#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. Oskar Grąbczewski, co-founder of the OVO Grąbczewscy Architekci studio, shared his opinion on the subject. In his opinion, 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 salary debate and ask Oskar Gr¹bczewski about architects' salaries.
Oskar GRĄBCZEWSKI - architect and urban planner, graduate of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice and IBA Emscher Park scholarship recipient. Together with his wife Barbara and son Marek, he runs the architectural office OVO Grąbczewscy Architekci in Katowice. Academic lecturer, competition judge, columnist and architecture critic. He has received more than a hundred international and national awards, honors and nominations, including the EU Mies van der Rohe Award, the German Design Prize and the SARP Award of the Year.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of design? Please briefly justify your answer.
Yes, I am in favor of introducing minimum rates, analogous to the rates set forth in the price list that is part of the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology dated December 20, 2021.on determining the methods and bases for preparing the investor's cost estimate, calculating the planned costs of design works and the planned costs of construction works specified in the functional-utility program, the price list developed by the Chamber of Architects, the SARP price list or foreign price lists (HAOI). As global examples show, the appropriate level of remuneration for design work ensures a higher level of design, which can bring considerable benefits to investors, as well as users in the form of better designed buildings and spaces. Better, that is, more economical, more sustainable, more reasonable and - last but not least - more beautiful.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for multifamily residential architecture?
The average amount should be about 300 zlotys, but due to the different budgets and standards of investments and the scope of the project, I suggest that the pricing should be based each time on the price list that is part of the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology of December 20, 2021. on determining the methods and bases for preparing the investor's cost estimate, calculating the planned costs of design works and the planned costs of construction works specified in the functional-utility program.
How much should be the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for single-family houses?
The average amount should be about 250 zlotys, but due to the different budgets and standards of investments and the scope of the project, I suggest that the pricing should be based each time on the price list that is part of the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology of December 20, 2021. on determining the methods and bases for preparing the investor's cost estimate, calculating the planned costs of design works and the planned costs of construction works specified in the functional-utility program.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for office buildings?
The average amount should be about 300 zlotys, but due to the different budgets and standards of investments and the scope of the project, I suggest that the pricing should be based each time on the price list that is part of the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology of December 20, 2021. on determining the methods and bases for preparing the investor's cost estimate, calculating the planned costs of design works and the planned costs of construction works specified in the functional-utility program.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for buildings and public spaces?
The average amount should be about 500 zlotys, but due to the different budgets and standards of investments and the scope of the project, I propose to base the pricing each time on the price list that is part of the Decree of the Minister of Development and Technology of December 20, 2021. on determining the methods and bases for preparing the investor's cost estimate, calculating the planned costs of design works and the planned costs of construction works specified in the functional-utility program, which really should be the duty of every public sector contracting authority.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable wages for architects?
In order of anticipated effectiveness:
- prayer assault;
- architectural education, making the public aware of the importance of architecture;
- effective influence on legislation, which should promote and value good urban planning and architecture, through consultations, talks and negotiations with politicians and legislators;
- professional solidarity.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
This should be dealt with by the Chamber of Architects and the SARP, but of course other organizations may emerge to try to achieve this laudable goal.
Oskar GRĄBCZEWSKI
OVO Grąbczewscy Architekci
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