RIBA has now launched a complete digital suite of 2024 editions of the Professional Services Contracts. The outgoing 2020 editions have been updated across the board, reflecting legislative and regulatory changes and the introduction of the UK’s new building safety regime.
All of the new digital RIBA contracts are available through RIBA Contracts Digital, the online platform where you can effectively manage all of your contracts online.
It’s time to take a look at what’s available and why the contracts help members across the board.
Are there any brand new RIBA contracts in this round of updates?
There is only one brand new contract this year, the Building Regulations Principal Designer Professional Services Contract 2024 for the appointment of a Principal Designer under Part 2A of the Building Regulations, the statutory dutyholder role required under the new building regulations regime.
The new contract is suitable for commissions procured through any form of procurement for commercial projects of any value, including design and build pre-novation.
Though written specifically to integrate with the RIBA suite of Professional Services Contracts, it can be used where building works will be carried out using bespoke or other standard forms of building contract. It is not suitable for domestic projects where work is undertaken for a consumer client.
There is also an amended RIBA CDM Regulations Principal Designer Professional Services Contract 2020 (2024 Amendment) contract, which has been revised to eliminate any potential confusion over the term ‘Principal Designer’ now that the term can apply to quite separate appointments under CDM Regulations or Building Regulations.
What are the new editions?
The other Professional Services Contracts, , which have been amended for 2024 are fully revised to include and comply with the requirements of the Building Safety Act are:
Standard
RIBA Standard Professional Services Contract 2020 (2024 Amendment)
Suitable where the architect/consultant undertakes a commission for architectural services on projects for a business client or public authority using a traditional form of procurement.
It is suitable for larger, more complex commercial projects and provides a comprehensive set of contract terms, including a clear set of roles and associated services.
Client Adviser
RIBA Client Adviser Professional Services Contract 2020 (2024 Amendment)
Devised as an agreement between a client adviser and a business client or public authority. Appointed directly by the client, and separate to the design team, client advisers are highly trained, experienced architects, and offer independent and strategic advice and guidance.
Concise
RIBA Concise Professional Services Contract 2020 (2024 Amendment)
Suitable where the architect/consultant undertakes a commission for architectural services on simple, non-complex, commercial projects for a business client or public authority.
Suitable where the architect/consultant undertakes a commission for architectural services on simple, non-complex, commercial projects for a business client or public authority.
RIBA BIID Concise Professional Services Contract 2020 – Interior Design Services (2024 Amendment)
Suitable where the interior designer undertakes a commission for interior design services on simple, non-complex, commercial projects for a business client or public authority.
Subconsultant
RIBA Subconsultant Professional Services Contract 2020 (2024 Amendment)
Suitable where the architect/consultant wishes, or is required, by the client to appoint a subconsultant to carry out part of the architect/consultant’s services. It can be used for both commercial and non-commercial work, but only when the client is a commercial client.
Domestic
RIBA Domestic Professional Services Contract 2020 (2024 Amendment)
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.
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.
RIBA BIID Domestic Professional Services Contract 2020 – Interior Design Services (2024 Amendment)
Suitable where the interior designer undertakes a commission for interior design 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.
All of the 2024 editions of Professional Services Contracts are available only as digital contracts at RIBA Contracts Digital except for the new Building Regulations Principal Designer Contract 2024, Standard Professional Services Contract 2020 (2024 Amendment), and Domestic Professional Services Contract 2020 (2024 Amendment), which are only available in paper versions (it is legally advisable that both parties each have an original signed version of this contract).
Read more about RIBA Professional Services Contracts and find out which one is right for you
Text by Neal Morris. This is a Professional Feature edited by RIBA Practice team. Send us your feedback and ideas
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