#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. Zbigniew Reszka, winner of the 2013 SARP Honorary Award and co-founder of the Gdynia-based studio Arch-Deco Sp. z o.o., shared his perspective on the issue. What does he 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 viability 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 Zbigniew Reszko about architects' earnings.
Zbigniew RESZKA - a graduate of Gdansk University of Technology at the Faculty of Architecture, a long-time member and active member of the Association of Polish Architects and the Pomeranian Chamber of Architects. President of the Gdynia architectural office Arch-Deco Sp. z o.o., which he founded in 1989 with his partner, Michał Baryżewski. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the SARP Honorary Award for outstanding architectural work (together with Michał Baryżewski). He received a nomination for the Mies van der Rohe European Union Award for the apartment complex in Jurata, the 2015 Building of the Year First Prize and the 2015 Eurobuild Awards Grand Prize (in the Architectural Design category) for the Gdynia Film Center building, the "Czas Gdyni" First Prize in the architecture category for the design of the Nowe Orłowo commercial and residential complex, and many others.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of the project? Please briefly justify your answer.
Absolutely not. Who will revaluate these rates? Design is not selling potatoes. The best option is to return to the calculation of the price of projects according to the cost of development.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for multifamily residential architecture?
40-50 percent of the cost of the project priced according to construction value.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for single-family houses?
Prices for "atypical" house designs, with high architectural qualities, are between 200 and 500 thousand zlotys net (without interior design). They require a high degree of accuracy, jewel-like detail. The amount of work, including supervision during construction, with this type of buildings is very large. Depending on the level of complexity and the technologies used, the industries are at 35-45 percent.
What should be the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for office buildings?
35-45 percent of the cost of the project valued at construction value.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter be for buildings and public spaces?
45-55 percent of the cost of the project valued at construction value.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable wages for architects?
Each project should be priced according to rates and tables, in relation to the cost of the investment, the category of objects and handicaps (reconstruction, expansion, historic building, etc.). SARP's rules for pricing design work were and are the most reliable and caring for architects and the profitability of projects. The current complicated procedure of agreeing on project documentation in offices, often taking months, makes the work of architects unprofitable.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
No, these tasks should be taken over by the Chamber of Architects, which does not adequately represent the interests of architects.
Zbigniew Reszka
Arch-Deco
more: A&B 6/2025 - WARSAW,
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