#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 Marcin Kościuch. What does the founder of Ultra Architects think about 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 start a debate on architects' salaries in Poland and ask Marcin Kościuch about architects' earnings.
Marcin KOŚCIUCH - vice-president for creativity in the Poznań branch of SARP for 2024-2028.
He defended his diploma thesis at the Faculty of Architecture of the Poznań University of Technology in 1999. In 1996-2003 he worked in the team of Studio ADS, among others, on the design of the new Terminal of the Poznań-Ławica Airport, the new Halls of the Poznań International Fair. In 2004, together with Tomasz Osięgłowski, he founded Ultra Architects, a design office in Poznań.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of design? Please briefly justify your answer.
I don't know if this is possible, but I do know that we should start talking openly about rates, about how much our work should cost, because we are in a difficult and responsible profession.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for multi-family residential architecture?
Depending on the size of the job.
- Facilities from 1,000 to 4,500 sq. m PUM: about 350 zlotys.
- Facilities from 4,500 to 10,000 sq. m PUM: about 300 zlotys.
- Facilities larger than 10,000 sq. m PUM: about 280 zlotys.
What should be the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for single-family houses?
600 zlotys with interiors, simple landscaping. Plus supervision: a minimum of 8 percent.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for office buildings?
Depending on the size of the job.
- Facilities from 1,000 to 4,500 sq. m PUM: about 350 zlotys.
- Facilities between 4,500 and 10,000 sq. m PUM: about 300 zlotys.
- Facilities larger than 10,000 sq. m PUM: about 280 zlotys.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for buildings and public spaces?
The answer to this question is difficult because of the very different tasks involved. It is impossible to compare a hospital with a museum, but an important issue is the project budget.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable wages for architects?
Firstly, let's start talking about it openly, so that there is some kind of benchmark for bidding. Of course, the offer will be tailored to the location, the specifics of the task and the nature and potential of the studio.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
This is probably a poorly phrased question, because such unions would certainly deal with more than just this issue.
Marcin KOŚCIUCH
Ultra Architects
Read more: A&B 4/2025 - RE-USE + architects' rates,
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