Hi All, 

Newbie here who occasionally checks out Archinect for discussions.

I go to university once a week after work to gear up for my Part 3. I am currently investigating the similarities and differences are between the system of architectural practice here in the UK with another country.

So far I have gathered that the Italian and Polish systems are very similar.

If experiences of the UK and other countries, can you help and share what you feel we can adopt for ourselves to improve the UK system??

For example... 

- How does the architect define their role?

- What powers does the architect have?

- What are the modes of procurement/tender/contract?

- At what stage of a project is an architect appointed?

- Do architects present themselves in a specific way/attitude to clients and builders? How involved are they?

- What percentage of a project goes to architect's fees? Due to the amount of personnel involved our fees here are as little as 5% now.

- What payment structures are there?

- Is it normal to use different architects for design and delivery?

- What assurances are given to the Client (guarantees of Cost, Schedule, or Insurance)? 

- What procedures are in place if the architect needs more time and more money?

Happy to open up this discussion and look hearing from you.

Jas