Notices :

Annual update of the Professional Fees Guideline 2011/2012 issued in terms of Section 34(2) of the Architectural Professional Act, Act No 44 of 2000

Framework for the Professional Fees Guideline in respect of services rendered by person(s) registered in terms of the Architectural Profession Act, No 44 of 2000.

The Framework gives the context for the application of the Professional Fees Guideline which is published in Board Notice 173 of 2010 and supersedes the Board Notice of 161 of 2001.

Please note that Board Notice 195 of 2011 is applicable from 01 January 2012.

Kindly click on the link below to view:

Annual update of the Professional Fees Guideline 2011/2012

Contact: Asa at 0214247128 or mail info@cifa.org.za

85m² Mezzanine, seperate entrance, shared roof deck facility and central position close to Wembley Square – Rental negotiable

Contact: Ben Kotlowitz at 0214655728

The Cape Institute for Architecture (CIA) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence.

Members who voluntarily enrol with the CIA are required to uphold and subscribe to these objectives and, within the built environment, to strive to improve the standards of health and safety for the protection and welfare of all members of society and to enhance with their professional skills, the natural environment to the benefit of all.

Members of the CIA, registered as Professional Architects, Senior Architectural Technologists, Architectural Technologists and Architectural Draughtspersons, are educated and trained to provide leadership, critical judgement, specialist knowledge, skills and aptitude, for the design and development of the built environment.

The CIA Code of Ethics establishes principles for the conduct of Members in pursuance of these goals.

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The CIA Code of Ethics consists of two sections:

PART A: The Code of Conduct

PART B: Procedures for Enquiry into Allegations of Breach of the Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is arranged in three sections:

Principles are broad principles of ethical conduct.

Rules are mandatory: violation of a rule is grounds for disciplinary action by the CIA.

Notes serve as commentary to assist members in complying with the Code and those charged with the enforcement of the Rules. (The Notes do not form part of the Rules).

The Code addresses the responsibilities of all Members in following their professional duties to:

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  The public which the profession serves and the environment which the profession strives to enrich;
  
  


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  The clients and users of architecture;
  
  


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  Other members of the architectural profession;
  
  


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  The promotion of the art and science of architecture– that continuum of knowledge and creation which is the heritage and legacy of the profession; and
  
  


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  Contractors, consultants, members of the public and other third parties affected by their work.
  
  

Part A of the Code can be downloaded here.

Part B is available on request. Email info@cifa.org.za

Contact: Asa at 0214247128 or mail info@cifa.org.za

The amended CIA Constitution can be downloaded here.

The attention of members is drawn to Clause 2 of Annexure ´E´ entitled Future Amendments to this Constitution.

Contact: Asa at 0214247128 or mail info@cifa.org.za

Fees schedule applicable from 1 January 2011

To download the recommended Tariff of Fees for Architectural services rendered, click here.

Contact: Asa at 021-4247128 or mail info@cifa.org.za

We have received a number of queries from members regarding the suffixes to be used after their names and the order thereof.

The correct order is: Name, qualifications (optional), SACAP Registration, SAIA Membership, Regional suffix (optional), other voluntary membership.

eg. Joe Soap, B.Arch (UCT), Pr.Arch, MIArch, CIA, RIBA

Contact: Asa at 021-424 7128 or mail info@cifa.org.za

+– 60m2 office space to share or subdivide in historic building in Cape Town CBD with shared receptionist & cleaning with use of kitchen: R2 250– 3 750 inclusive of services depending on m2 required. AC and telephone excluded

Contact: greg Meager at 072 867 8767 or mail gregmeager@vodamail.co.za

South African architects and other built environment disciplines are increasingly active outside the country´s borders.

Projects which fall outside the sphere of experience or competence of local architects, elsewhere, have often in the past been undertaken by architectural practices in Europe and America. South African architects have been found to have a level of skill, which is to some extent comparable and which has opened up opportunities.

There are substantial issues which need to be taken into consideration before embarking on a venture abroad:

Registration. Whilst there are some countries where the rules are lax, it must be ascertained whether there are legal issues regarding professional registration which have to be complied with before one is permitted to undertake architectural work of any description. Often, it is best to enter into a form of relationship with a local practice to ensure compliance.

Client/architect form of agreement. Legal systems are different for each country and work in Africa would expose one to the legal worlds of the British, Francophone and Portuguese heritage. The appropriate law needs to be clarified and understood by a practitioner engaged in such work outside South Africa.

Scope of work and fees. Fee scales elsewhere are often much lower than in South Africa. The scope of work is, however, also different. Careful attention to this aspect needs to be given as this is an area where major misunderstandings can arise, even when working with seasoned developers.

Monetary issues. The amount and timing of fees charged and method of payment needs to be defined carefully. Certain countries have a withholding tax structure. Some of these but not all have a reciprocal arrangement with the South African Revenue Service, which prevents double taxation. The currency applicable needs to be determined as there are risks associated with currency fluctuations. This has been quite dramatic at times in the recent past. Contracts have to be entered into correctly, to ensure that the VAT issue is clear. A portion of up–front fee payment is often acceptable on the continent and needs to be negotiated.

Technical documentation. Products, processes and codes used in Africa are often substantially different to those used in South Africa and very careful attention has to be given to the understanding of applicable requirements and preparation of appropriate and comprehensive documentation.

Risk. PI insurers want to know the detail of one´s involvement outside South Africa. A practitioner working outside South Africa needs to have an understanding of the potential costs of litigation outside the country and the ability to ensure for these costs.

Enjoyment. It can be very stimulating to work in different environments and work with other professionals on the continent. Friendships are made and ones horizon is broadened. We believe that it is important for South African architects to be part of an African Renaissance and to conduct themselves in accordance with our local code of ethics, for the furtherance of the profession and ultimately the development of our continent in a positive way. The above notes provide a very brief and generalised glimpse into the topic of providing a service abroad.

Contact: Asa Gordon at 021-424 7128 or mail info@cifa.org.za

Fees schedule applicable from 1 February 2010

To download the recommended Tariff of Fees for Architectural services rendered, click here.

Contact: Asa at 021-4247128 or mail info@cifa.org.za