RIBA domestic professional services contract: architectural services
The 2020 RIBA domestic professional services contract is suitable where the architect/consultant undertakes a commission for architectural services on domestic projects for a consumer client.
It can be used for work on the client’s own home, including renovations, extensions, maintenance and new buildings in their own name.
Buy a domestic professional services contract
It is legally advisable that both parties to the contract each have an original signed version.
You will need to buy two paper copies.
RIBA Chartered Members and RIBA Chartered Practices receive a £10 discount on all digital RIBA Contracts purchased.
Review the specimen copy of this contract.
Alternative contracts
- For the client to start work as a limited company or legal entity, use the RIBA concise professional services contract
Key updates for 2020 edition
This 2020 edition of the RIBA domestic professional services contract has been updated to fit with the revised RIBA Plan of Work.
We have also reviewed some of the standard clauses so they are clearer and easier to understand.
Other changes include:
- More detailed guidance on the signing and witnessing contracts
- More detailed guidance on the various forms of dispute resolution – mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation
- Adding a field for the architect/consultant to state who their internal complaints contact is (in line with the requirements of the ARB and RIBA codes of conduct)
- Additional requirements for the architect/consultant to set out their professional indemnity insurance cover for cladding and fire related issues and/or other material exclusions or restrictions, that might be relevant to the project
- Removing the clause stating that the architect/consultant had to obtain written consent from the client to publish photographs and other information relating to the project (subject to the standard confidentiality conditions)
- Adding a new clause in the Fees section stating that if the client instructs for a reduction in the project brief, which in turn reduces the construction cost, the figure to which the percentage basic fee shall be applied, up to the date of instruction, shall be the estimate of the construction cost, or the lowest acceptable tender, at the time of the instruction
- Adding a new clause in the Fees section stating that if the client instructs for a reduction in the project brief, which in turn reduces the construction cost, the figure to which the percentage basic fee shall be applied, up to the date of instruction, shall be the estimate of the construction cost, or the lowest acceptable tender, at the time of the instruction
