Architectural practices are increasingly providing diversified services to clients. However, when offering services beyond that which has traditionally been provided by architectural firms or when differing fields of expertise are introduced into a practice either through training or recruitment, architectural practices should pay particular attention to the following:
- Do you have the necessary education, experience and resources to perform the role in a professional manner?
- Is the role and service clearly defined?
- Will you be appropriately compensated for the services?
- Is the non-standard service subject to additional legislation and regulations that you are unfamiliar with?
- Do you understand the responsibilities and potential liabilities?
- Is there greater inherent risk above that of a standard architectural service?
Does your professional indemnity insurance cover the service and potential liabilities involved? Advice should be obtained from your professional indemnity insurance prior to agreeing to the provision of additional services beyond what you may have traditionally offered.
