#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. Marek Chrobak, President of the SARP Board of Directors, expressed his opinion on the matter for A&B. How much should the minimum rate per square meter of architectural design be?
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 salaries and ask Marek Chrobak about architects' earnings.
Marek CHROBAK - President of the General Board of the Society of Polish Architects (SARP) for the 2024-2028 term. He is affiliated with the Rzeszów branch of SARP, where he also served as president for many years (2011-2019). He is a graduate of the Cracow University of Technology and co-founder of the ArchiGROUP studio. He is known for projects such as the "P" building of the Rzeszow University of Technology and the headquarters of the Theological and Pastoral Institute in Rzeszow.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of a project? Please briefly justify your answer.
This would be an ideal solution. The minimum rate should be based on the hourly workload of an architect in a given category and, combined with the CSO rate, would give a minimum amount. The second method is the rate per square meter, although it depends on the region, the scale of the task and many other factors.
How much should the minimum rate without industry professionals be per square meter for multifamily residential architecture?
170-250 zlotys.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for single-family houses?
220-320 zlotys.
How much should the minimum rate without industry professionals per square meter for office buildings be?
220-350 zlotys.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for buildings and public spaces be?
280-420 zlotys.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable wages for architects?
Architects themselves should take care of pricing their work according to the suggested price list.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
There is, after all, the Chamber of Architects. It should be the guardian of the ethical practice of the profession. There is no need for another organization.
Marek CHROBAK
President of the General Board of SARP
more: A&B 4/2025 - RE-USE + architects' rates,
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