Professional Practice
What the domain tests
Professional Practice tests the architect's appointment, scope, fees, liability, site role and records. It asks what a reasonable architect would do, not just what the client wants.
Core rules
- Registration: only a PCATP-registered architect or firm should use the protected title and certify architectural work. Keep registration and firm details current.
- Appointment: use a written agreement covering scope, deliverables, timeline, fee basis, reimbursables, termination and dispute resolution. Fee may be a percentage of cost, a lump sum or time-based; state the basis clearly.
- Stages: schematic design, design development, tender documents, construction documents, tender action, construction administration and handover. Each stage has defined deliverables.
- Duties: exercise skill and care, coordinate consultants, visit the site at agreed intervals, issue instructions through the contract, and certify payment honestly. Do not guarantee the contractor's workmanship.
- Liability and ethics: maintain professional indemnity where available, respect confidentiality, avoid conflicts and state copyright and licence terms for drawings.
Worked example
An agreed fee is PKR 4.0 million, split 20% schematic, 30% design development, 40% construction documents and 10% construction administration. After design development the architect has earned 0.8 + 1.2 = PKR 2.0 million plus reimbursables. If the client terminates for convenience, the architect should claim earned fees and documented demobilization costs, not the unpaid later stages.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing fee with construction cost. Certifying payment without site knowledge. Accepting instructions directly from the contractor. Practising without registration. Failing to document changes and decisions.