The Consulting Architects of Alberta (CAA) collaborates with the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (CEA) to provide the CAA/CEA Fee and Scope of Services Reference 2024. This document outlines the scope of basic and additional services for building projects and offers a framework for determining appropriate professional fees. It is intended for informational purposes only; each project is unique, and all parties are encouraged to negotiate fees and services that best suit their specific circumstances.

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Key Highlights of the CAA/CEA Reference:

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• Scope of Services: The reference delineates basic and additional services, providing clarity on what is typically included in architectural engagements.​
   

• Fee Structures: It offers guidance on fee calculations, emphasizing that fees should correspond to the project's complexity, scale, and specific requirements.​
   

• Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS): The document supports the QBS approach, which prioritizes selecting consultants based on expertise and experience rather than solely on price. This method fosters more successful project outcomes and aligns with the CAA's advocacy for best practices in procurement.

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Additional Resources:

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• Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Guide: The RAIC publishes "A Guide to Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect," which assists architects and clients in establishing fair compensation for architectural services. The 2019 edition is available as a free PDF on the RAIC website.
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• Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) Reference Documents: The AAA provides guides and reference documents that address fee and scope considerations, supporting professionals in navigating the complexities of architectural services. ​​

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These resources collectively aim to promote transparency, fairness, and clarity in the determination of architectural fees and the definition of service scopes, ultimately contributing to the success of architectural projects across Alberta.

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For further information, we encourage you to contact the CAA directly.

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The CAA is developing a calculator for use by Clients and Owners to more easily estimate what anticipated design fees may be on a given project. It will be based on the CAA/CEA Fee & Scope of Services document. Note that the calculator will provide an estimated range of fees which may vary from project to project based on various factors.