Singapore Institute of Architects Launches Blueprint to Elevate Architecture Profession

Last evening, the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) unveiled its Value Articulation Framework (VAF), known as Blueprint, aimed at addressing fee-diving, low wages, and the brain drain in the architecture profession. The announcement was made at SIA’s Annual Dinner, part of the ongoing Singapore Archifest 2024, held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

Blueprint is designed to provide both architects and clients with a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and liabilities architects undertake in projects. The framework is intended to remain adaptable to market demands and lay the foundation for a fee structure that reflects the true value architects bring to the built environment.

SIA President Melvin Tan emphasised the importance of Blueprint in his address: “Blueprint is a significant step towards ensuring that architects and clients have a clearer understanding of the value architects bring. By illustrating the breadth of responsibilities and liabilities that architects handle, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for the profession, leading to fairer compensation.”

First proposed in 2022, the Blueprint was developed with input from architecture firms of various sizes. It outlines the value architects add in three key areas: compliance and liabilities, design expertise, and administration. The framework includes case studies to help architects demonstrate the scope and liabilities considered in their fees, which can be adjusted based on client requirements.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah, who was the guest of honour for the event, acknowledged the sector’s concerns about unhealthy industry practices such as fee-diving.

She highlighted the Government’s efforts to promote fair practices: “The Government continually reviews our procurement policies to ensure fairness and progressiveness. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has recently enhanced our tender evaluation framework to deter fee-diving, effective from 1 March 2024.”

The launch of Blueprint comes at a time when the architecture industry is seeing positive changes.

According to a recent SIA survey by the Young Architects League, median starting salaries for architecture graduates have increased by 10-15 per cent, from $43,200 in 2021 to $48,000. This is a significant improvement compared to a 2022 survey where only seven out of 100 architecture graduates planned to stay in the profession long-term, citing low wages, long hours, and high stress.

Ar. Tan noted the industry’s efforts to improve: “The 2022 survey results were a wake-up call. Since then, SIA has been actively engaging stakeholders to find a better way forward. The launch of Blueprint will further push for transparency and professionalism, emphasizing the merits of the profession rather than the cost.”

The Blueprint has received support from various industry bodies.

Mr. Tan Chee Kiat, BCA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Industry Development, praised the initiative: “We commend SIA for developing the VAF to empower architects and elevate the profession. Clients will better understand the value architects bring.”

REDAS President Mr. Tan Swee Yiow also expressed support: “REDAS is heartened by SIA’s initiative. We support efforts towards a transparent professional landscape that advocates for fair fees and recognizes architectural excellence in Singapore.”

The evening also featured the announcement of winners for Singapore’s top architectural awards. WOHA Architects received the Design of the Year award and the Hotels category award for their work on 21 Carpenter and Pan Pacific Orchard. Ar. Melvin Kheng of Kaizen Architecture won the inaugural SIA-Young Architects Award 2024.