#Architects' rates
Minimum rates for architectural projects in Poland - are they needed, how should they be charged and how much could they be? We asked representatives of studios, both small, medium and large, developers and lecturers. One of those who shared their opinion is Agnieszka Kalinowska-Soltys. What does the architect think about minimum rates?
The dire situation of architectural offices in Poland is a fact. In the worst position are medium and small studios, whose profitability and viability are often on the verge of survival. At the same time, investments, especially from the residential sector, are increasing, which means there is something to design. In January 2025, more apartments were completed than a year ago, also the number of those whose construction has begun is higher (CSO data). However, the average quality of what is being built is not satisfactory. It is being built quickly, most often at a low cost, but at a record high profit. So why are architects one of the lowest-paid links in the industry?
When we discussed at this year's Budma what the quality of residential architecture in Poland depends on, the topic of architects' salaries dominated the debate. Mateusz Mastalski, a partner at the Danish studio Henning Larsen, who was present at the meeting , pointed out that in Denmark quality is due not only to tradition, good architectural education of the society or professional solidarity of architects, but also to the fact that they have more time for designing than in Poland and are better paid for their work. This correlation seems obvious.
So we continue the debate on architects' salaries in Poland and ask Agnieszka Kalinowska-Soltys about architects' earnings.
Agnieszka KALINOWSKA-SOŁTYS - architect, president of SARP in 2022-2024, founder and member of the SARP team for environment and climate protection. Partner and board member of APA Wojciechowski Architects.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of a project? Please briefly justify your answer.
Yes, but this requires a change in the law, not only in Poland, but also in the European Union in this regard.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for multifamily residential architecture?
4-8 percent of the development cost, depending on the PUM (without interior design).
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for single-family houses?
6-8 percent of the investment cost (without interior design).
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for office buildings?
6-10 percent of the investment cost (without interior design), depending on the scope.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for buildings and public spaces?
6-10 percent of the investment cost.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable wages for architects?
Transparent information on project rates, as in public procurement.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
No. There is the Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland, in whose competence is this issue.
Agnieszka KALINOWSKA-SOŁTYS
architect
more: A&B 6/2025 - WARSAW,
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