New SIA blueprint drives awareness and change in architecture

New framework from the Singapore Institute of Architects prompts industry adaptation.

The Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) recently introduced a blueprint aimed at addressing long standing issues in the architecture profession, such as low wages, long hours, and high stress. Launched on May 16, the blueprint seeks to reshape the industry by promoting greater awareness and providing tools to better calculate project timelines and costs.

Ar. Jireh Lee, Associate at DP Architects, believes the blueprint is already making a difference. “What I can see changing or gaining traction is increased awareness,” said Lee. He pointed out that the blueprint has sparked more conversations around issues like fee diving, lower wages, and "brain drain," topics that were not commonly discussed in the industry until recent years. 

Lee noted that the blueprint helps architects and clients understand the complexities behind pricing structures. “Architects will be able to better explain the design choices and project impacts to clients, improving trust and transparency,” he explained. For younger architects, the blueprint also highlights the importance of understanding the business aspects of the profession, beyond just design.

Shaziran Shahabdeen, Associate at RSP Architects, shared a similar view but cautioned that it is still early to gauge the full impact. “The Blueprint was only recently announced in May 2024, so it is still too early to see the effects, and it's still a work in progress,” said Shahabdeen.

In response to the new guidelines, architecture firms are beginning to adjust their practices. DP Architects, for instance, has implemented professional development courses and training to align with the blueprint’s requirements. “This allows us to be clear on the core and specialised services that we are providing and better position ourselves when communicating with clients,” Ar. Lee said.

RSP Architects, on the other hand, has long maintained a robust framework for adopting best practices in fee structuring. Shahabdeen noted that the blueprint reinforces what RSP has been doing for over six decades. Shahabdeen believes that by tackling the issue of low fees, the firm can also address related challenges like low wages and brain drain.

The blueprint is also prompting firms to refine their design expertise. DP Architects has used the blueprint to enhance their project and design management frameworks. “The Blueprint reinforces some of these workflows, but also allows us to fine-tune others which could have been outdated,” Ar. Lee noted.

For RSP Architects, the blueprint aligns with their commitment to innovation and sustainability in design. “We take on challenging projects that constantly push boundaries,” said Shahabdeen, highlighting the firm’s focus on human-centric and sustainable designs. “Adopting a robust fee structure framework will illustrate the breadth of responsibilities and liabilities that we as architects face in every project,” he emphasised.