#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. Piotr Urbanowicz, an architect at the Ingarden & Ewý Architekci Sp. z o.o. studio, shared his opinion on this issue. How much should the minimum rate per square meter of an architectural project be?
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 Piotr Urbanowicz about architects' earnings.
Piotr URBANOWICZ - architect, academic teacher at the Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts at Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski University. Graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Cracow University of Technology, scholarship holder at the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Tennessee Knoxville in the United States. In 2000-2004 he worked at the Atelier Loegler studio, where he participated in the implementation of many competitions and projects including the Artur Rubinstein Philharmonic Hall in Lodz, and as project team leader was responsible for the award-winning OPUS Film building in Lodz. Since 2004, he has worked at the Krakow-based architectural studio Ingrden&Ewy Architekci, where, as a lead architect, he participated in the implementation of winning competition projects. He is currently an architect and member of the management board at Bogucki Urbanowicz Architekci. Member of the management board of SARP Krakow Branch.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of a project? Please briefly justify your answer.
Yes, this will help stabilize the design market and help architects ensure the quality of their services.
How much should the minimum rate without industry professionals be per square meter for multifamily residential architecture?
This should be based on a percentage of the estimated development cost per square meter and be in accordance with the rates set by the chamber's price list, and be no less than the price list states.
How much should be the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for single-family houses?
This should be based on a percentage of the estimated development cost per square meter, and should be in accordance with the rates set by the chamber's price list, and be no less than the price list states.
How much should be the minimum rate without industry professionals per square meter for office buildings?
This should be based on a percentage of the estimated investment cost per square meter, and be in accordance with the rates set by the chamber's price list, and be no less than the price list states.
How much should be the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for buildings and public spaces?
This should be based on a percentage of the estimated investment cost per square meter, and be in accordance with the rates set by the chamber's price list, and be no less than the price list states.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to work out favorable salaries for architects?
According to the chamber price list.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions to deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
Yes.
Piotr URBANOWICZ
Architect
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