#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 Kaszynski, Chairman of the Council of the Małopolska Regional Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland, expressed his opinion on the issue. In his opinion, how to regulate wages in architecture?
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 Marek Kaszynski about architects' earnings.
Marek KASZYÑSKI - Chairman of the Council of the Malopolska Regional Council of the Polish Chamber of Architects since 2023. Since 2016 plenipotentiary of the SARP General Board for statutory and regulatory affairs. From 2012 to 2019 branch treasurer, and from 2019 to 2023 president of the Cracow branch of SARP. Since 2016, he has been running his own studio Marek Kaszyński Studio Architektoniczne. Author or co-author of dozens of projects in the field of residential, public utility, historic architecture. Judge and secretary of the competition. Commissioner of the International Architecture Biennale in Krakow in 2015, 2017 and 2019, and organizer in 2021 and 2023.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of the project? Please briefly justify your answer.
No, because the rate each time depends on the complexity and scope of the order.
How much should the minimum rate without professionals be per square meter for multi-family residential architecture?
For the entire documentation, 2.7-9.4 percent of the value of the planned costs of construction works, analogous to the rates set forth in the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology of December 20, 2021 on (...) calculation of the planned costs of design works (...).
How much should be the minimum rate without professionals per square meter for single-family houses?
For all documentation, 2.55-9.4 percent of the value of the planned cost of construction work, analogous to the rates set forth in the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology of December 20, 2021 on (...) calculation of the planned cost of design work (...).
What should be the minimum rate without industry professionals per square meter for office buildings?
For the entire documentation, 2.55-9.4 percent of the value of the planned costs of construction works, analogous to the rates set forth in the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology of December 20, 2021 on (...) calculation of the planned costs of design works (...).
How much should the minimum rate without professionals be per square meter for buildings and public spaces?
For all documentation, 2.25-9.4 percent of the value of the planned costs of construction works, analogous to the rates set forth in the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology of December 20, 2021 on (...) calculation of planned costs of design works (...).
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable salaries for architects?
In competition procedures, by correctly determining the value of the planned cost of design work, in tender procedures, for example, by introducing the principle of rejecting the lowest bid, and by monitoring the said proceedings, including by the Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland with the support of the Public Procurement Office.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
This function is performed by the Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland.
Marek KASZYŃSKI
Chairman of the Council of the MPOIA of the Republic of Poland
more: A&B 4/2025 - RE-USE + architects' rates,
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