#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. One of those who shared their opinion is Piotr Legerski. What does a developer think about minimum rates for architects?
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 architects' salaries in Poland and ask Piotr Legerski about architects' earnings.
Piotr LEGERSKI - president of the Association of Home and Apartment Builders and the Arkada Group. Since the 1980s, he has been developing residential projects in Krakow, including on Starowiślna Street, Senatorska Street and Zabłocie Street. His company has gained recognition for the quality of its architecture and affordable prices, which earned him the title of "2020 Personality of the Year" in the Business category. He often speaks on the real estate market, pointing out challenges such as the rise in housing prices in Krakow.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of a project? Please briefly justify your answer.
No. The market decides the price.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for multifamily residential architecture?
I don't know.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for single-family houses?
I don't know.
How much should the minimum rate without industry professionals per square meter be for office buildings?
I don't know.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for public buildings and spaces?
I don't know.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable wages for architects?
It is the talent, professional position, experience and complexity of the project that determine the price.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
I am against trade unions. There are the SARP and the Chamber of Architects.
Piotr Legerski
Real estate developer, CEO of Arkada Group
more: A&B 4/2025 - RE-USE + architects' rates,
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