#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. Katarzyna Kuo Stolarska, co-founder of the Association of Interior Designers and the KUOO Architects studio, shared her opinion on the subject. What should be the 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 salaries and ask Katarzyna Kuo Stolarska about architects' earnings.
Katarzyna KUO STOLARSKA - architect, graduate of the Faculty of Construction, Architecture and Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Lodz, majoring in Architecture and Urban Planning, as well as Project Management on the MBA at the University of Lodz. Co-founder of the Society of Interior Designers (SAW). Member of the Association of Polish Architects (SARP). Since 2006 she has run her own architectural studio, KUOO ARCHITECTS, where, in addition to architectural projects for individual and business clients, she has worked on set designs for brands such as TVN and Polsat. She is a jury member of many competitions, including the SAW Interior of the Year Competition. In 2023, as a result of the merger with the studio of her husband Matthew Kuo Stolarski, the studio changed its name to KUOO TAMIZO ARCHITECTS.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of design? Please briefly justify your answer.
Definitely yes. The introduction of a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of a project is not only reasonable, but even necessary to stabilize the market for architectural services. Currently, there is a widespread phenomenon of price dumping - rates are often lowered below the level of profitability, which is illegal and harmful to the entire industry. In the opinion of many clients, rates that take into account the real cost of labor and the margin - which should be a self-evident part of any service - are seen as "unmarketable." Meanwhile, architects, like any other professional group, face rising costs - from inflation, to energy and fuel prices, to necessary, expensive specialized software. Rates should therefore be regularly updated to reflect actual workloads. It is worth emphasizing that we are talking not only about remuneration for studio owners, but also about the possibility of providing decent salaries for design teams. Currently, many young architects are paid far below their competence and commitment - it is difficult to change this if the price of the service does not cover the real costs. A standardized minimum wage would be a step toward greater transparency, professionalization of the profession and improvement of the quality of projects placed in the hands of investors.
How much should the minimum rate without professionals be per square meter for multifamily residential architecture?
A minimum of PLN 400/m².
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for single-family houses?
A minimum of 600 PLN/m².
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for office buildings be?
A minimum of 300 PLN/m².
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for buildings and public spaces be?
A minimum of PLN 500/m².
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable wages for architects?
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, it would be necessary to introduce other mechanisms to work out fair and favorable remuneration for architects. Educating the market - both individual clients and developers - about the real cost of design work, the complexity of the process and the value that good architecture brings is crucial. Without an understanding of what is being paid for, it is difficult to talk about adequate pricing. The second important element is transparency. The architectural community should jointly develop pricing guidelines and share knowledge about the real cost of design. It is not about rigid rates, but clear forks that will be a reference point, as in other public trust professions. The third thing is to integrate the community and build industry solidarity - as long as architects compete with each other mainly on price, it will be difficult to have a healthy and balanced market. In the end, favorable remuneration for architects does not come only from the provisions of the contract, but from building the prestige of the profession, awareness of its value and collective action to protect it.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' compensation?
Yes, they should have representation - along the lines of a trade union or a specialized chamber - that would realistically and consistently address the issue of salaries and working conditions in the industry. An excellent example of a grassroots and effective initiative in this regard is the Association of Interior Architects, which is actively working to set minimum market rates and educate clients. Their activities show that it is possible to jointly develop standards that protect both designers and investors. Of course, institutions such as the Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland and the Association of Polish Architects (SARP) already function in the environment, but their activities in the area of economic conditions for the profession are, in our opinion, insufficient. Too many discussions are taking place internally, with no real translation into market reality. There is a lack of a clear, strong voice that represents the interests of architects in the context of salaries, minimum rates or employment conditions. We must finally start speaking out. Start acting together - as a community - and not against each other. As long as we compete solely on price, we will all lose out. We need a common strategy, solidarity and the courage to fight for labor standards that are worthy of our responsibility, knowledge and commitment.
Katherine KUO STOLARSKA
architect
more: A&B 6/2025 - WARSAW,
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