RIBA’s new Professional Services Contracts (PSCs) are the essential, customisable contracts to make the appointment of architectural services easier and more efficient. Replacing the current RIBA Agreement documents, RIBA PSCs have now been launched.
RIBA Executive Director, Adrian Dobson commented: “Professional codes of conduct require that a proper written appointment is in place before work is commenced for any client. Getting this key document right, including the schedules of services and fee arrangements, is critical to meeting your professional obligations, safeguarding your business aspirations and managing your legal liabilities. The RIBA Professional Services Contracts offer flexibility and innovation within the tried, trusted and tested framework that has evolved to reflect changes in legislation, case law and best practice.”
The five new documents cater to all requirements and provide comprehensive terms suitable where the architect or consultant undertakes a commission for architectural services.
As it is legally advisable that both parties have original signed copies of contracts, RIBA PSCs can be tailored and prepared online so that final copies can be issued to each party at no extra cost. While they will also be available in print format, generating them online allows professionals to create, alter, manage and view all contracts in one secure location before printing the final document.
The new suite has been specifically written to integrate with the RIBA Building Contracts and the RIBA Plan of Work 2013. Key changes that the RIBA PSCs introduce include clauses regarding novation, insurance, dispute resolution, a simplified fees and charges and redrafted schedules of services. Architects liability sections have also been amended so that liability is limited to the projects at hand, while net contribution has been re-introduced.
Ben Derbyshire, President of the RIBA said: “‘The success of these evergreen contracts for smaller works and the practical relationships they describe makes them lastingly popular. I congratulate the team for these most recent updates and I am proud as President of the RIBA to endorse their use by members and others to deliver excellence in service to our clients.”
RIBA Professional Services Contracts are available through https://www.architecture.com/ribacontracts
