11/08/2020
PROFESSIONAL FEES FOR ARCHITECTS AND OTHER DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS.
The information below is given as a guidance only, and is based on minimum recommended fees as prescribed by law in Kenya. There may be differences in the market due to scale and complexity of a particular project, and in the specialization and/or experience level of the consultant.
PHYSICAL PLANNER
physical planner is a very important person in any development. He will advise on the viability of the project in an area as per the zoning of that area or Physical development plan of that given area. If the project requires a change of use the physical planner will do the work and facilitate for approval.
ARCHITECT
The architect is the head of the design and development team of the project whose duties among others include: giving advice to the Client; interpreting the Client’s brief; preparation of architectural drawings for purposes of Client approval, local authority approval, other consultant’s input and for construction purposes. The Architect is also duty bound to undertake pre-contract, contract and post-contract project administration. The scale of fees is based on that stipulated by CAP 525 of the Laws of Kenya that govern the practices of Architects and Quantity Surveyors, viz.
Professional fees: 6% of the total cost of construction + 16% V.A.T.
Reimbursement Costs: These will be costs incurred directly by the Architect in the performance of his duties and will include, but not necessarily limited to the following: mileage, accommodation out of town, lithographic costs for printing and photocopy, postage, telephone and fax, etc.
QUANTITY SURVEYOR (QS)
The QS prepares project cost and budgetary estimates under the direction of the Architect. Based on all Consultants’ input the QS will prepare both itemized quantities and commensurate costs pertaining to the project throughout the development of the project from inception to completion. The scale of fees for QS’s is also based on Cap 525, thus.
Professional fees: 3 1/2 % of the total cost of construction + 16% V.A.T. Reimbursement Costs: Same provisions as for the Architect.
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Irrespective of whether the Architect is also the Interior Designer or not the costs of interior design works will be separated from the architectural works and will comprise interior finishes, fittings, components, hard and soft furnishings. CAP 525 also guides the interior design fees as follows:
Professional fees: 12% of the total cost of interior design works + 16% V.A.T. Reimbursement costs: Same provisions as for the Architect
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
The Architect can still apply his skills in landscape design competently but if someone else is commissioned to perform the consultancy then that professional will work under the direction of the Architect. This consultancy service involves the design of external architectural landscape features that include gardens, gazebos, walkways, footbridges, fountains, fishponds, as well as swimming pools and internal paved vehicular movement. CAP 525 still guides the fee structure of the Landscape Architect and is based on the total cost of construction.
Professional fees: In accordance with the scale of professional charges of the Institute of Landscape Architects. Reimbursement costs: Same provisions as for the Architect.
CIVIL ENGINEER
The Civil Engineer will design and supervise all civil works that include roads, provision of potable water and adequate sanitation. The fees here are based on the scale issued by the Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
Professional fees: 1 1/2% of the total cost of Civil Engineering works + 16% V.A.T. Reimbursement costs: Same as that for Architects.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
This Engineer will design the structural stability of all structures within the project and supervise the construction of the structural part of the work that will include foundations, columns, beams, floor slabs, etc. The IEK fee guide will also be used here.
Professional fees: 3% of the total cost of structural works + 16% V.A.T. Reimbursement costs: Same as that for Architects.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Internal plumbing and drainage works including design and/or advice on choice of sanitary fittings and air conditioning systems are all part of the services performed by the Mechanical Engineer in accordance with the IEK guide on service and scale of fees.
Professional fees: 1% of the total cost of mechanical costs + 16% V.A.T. Reimbursement costs: Same as that of Architects.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
The Engineer here will design all electrical layouts, fittings, including all power requirements for the uninterrupted enjoyment of the facilities. The IEK guide on services and fee structure is also used here.
Professional fees: 1% of the total cost of electrical costs + 16% V.A.T. Reimbursement costs: Same as that of Architects.
For a detailed breakdown of the electrical engineer fee, read, “The Cost of an Electrical Building Services Engineer”
FACILITIES MANAGER
This is basically the Estate Manager who will have the task of preparing a maintenance schedule and overseeing its implementation. The Client has the option of employing one under contract as Resident Manager or by commissioning an Estate Manager whose fees are guided by the Institute of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK).
Professional fees: 1.6% of cost of the development + 16% V.A.T. Reimbursement costs: Same as that for Architects.
LAND SURVEYOR
The Land Surveyor will be required at the very onset of the project and in fact his services are a pre-requisite to any design consultancy on project. He will prepare site documentation including topographical and cadastral surveys, G.P.S. of the site and any sub-divisions to be undertaken.
Professional fees: 1.6% of cost of the development + 16% V.A.T. Reimbursement costs: Same as that for Architects.
PROJECT INITIATION
The process of project initiation involves commissioning the following professionals for that specific said task: The Architect, QS and Land Surveyor. The Architect will undertake a feasibility study in liaison with the QS based on the Client’s brief and the context of the site prepared by the Land Surveyor.
The Report will basically expound further the Client brief vis-à-vis the interpretation of the Land Surveyor’s site documentation leading to the preparation of small-scale architectural layouts for purposes of Client approval. At this particular stage the fee for professional services rendered by the above said consultants will be:
Architect: 1% of total estimated cost of construction + 16% V.A.T.
QS: 1/2 % ditto
Land Surveyor: 1/2 % ditto
Reimbursement costs: These will be costs incurred directly by the Architect in the performance of his duties and will include, but not necessarily limited to the following: mileage, accommodation out of town, lithographic costs for printing and photocopy, postage, telephone and fax, etc.
