Architectural Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 44 of 2000)

Board Notices

Guideline for Professional Fees issued in terms of Section 34(2)

Board Notice 875 of 2026
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Board Notice 875

30 January 2026

GG 54036

 

South African Council for the Architectural Profession

 

The guidelines for professional fees indicated in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 below must be read in the context of the Framework Guideline for Professional Fees. The guidelines for professionals’ fees repeal the Board Notice 672 of 2024. The guidelines for professional fees describe the two methods of fee calculation: project cost-based and time-based. Both methods use the definitions of the complexity of the project type derived from the SACAP Identification of Work (IDoW) published under Board Notice 27 of 2021 as set out below:

 

(1) “Low complexity projects” means simple buildings or groups of buildings in an uncomplicated grouping with low impact on the environment:

 

These are structures with low-performance requirements. Structures of simple utilitarian character, design, and detail. The structures are constructed utilizing standard low-technology building methods. They require a minimum of mechanical and electrical services or equipment, and basic civil works infrastructure;

 

(2) “Medium complexity projects” means buildings or groups of buildings in a relatively uncomplicated grouping with a medium impact on its environs:

 

These are structures with medium performance requirements. The structures are of average character and design or detail. The structures require non-complex structural and civil works and an average level of mechanical or electrical equipment as could normally be handled by design-supply specialist contractors;

 

(3) “High complexity projects” means a building or buildings in a large or complicated grouping with a significant impact on its environs:

 

These are structures with high-performance requirements and demanding a sophisticated level of design and detailed content to respond to specialized requirements. Complex buildings will usually incorporate comparatively large or specialized mechanical, electrical, and other specialist installations, or be of complex structural or civil design.

 

(4) Further to the complexity ratings of Building Types as listed in Schedule 1 of the IDoW, the levels of complexity must be measured on a project-by-project basis.