SPP Document 201
SPP Document 201 refers to the Standards of Professional Practice (SPP) on
Pre-Design Services for architects in the Philippines.
It replaced the 1979 UAP Doc. 201 and outlines the services an Architect provides
before the regular design process (schematic design, etc.) begins. These services are
critical for establishing the feasibility, scope, and requirements of a project before
significant resources are committed.
Core Principle
The main objective of SPP Doc 201 is to involve the Architect in the earliest stages of
the project. By doing so, the Architect can provide objective analysis to help the Client
balance their building needs with available resources and constraints.
Scope of Pre-Design Services
SPP Doc 201 details a specific list of services. These are not mutually exclusive; a
client may require one or a combination of them.
Consultation: Oral or written advice and direction, attending conferences, or
making evaluations and appraisals regarding a contemplated project.
Pre-Feasibility Studies: A preliminary assessment involving the procurement,
analysis, and use of secondary information (research data) to aid the Client in
early decision-making.
Feasibility Studies: A more detailed analysis to determine the viability of a
project. This sets the project against present and future trends to forecast how it
will perform over time.
Site Selection and Analysis: Assisting the Client in locating a site and
evaluating its adequacy based on topography, sub-surface conditions, utilities,
development costs, climate, and legal considerations.
Site Utilization and Land-Use Studies: detailed analysis of a site's
development potential. This covers the context of the site, its surrounding
environment, and applicable development controls (zoning).
Architectural Research: Primary and secondary research to assemble facts
needed for the project, which serves as the basis for conclusions and design
decisions.
Architectural Programming: Investigating, identifying, and documenting the
specific needs of the Client (e.g., room requirements, functional relationships)
for use in the design.
Space Planning: Determining the adequate size, configuration, and
assemblage of spaces. This involves studies of spatial layouts, often including
stacking concepts for multi-story structures.
Space Management Studies: Analyzing space requirements based on the
Client's organizational structure, functional setup, and human
behavior/transactional analysis.
Value Management: A cost-management technique to minimize the negative
effect of simplified operations associated with cost-reduction programs. The goal
is an unimpaired program at a minimum cost.
Design Brief Preparation: Stating the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the
project, including concepts, objectives, and other requirements needed to bid
out architectural services.
Promotional Services: generating financial support and acceptance from
governing agencies or the public (e.g., promotional brochures, drawings, or
models).
Manner of Providing Services
An Architect can render these services in three ways:
1. As an Individual: The Architect relies on their own special training and
knowledge.
2. Architect's Own Staff: The Architect utilizes their own in-house staff who may
have specialized skills.
3. By Association/Consultation: The Architect collaborates with other firms or
professionals (e.g., environmental planners, financial analysts) to provide the
required service.
Method of Compensation
Since pre-design services vary greatly in scope and duration, the compensation is
often different from the standard "Percentage of Project Cost" used in regular design.
Common methods include:
Multiple of Direct Personnel Expenses (MDPE):
o Formula: Direct Cost x Multiplier
o Direct Cost includes technical staff salaries (Architect, Consultants, Staff)
directly involved in the project.
o Multiplier (usually 1.5 to 2.5) covers overhead and profit.
Professional Fee Plus Expenses: A fixed professional fee plus reimbursement
for all direct and indirect expenses.
Lump Sum or Fixed Fee: A set amount agreed upon upfront (best when the
scope is very clearly defined).
Per Diem, Honorarium, & Reimbursable Expenses: For services requiring
personal time, such as attending meetings or site visits (e.g., consultation).
Mixed Methods: A combination of the above.