#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. Wojciech Krawczuk, president of SARP Poznań Branch, 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 Wojciech Krawczuk about architects' earnings.
Wojciech KRAWCZUK - President of SARP Poznań Branch, graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at Poznań University of Technology. He has many years of experience in designing and implementing architectural investments. As President of SARP Poznań Branch for the second term, he actively works for the quality of urban space and promotion of good practices in architecture. Involved in initiatives that bring together the community of architects, investors and local governments, supporting sustainable development and responsible design.
Should there be a guaranteed minimum rate per square meter of design? Please briefly justify your answer.
I don't know if the legislation will allow the introduction of a minimum price. Two decades ago, the Chamber of Architects had to withdraw from circulation the price list of minimum fees for architectural services and still paid a fine, because the OCCP considered it a practice restricting competition. This should certainly be talked about, including more widely outside the community. It should be shown how much such services cost, what is included in the price and what costs are incurred in connection with the order undertaken. This should be done among those ordering, as well as among those pricing, especially young architects and those underpricing. Going below certain amounts that allow architects and design offices to make a living should be a signal to everyone that such a service is risky, not only for the architect, but also for the investor and the project (investment) itself.
Tenders in which price is the dominant (or only) criterion need to be replaced by ones in which the lowest and highest prices are discarded, the bids submitted will then be unified, closer to the average. In such a situation, the contracting authority can be guided by qualitative selection. Selection according to the lowest price causes pathology - poor quality projects can be hidden behind a low amount and thus win orders, without investing in oneself and improving competence. Poor design means poor quality of the spaces and facilities in which we will live. Ultimately, the social and health costs are borne by all of us as beneficiaries for this state of affairs. The minimum price should also have a reference in the estimates for design work; if they are done without thought, it is hardly surprising that a contracting authority assumes it will allocate 20 million for construction, but receives bids for 150 million zlotys.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen be per square meter for multifamily residential architecture?
100-150 zlotys.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for single-family houses be?
200-300 zlotys.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for office buildings be?
100-150 zlotys.
How much should the minimum rate without tradesmen per square meter for buildings and public spaces be?
100-250 zlotys.
If the minimum rate should not be guaranteed, how to develop favorable wages for architects?
Through education in the community, based on the solidarity of this professional group.
Should architects as a professional group have trade unions that would deal only with the issue of architects' salaries?
I do not exclude such a solution. The Chamber is treated by its members similarly to the SARP, the members of the board act for the benefit of the environment, while the members are, as it were, next door - they contribute nothing, they get little out of it.
Wojciech KRAWCZUK
President of SARP Poznań Branch
more: A&B 4/2025 - RE-USE + architects' rates,
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