Scope creep, low fees prompted new blueprint for architects

New framework from the Singapore Institute of Architects aims to ensure fair compensation.

The Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) has recently unveiled a new blueprint designed to tackle key challenges within the architecture profession in Singapore. Launched as a "value articulation framework," the blueprint aims to address issues of declining fees, talent retention, and the scope of work that architects are often required to undertake without proper compensation.

Ar. Melvin Tan, President of the SIA, discussed the motivations behind the blueprint’s creation. “The whole market has been concerned with talent attraction and retention, and the idea of fees has always been an issue,” said Tan. “The decline of fees has been that main point. So that stirred us, or spurred the Singapore Institute of Architects to really develop something, what we call the blueprint.” 

The blueprint provides a detailed record of all the types of work and the full scope of responsibilities that architects undertake for each project. It also documents the liabilities and responsibilities of qualified architects, making it clear what is expected from them. This effort is intended to help both architects and clients better understand the value of architectural services, ensuring that architects are fairly compensated for the work they perform.

A significant challenge the blueprint aims to tackle is the issue of scope creep. “Scope creep can happen in small amounts. Can happen on a large scale,” he said. Tan provided an example where an architect is engaged for a project but is then asked to attend every meeting with other sub-consultants, increasing the workload significantly. 

The blueprint addresses these issues by articulating the additional tasks architects may be asked to perform, which are often not included in the initial fee agreements. “If you take that into consideration over a period of six years or 10 years, where a project takes to happen, it could amount to quite a bit,” Tan noted. The framework aims to allow architects to “either right price their fees, get commensurate fees, or be paid additional fees for additional work.”

The initial response from the architecture community has been positive. Tan noted that the media has recognized the blueprint as a potential solution to prevent fee diving in the industry. “I’m glad to say that the media has taken it up, saying that the Singapore Institute of Architects blueprint might be a way to thwart fee diving in the industry,” Tan stated.

He also mentioned that other professional associations, including those for engineers and consultants, are considering adopting similar frameworks to protect their trades. Additionally, public sector and government agencies are looking at the blueprint as a way to ensure fair fees. “Everyone acknowledges that the fees today perhaps are a little low and won’t be sustainable in the long run for Singapore,” Tan concluded.