#Architects' rates
Minimum rates for architectural projects in Poland - what do architects think about them? 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. Bartlomiej Kisielewski, a partner in the Horizone Studio studio and vice-chairman of the Municipal Urban Planning and Architectural Commission in Krakow, shared his opinion on the subject. In his opinion, how much should the minimum rates for architects be?
The dire situation of architectural offices in Poland is a fact. In the worst position are medium and small studios, whose profitability and profitability 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 salaries and ask Bartlomiej Kisielewski about architects' earnings.
Bartlomiej KISIELEWSKI - architect, partner at Horizone Studio. Since 1996 he has worked as an architect and lead architect, mainly on office and residential building projects in Poland and Germany. From 1996 to 1997 he worked in Berlin at Takamatsu + Lahyani Architects Associates, and then at Pysall Ruge Architekten. From 1998 to 2002, he worked as a designer at the DDJM architectural office in Krakow, Poland, on numerous commercial, office and residential buildings. Since 2001, he has been licensed to design without limitations and is a member of the Malopolska Chamber of Architects. Since 2024, he has been vice-chairman of the Municipal Urban Planning and Architectural Commission in Krakow.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of design? Please briefly justify your answer.
You can, as a standard for valuing projects, similar to the regulation on the valuation of design work for public procurement. Architects will compete on quality, not price.
What should be the minimum rate without industry professionals per square meter for multifamily residential architecture?
Approximately 4 percent of the cost of implementation; the cost of development status is about 7,000 zlotys per square meter. Interior designs and additional studies should be paid separately.
What should be the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for single-family houses?
About 8-10 percent of the cost of implementation.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for office buildings?
About 4-6 percent, depending on the scope and complexity.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for buildings and public spaces?
About 5-8 percent of the value of implementation costs, depending on the scale and complexity.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable wages for architects?
Disclose project rates and discuss them publicly. Architects offering projects for 150 and for 300 zlotys per square meter are actually offering different products. The IARP Standards of Practice for the Architectural Profession describing scopes of work are a good guidepost.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
No.
Bartłomiej Kisielewski
Horizone Studio
Read more: A&B 4/2025 - RE-USE + architects' rates,
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