
determine the most appropriate
site/s for a proposed project or building
program.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.5 Site Utilization and Land-Use Studies
The detailed analysis of the site involves the identification of a site’s
development potentials through the proper utilization of land.
The 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
environs.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.6 Architectural Research
Architectural research entails the

conduct of primary and secondary
researches and assembled
facts used as basis for conclusion.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.7 Architectural Programming
This analytical problem-seeking

process will lead to the statement and
identification of both horizontal

and vertical requirements in
offering a solution.
It incorporates a space program with

characterizations of the envisioned spaces
such as ambiance, cost range, etc.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.8 Space Planning

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 interviews, consultations, interfaces,
focus group discussions (FGDs),
space planning surveys, space audits, etc.
and subsequent analyses i.e. spatial layouts
with stacking concepts, particularly for
multi-storey structures.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.9 Space Management Studies
An analysis of the space requirements
of the project based on organizational

structure and functional set-up pinpoints
linkages and interaction of spaces.
The formulation of the space program will

serve as the basis for the development
of the architectural plan / design.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.10 Value Management
This technique is applied in the cost

management process to minimize the negative
effect of simplified operations associated with
many cost-reduction programs.
The goal of value management is to achieve an
unimpaired program at minimum cost. Thus, a plan,

design or system that has been successfully value-
managed will still satisfy the same performance criteria
as the costlier alternatives.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.11 Design Brief Preparation
Under design brief preparation, the

Architect states the project terms
of reference (ToR) including the concept,

objectives and other necessary
requirements to bid out architectural
services (whether public or private).
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
2.12 Promotional Services
Projects may require promotional activities in order to develop and generate financial
support and acceptance from governing agencies or from the general public. In such
cases, the Architect can act as the agent of the Owner by producing and coordinating
the additional activities necessary to complete the services.
In all such activities, the Architect

must maintain his professional
status as the representative
of the Owner.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
3. MANNER OF PROVIDING SERVICES
3.1 After the initial meeting / conversation /

correspondence with the Client, the Architect
must submit his proposal for pre-design services,
stating the following:
3.1.1 Scope of Work

3.1.2 Manner of Payment
3.1.3 Owner’s Responsibilities
3.1.4 Other Conditions of Services
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
3.2 The Architect can render services in any of the following ways:
3.2.1 As an individual Architect he must have special training and be

knowledgeable in different fields to supplement his skills.
3.2.2 Architect’s Own Staff
It is possible for Architects (as natural persons) working in a single firm to
specialize in a variety of ways. Many Architects and firms (juridical persons)
specialize without losing the generalist approach of the Architect or firm.
3.2.3 By Association, Consultation or Networking
Another common practice is consultation between an Architect and a firm of
other disciplines, under the extended terms of the Owner-Architect Agreement.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
To be continued next meeting....
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
4. METHOD OF COMPENSATION
The Architect’s compensation is based on the Architect’s / architectural firm’s talents,
skill, experience, imagination, and on the type and level of professional services
provided. Compensation for Pre-Design Services may be based on one or more of the
following:
4.1 Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses

4.2 Professional Fee Plus Expenses
4.3 Lump Sum or Fixed Fee
4.4 Per Diem,
Honorarium Plus Reimbursable Expenses
4.5 Mixed Methods of Compensation
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
4.1 Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses
• Cost-based method of compensation - applicable only to non-creative work

such as: - accounting
- secretarial
- research
- data gathering
- preparation of reports and the like
This method of compensation is based on technical hours spent and does not account
for creative work since the value of creative design cannot be measured by the length of
time the designer has spent on his work.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
Computation:
Add all costs of technical services (man hours x rate) and then multiplying it by a
multiplier to cover overhead and profit.
The multiplier ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 depending on the office set-up, overhead and
experience of the Architect and the complexity of the Project.
Example: Computation:
Total Hours Spent = 8 Hours 8 Hours X 300 Php. = 2,400 Php
Rate per Hour = 300 Php 2,400Php. X 1.5 = 3,600 Php
Multiplier = 1.5
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
Other items such as cost of transportation, living and housing allowances 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 start of the commission, the Architect
shall make known to the Client
the 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 of
compensation.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
FORMULA
Assume:
A = Architect’s rate / hour
C = Consultant’s rate / hour
T = Rate per hour of Technical Staff, Researchers and others involved in the Project
AN, CN, TN = No. of hours spent by Architect, Consultants and Technical Staff
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
Architect’s office and the complexity of the Project.
R = Reimbursable expenses such as transportation, housing and living allowance of Consultant, transportation, per diem, housing and
living allowance of 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
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
SEATWORK:
COMBI Architectural firm did a site selection and analysis service for ARCSA Corporation.
How much the architectural firm should charge the client if the following breakdown of
expenses incurred in the whole duration of the technical services they’ve provided?
Breakdown of resources incurred:

- Senior Architect spent 18 hours with the rate of 650 per hour
- ENP Consultant spent 2 hours with the rate of 500 per hour
- Secretary prepared the data gathering and research for 90 hours with the rate of
50 per hour
- Transportation cost of 10,000 Php
- Printing and long distance calls of 5,000 Php
- 2.5 Multiplier for overhead cost
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
ANSWER:
Direct cost = AN + CN + TN
Fee = Direct Cost x M
Total Cost of Service charged to Client = Fee + R
Direct cost = (18 X 650) + (2 X 500) + (90 X 50)

= 11,700 + 1000 + 4,500
= 17,200 Php
Fee = 17,200 X 2.5
= 43,000 Php
Total Cost of Service charged to Client = 43,000 + 10,000 + 5000
= 58,000 Php
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
To be continued next meeting....
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
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 Architect’s 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
This method may be applied to government projects since they entail more paper
work and time-consuming efforts.
PREPARED BY:
SPP Document 201
4.4 Per Diem, Honorarium Plus Reimbursable Expenses

In some cases a Client may request an Architect to do work which will require his personal
time such as:
4.4.1 attending project-related meetings, conferences or trips;
4.4.2 conducting ocular inspection of possible project sites; and
4.4.3 conferring with others regarding prospective investments or ventures and the like.
For these particular activities, the Architect as agent of the Owner may be paid on a per
diem and honorarium basis plus out-of-pocket expenses such as but not limited to travel,
accommodations and subsistence.
4.5 Mixed Methods of Compensation
The SPP provides for more than one method of compensation on a project. Each project
should be examined to determine the most appropriate and equitable method of
compensation.
PREPARED BY:

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STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (SPP) ON PRE-DESIGN SERVICES

(Part of the IRR of R.A. No. 9266)

increasing demands of his/her Clients, the evolution of new standards of regulated

2. SCOPE OF PRE-DESIGN SERVICES

initial problem identification to activities that would allow the Architect to

The Pre-Design Services nominally include consultation, prefeasibility studies, feasibility

2.2 Pre-Feasibility Studies

These preliminary studies involve the procurement, analysis and use of

making. They represent the Architect’s initial assessment of a project’s soundness,

2.3 Feasibility Studies

2.4 Site Selection and Analysis

2.5 Site Utilization and Land-Use Studies

The detailed analysis of the site involves the identification of a site’s

development potentials through the proper utilization of land.

The analysis covers the

2.6 Architectural Research

Architectural research entails the

2.7 Architectural Programming

This analytical problem-seeking

identification of both horizontal

It incorporates a space program with

2.8 Space Planning

Space planning is done mainly

2.9 Space Management Studies

An analysis of the space requirements

of the project based on organizational

The formulation of the space program will

2.10 Value Management

This technique is applied in the cost

The goal of value management is to achieve an

unimpaired program at minimum cost. Thus, a plan,

2.11 Design Brief Preparation

Under design brief preparation, the

of reference (ToR) including the concept,

2.12 Promotional Services

In all such activities, the Architect

3. MANNER OF PROVIDING SERVICES

3.1 After the initial meeting / conversation /

3.1.1 Scope of Work

3.2.1 As an individual Architect he must have special training and be

To be continued next meeting....

4.1 Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses

4.1 Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses

• Cost-based method of compensation - applicable only to non-creative work

personnel who will be assigned

Breakdown of resources incurred:

Direct cost = (18 X 650) + (2 X 500) + (90 X 50)

To be continued next meeting....

4.2 Professional Fee Plus Expenses

This method of compensation is frequently used where there is continuing

4.3 Lump Sum or Fixed Fee

4.4 Per Diem, Honorarium Plus Reimbursable Expenses

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