#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. Krzysztof Koszewski, dean of the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology, shared his opinion on the subject. According to him, 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 Krzysztof Koszewski about architects' earnings.
Krzysztof KOSZEWSKI - architect, PhD in technical sciences, assistant professor in the Department of Architectural Design at the Faculty of Architecture of the Warsaw University of Technology, where he serves as dean. A graduate of the same university, he specializes in architectural theory, media and the protection of architectural heritage. He is the author of the book "Images of Architecture" and numerous scientific articles. His research focuses on the relationship between architecture and media, as well as the use of images in design. An active participant in the academic and professional community, he is involved in research and teaching activities.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of design? Please briefly justify your answer.
In my opinion, there should not be rates based on the square meter (including minimum rates), but on the value of the investment. Moreover, the rates should be fixed and in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology of December 20, 2021 on determining the methods and bases for preparing the investor cost estimate. Especially in the case of all public investments, as this is what the state has the power to influence, but without imposing anything on private investors, as this would certainly be poorly received and ultimately impossible to implement. The state or local government, as an investor, has the right, but also the duty, to conduct investment processes in such a way as to achieve the best possible quality within the assumed budget. The expenditure on the project is a small part of this budget, and trying to save on this part causes serious losses in the other, more costly stages, not to mention the loss of quality of the designed space.
It seems that such a solution would improve the market for design services, introducing sensible cost standards in place of the current pathology. With such an approach, the market for services for private entities would also have a chance to approach normalcy.
Krzysztof KOSZEWSKI
architect, dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology
more: A&B 4/2025 - RE-USE + architects' rates,
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