Design Brief and Contract

Writing the Design Brief

How to Start a Building Project in Spain

The Design Brief, also called Project Brief, must be written prior to the appointment of the Architectural Practice. The writer may be you or an expert employed specially to fulfill this task. For large projects you may require the expert advice of your architect to compile the brief.

Compiling the Design Brief

The Design Brief is a written document, which will be translated spatially and technically by your architect. It doesn’t need to fix the form of the design but instead to provide a clear framework for the development of a design that meets your needs and aspirations.

A good, thorough brief will form the basis of the professional agreement you sign with your architect. Clarity on services, costs, timings and procedures is vital to the relationship. The principle aim of the Design Brief is to communicate your expectations to your architect. The brief should provide a coherent description of the project, which can be understood by all those likely to use it. It should clearly identify the objectives and main priorities of the project. It will need to articulate your specific needs and aspirations as a client and also the issues relating to the site and situation which you wish your architect to address and respond to in his design.

Every Brief should set out:

• the mission
• the objectives
• performance requirements and measures
• priorities
• management decisions and responsibilities
• timeframe
• who is expected to respond.

Architecture Contract

Your architect will define and record the terms of your agreement provide professional services.

The contract will be a form of agreement designed for use on projects. It should comprise a short menu of services and a sheet of conditions relevant to the appointment. Ask your architect to run through it with you.

Starting the Project

Once you have your practice signed up, the project can start. Your architect can advise you on all the issues regarding planning approval, building regulations and health and safety legislation, and will offer to deal with the various authorities on your behalf. Once planning approval is granted, he will be able to recommend the most appropriate form of building contract and prepare drawings of the agreed proposals for builders to cost. Once work on-site is underway, he can take on the role of monitoring the standard, efficiency and cost of the builder’s work.

Daniel Trujillano, Architect
http://www.arquitectotrujillano.com/home.html
Architectural Services for Building Projects