B U I L D I N G M A N A G E M E N T

COMPARISON BETWEEN RIBA & COA

COA: The Council of Architecture, India has prescribed the Schedule of Services based on
general practice of the profession in India. It is a detailed account of the services rendered
by an Architect during the various stages of construction. These are applicable to all
registered Architects and such Architects who have specialized in areas such as Structural
Design, Urban Design, City Planning, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture and
Architectural Conservation.

RIBA: The Royal Institute of British Architects is a professional body for architects in the
United Kingdom. It involves two stages, i.e., Appraisal and Design Brief. Appraisal involves
identification of client's needs and objectives, business case and possible constraints as well
as preparation of feasibility studies and assessment of options. Design Brief stage involves
preparing an initial statement of requirements, constraints, identification of procurement
method, procedures, organisational structure, range of consultants and others to be
engaged in the project.

The Outline Plan of Work organizes the process of managing and designing building
projects and administering building contracts into a number of key work stages.

Stage 1| Clients Brief:

Both RIBA and COA prescribe identification of clients’ needs and objectives, business case
and possible constraints on development as the first step.
COA examines the site constraints and potential, the Codes, Legislation and standards,
acquaints the Client with the Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Charges and prepares
in agreement with the Client, a program of requirements before the concept designing. The
Architect is paid a Retainer (Advance) of Rs. 20,000/- or 5% of the total fees payable,
whichever is higher, as a token of Intent as per COA norms.

Stage 2| Concept Design:

COA guides the architect to prepare a complete report on site evaluation, survey of site and
soil tests and then prepare preliminary conceptual designs to explain his understanding of
the Client’s requirements. The architect also prepares a rough estimate of the cost of the
project on the basis of the area. Under no circumstance does the architect guarantee such
estimate of cost. 10% of the total fees payable is paid to the Architect at this stage.
While RIBA focuses on implementation of Design Brief and preparation of additional data
preparation of Concept Design including outline proposals for structural and building
services systems (which are not done at this stage in case of COA), outline specifications and
preliminary cost plan. Review of procurement route is again done.
Stage 3| Preliminary Design and Drawing:

While RIBA tells the architect to develop the concept design to include structural and
building services systems,
COA tells to prepare the preliminary drawings, sketches, study model etc. for the Client’s
approval. The fees payable to the Architect at this stage is 20% of the total fees payable, less
the payment made at previous stage 2 in case of COA.

Stage 4| Drawings for Clients / Statutory Approvals:

Both RIBA and COA prepare drawings for approval from statutory authorities at this stage
where the Architect incorporates the Client’s suggestions prepares drawings necessary for
approval from the Client / statutory authorities.
The fees payable to the Architect at this stage is 35% of the total fees payable, less the
payment made at previous stages 2 and 3as per COA.

Stage 5| Working Drawings and Tender Documents:

After preparing the drawings, tender has been called out and in both the outline architects
Invite, receive and analyze tenders; advise Client on appointment of contractors.

Stage 6| Construction:

In both the system, contractors are given the contracts by client and the architects are there
for Administration of the building contract to Practical Completion by approving samples of
various elements and components, visiting the site of work, inspecting and evaluating the
construction works and where necessary clarifying any decision.
A Certificate of Virtual Completion of works is issued as per COA after construction is
completed.

Stage 7| Completion:

COA tells the Architect to prepare and submit completion reports and drawings for the
project as required, assist the Client in obtaining Completion or Occupation Certificate from
the Statutory Authorities wherever required and issue two sets of as-built drawings
including services and structures.
While RIBA focuses on assisting building user during initial occupation period and reviewing
of project performance in use.

SURJMANI LAISHRAM
A/ 1971/ 2007
4TH Yr. B. Arch (B)
SPA, New Delhi