Architects may from time to time offer their services pro bono, whether generally – such as for community groups or communities and individuals in need – or in response to natural disasters such as bushfires. Pro bono services may be defined as professional services offered for free or at a substantially reduced fee to benefit the public good.
Before agreeing to pro bono work, and to provide to those most in need, the following should be considered:
- Does the prospective client have the financial capacity to engage an architect in the usual manner?
- In situations such as natural disasters, will the prospective client's insurance policies provide for full or partial fees for services?
- Has the prospective client exhausted all other avenues of financial assistance?
- Will the provision of architectural services produce a result which would not be achieved otherwise?