Hi.

Things to you need to check:

• Does your fee proposal refer to an agreed value?
• For what RIBA stages does your fee proposal cover?
• Have you agreed fees beyond tender?

Normally I would agree RIBA stages A-E percentage fees based on an agreed construction value, at the start of the project. This building value would be used as a basis for all consultants fees. Generally if this price remains relatively unchanged through out stages A-E we would not adjust our fees. This allows for relatively minor price fluctuations and also development of design and of the cost plan.

The fees would then be broken down into monthly charges for the client.

If the construction value then increases, it could be argued that this would involve more work, therefore a greater fee. The adjustment in fee would be agreed with the client and from this point of increased value onwards the monthly invoice would reflect this.

If the construction value decreases, it could be argued that it is less work, but it may also involve changes to reduce the value so there may or may not be a fee reduction.

In your case the building value has been determined at tender, therefore depending on your procurement route you should have at least made it to RIBA stage E, or on a traditional contract Stage G, without having to reduce your fee. As you have rightly stated, your input has not changed therefore your fee should not change.

Normally fees aren't agreed from Stage A-L, as the procurement route is not always known. We normally review the fees at Stage E, so we can take into account the procurement route, the type of documentation we need to produce for tender, and the time we need to allow for on site. Again, if this was agreed at Stage E, based on a certain value, then again you would be okay until completion.

The RIBA 'Standard Conditions of Appointment for an Architect' states "Where the Project is for construction works, the Relevant Cost is the latest professionally prepared estimate approved by the Client, or the final agreed cost of the elements, specified elsewhere in the Agreement, for which the Architect performs services. Where no such cost is approved it is a fair and reasonable amount."

If unsure, discuss the way forward with your Client, emphasising that if your input has not changed, therefore your fees should not change. Make sure you always understand your fee agreement before you enter into it and make sure you get any adjustments to this original agreement in writing.

Goodluck.