SLIA Part II cheat sheet

Architectural Design and Practice (SLIA Part II)

• Professional registration pathway in Sierra Leone: SLIA Part II follows Part I (accredited degree) plus a documented period of practical experience; Part III is the final professional interview/examination stage. Confirm current experience duration and logbook format with the SLIA Secretariat, as these are set by regulation, not by the exam text.

• Practice-entity rules: an architectural practice is registered with SLIA, and only registered architects may sign and seal architectural drawings for statutory submission; unregistered staff may produce drawings but cannot certify them.

• Statutory approval sequence for most projects: planning permission (local authority/physical planning) → building plan approval → construction. Work started without approval is liable to stop notice or demolition order; architects should record approvals in writing before issuing construction information.

• RIBA-style plan of work stages map to SLIA practice: briefing, concept, developed design, technical design, tender, construction, handover. Fee percentages scale inversely with project complexity and repeat-work factor; typical full-service fees range broadly 6–12% of construction cost, with higher percentages on small or bespoke projects.

• Area and cost metrics: gross internal floor area (GIFA) is measured to the internal face of external walls; plot ratio = GIFA ÷ site area; site coverage = footprint ÷ site area. Both are capped by local planning regulations, so verify limits with the planning authority for the specific zone.

• Contract basics in common use: JCT and FIDIC families are widely adopted in Sierra Leone and the region. Key distinctions - lump sum vs remeasurement, with/without design responsibility, and named vs nominated subcontractors - determine the architect's risk exposure as contract administrator.

• Architect's duties as contract administrator: issue instructions in writing, certify payment and practical completion, value variations, and determine extensions of time fairly. Certifying without inspecting, or issuing oral instructions, is a common professional-negligence and disciplinary trigger.

• Professional liability and indemnity: maintain professional indemnity cover for the practice, keep appointment agreements in writing (scope, fee, limitation of liability), and retain project records for the limitation period. Copyright in drawings remains with the architect unless assigned in writing.

• Site and technical controls: building set-backs, height limits, plot ratio, parking provision, and fire escape distances are the planning/technical checks most often failed at submission. Verify current numeric limits with the relevant Sierra Leone ministry or council before design freeze.