Stage 1: Inception

This stage sets the project’s commercial and professional basis. The architect and client agree what is being commissioned, what success looks like, what information is missing, what the fee covers, what is excluded, and how decisions will be made.

Professional Outputs; Fee Proposal. Client onboarding. Inception report issued to the client in writing.

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

  • Report an error.
  • Troubleshooting.
  • Request additional files.
  • Wish list. 
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DOCUMENTS

Useful documents and templates to download.

Client in-take form.Brief Template
Appointment Letter.Fee Proposal.
Payment schedules.Disbursements policy and reimbursables.
Additional services trigger list.Photo register template with date and location fields.

CHECKLISTS

Useful checklists to help you keep track of the chaos.

Existing building survey checklist.Heritage triggers.
Planning and zoning preview.Environmental triggers.
Scope confirmation checklist.Identify specialist sign-offs that will be required later.
Additional services trigger list.Photo register template with date and location fields.

TOOLS

Useful tools for architects

Fee CalculatorCoverage and FAR
Parking bay requirementsProgramme tracker
Cashflow trackerAutomated brief builder
Disbursement estimator

PORTALS

Useful non-affiliated portals that every architect needs to use.

DeedsSurveyor-General resources
SACAP practice informationBlog – Stage 1
Information Regulator (POPIA compliance)Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) – client verification

LEGISLATIVE REFERENCES

Useful links to legislative archives.

SANS 10400SANS XA
SACAP

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ARTICLES & COMMENTARY

  • Blog posts – stage 1
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Disclaimer: The information, tools, templates, and guidance provided on Archinet are for general informational and workflow support purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice, statutory certification, professional appointment, or confirmation of compliance with the Architectural Profession Act, National Building Regulations (NBR), SANS standards, municipal by-laws, or other applicable legislation.

Users are responsible for obtaining current official standards and verifying all regulatory requirements with the relevant authorities. Archinet and Independent Architectural Services (IAS) accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this content. Use of the platform does not create a professional-client relationship. Compliance responsibility remains with the appointed professional and project team.