What type of agreement is needed between the Owner/Client and Architect before starting Pre-Design Services?

The appropriate agreement needed between the Owner/Client and Architect before starting Pre-Design Services is a Professional Service Agreement. This type of agreement establishes the framework and the terms under which the architect will provide their professional services. It includes essential details such as the scope of work, the responsibilities of both parties, the fees for services rendered, and the timeline for project deliverables.

A Professional Service Agreement is crucial because it protects both the client and the architect by ensuring clear communication of expectations and legal responsibilities from the outset of the project. Pre-Design Services often involve critical activities such as feasibility studies, site assessments, and preliminary programming, which require a formal agreement to ensure that both parties are aligned on objectives and deliverables.

Other agreements, like a Construction Management Agreement or a Design Agreement, typically come into play later in the project lifecycle and are specific to execution phases rather than the initial planning and analysis required during Pre-Design Services. A Service Fee Agreement may focus solely on cost aspects without adequately covering the details of the service scope and collaboration, which is necessary for the Pre-Design phase. Thus, the Professional Service Agreement is the correct choice for initiating the relationship and services between the Owner/Client and Architect.