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RIBA Subconsultant Professional Services Contract

The RIBA Subconsultant Professional Services Contract 2020 (2024 Amendment) is suitable where the architect/consultant wishes, or is required, by the client to appoint a subconsultant to carry out part of the architect/consultant’s services. It can be used for both commercial and non-commercial work, but only when the client is a commercial client.

The revised edition is now available as a digital contract. All RIBA digital contracts include e-signature capability at no extra charge but can also be printed and signed by hand.

Buy a Subconsultant Professional Services Contract

It is legally advisable that both parties to the contract each have an original signed version.

RIBA Chartered Members receive a £10 discount on each RIBA digital contract purchased.

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Key updates for 2020 (2024 Amendment) edition

This 2020 edition of the RIBA Subconsultant Professional Services Contract has been updated to fit with the revised RIBA Plan of Work.

We have also reviewed some of the standard clauses so they are clearer and easier to understand.

Other changes include:

  • More detailed guidance on the signing and witnessing contracts
  • More detailed guidance on the various forms of dispute resolution: mediation, adjudication, arbitration and litigation
  • Adding a field for the architect/consultant to state who their internal complaints contact is (in line with the requirements of the ARB and RIBA codes of conduct)
  • Additional requirements for the architect/consultant to set out their professional indemnity insurance cover for cladding and fire related issues and/or other material exclusions or restrictions, that might be relevant to the project
  • Revising clauses on novation to include a new definition for contractor/new client, for when the architect/consultant is being novated across to the contractor on a design and build project
  • Removing clause stating that the architect/consultant had to obtain written consent from the client to publish photographs and other information relating to the project (subject to the standard confidentiality conditions)
  • Adding a new clause in the fees section which covers how fees should be calculated if the client asks for a reduction in the project brief

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