All sample legal documents

Architectural Appointment Agreement

A completed fictional RIBA-aligned architect appointment covering work stages, fees, budget, CDM role, copyright licence and PI cover.

Jurisdiction: England and Wales - completed fictional worked example

Download Sample

An editable Microsoft Word version is available from the interactive page.

Important: This sample provides general legal information only and is not legal advice. Check the law, prescribed forms and signing requirements that apply to your exact jurisdiction and circumstances before use.

# ARCHITECTURAL APPOINTMENT AGREEMENT

Date: 25 July 2029

Parties: Westmere Architects Ltd and Alder House Developments Ltd

## 1. Parties and purpose

Westmere Architects Ltd (Company No. 09853127), 12 Design Square, Bristol BS1 5TR, is appointed by Alder House Developments Ltd (Company No. 14672018) for the refurbishment and two-storey extension at 3 Elm Crescent, Bristol BS7 9LP. The appointment is aligned with RIBA principles but is not the RIBA standard form.

## 2. Scope, price and subject

Services cover RIBA Stages 1–4: brief and feasibility, concept design, spatial coordination, planning submission and technical design. Construction-stage inspection, contract administration and Stage 7 use services are excluded unless separately instructed. Westmere will identify assumptions and obtain Alder’s written approval at each stage gateway.

## 3. Operating duties

The fee is 8% of the certified construction cost, currently budgeted at £420,000, paid by stage percentages in Schedule 1. Alder pays approved planning fees, surveys and printing at cost. Westmere must warn Alder if the developing design appears likely to exceed the budget, but does not guarantee tender prices.

## 4. Compliance, records and controls

If appointed in writing, Westmere acts as principal designer under CDM Regulations 2015 for the pre-construction phase, coordinates pre-construction information and contributes to the health-and-safety file. Alder remains client under CDM 2015 and must appoint other dutyholders and provide information.

## 5. Term, ending and remedies

Westmere retains copyright in drawings and models under CDPA 1988. Once undisputed fees are paid, Alder receives an irrevocable, non-exclusive licence to use and reproduce deliverables for this site and project only; no reuse on another site, alteration by others or construction before payment is permitted without consent.

## 6. Liability and reservations

Westmere maintains £2 million professional-indemnity insurance for the appointment and uses reasonable skill and care. Either party may terminate on 30 days’ notice; Alder pays completed stages and approved expenses, and Westmere releases deliverables only to the extent paid, subject to a proportionate handover.

## 7. Governing law and signatures

English law governs. The parties first attempt senior negotiation and may use RIBA conciliation before the courts of England and Wales. Director Harriet Lowe and Alder’s director Samir Khan sign on 25 July 2029; planning approval, building regulations and contractor performance remain separate risks.

Create a version for your situation

Create a tailored Architectural Appointment