The year 2020 is magical for many people. Such a round date is conducive to making plans and putting them into action. What if we could all make this year a landmark for our industry as well?
architects' challenges
Today we face a large number of important challenges that are still waiting to be solved in Poland. These include sustainable design using optimization of design processes as well as the technologies themselves, the spread of prefabrication, rates and wages, and many others. Due to passive participation in these, not much has really changed in Poland.
No sudden revolutions are to be expected. This is obvious. The problem begins when virtually no moves are made to make changes for the better. What if, however, we started taking those first steps? And what if it could be done with zero effort on anyone's part?
salaries in the architecture industry
ANNO 2020
One of the things mentioned earlier is the situation regarding salaries in architecture. It has been pretty bad for years. While the salaries of many other industry professionals or (especially) contractors are clearly increasing, there is no change in our profession. What's more, we still have many students on the market who work in studios for free, or for a pittance. This is particularly interesting, given that we now live in a country where the national minimum wage is PLN 2,600 gross. Looking at how many fresh graduates are working for less than that amount, the gray or even illegal economy is doing very well.
On top of that, there are those who have been working in studios for years, and despite their seniority, have not received any raises for a long time.
Finally, there should also be mention of the numerous overtime hours we've all sat through at the studios, which are rarely paid by anyone. Which, again, is a rather curious practice, especially since the Labor Code clearly prohibits such practices (to which employers try to hide behind the provision on "special needs of the employer," and such a ploy is, in turn, a beautiful showcase of the employing entity in question).
let's talk about the status quo
Where does this practice come from? From the fact that, with the exception of a few studios, there is basically a race in Poland to see who can design a building cheaper in order to get a contract. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, examples of the fact that, however, "it is possible." Exactly, these are "exceptions" and not the rule.
As you know, it's easy to complain, harder to change anything. But this is where we come up with a proposal to apply a certain solution that exists in many countries of the European Union, which works very well and basically requires no financial or time investment from IARP.
The use of public contracts
of design studios with the IARP
There would have to be an optional agreement that studios could voluntarily sign with IARP. It would include, among other things, that the studio in question would commit to at least the Chamber's minimum wage rates (for both design and workers' compensation). Students and fresh graduates would be especially protected by an employment contract in this regard. IARP would make public the aforementioned list of studios that would choose to sign such an agreement. This would give food for thought to studios that undercut their valuations to a level where they cannot afford decent wages for their own employees. This could help in the long run with raising existing project valuations to at least "normal" levels.
petition
There is already a petition on the Internet, which at the time of writing this article, has been signed by nearly 2,300 people. It concerns the introduction of the above solution. Its content, with detailed information, can be read here.
You can also simply type in Google: Petition to the Chamber of Architects (IARP) on architectural salaries.
new architect salary honorarium 2020
Of course, there are many more opportunities to improve the market situation in the areas mentioned, while the above example of a soluation is basically a reflection of how it works in Scandinavian countries. It would certainly be helpful to create a new document on proposed professional rates, which could be published in 2020, and which would define these salaries in a simple way.
why is this solution simple?
When I first mentioned the above initiative in a public forum, I was confronted with the opinion of other architects, who said that, unfortunately, based on the decision of the OCCC from 2006, such a practice has no right to take place. The decision in question is Decision No. DOK-106/06on the recognition of a restrictive practice when the IARP proposed an agreement involving the introduction of conditions for the sale of work (and remuneration) that studios would have to comply with.
Thus, it should be noted that the said use of public agreements with the Chamber, would not be mandatory. The IARP would not have the right to impose such a will. Looking at it realistically, the only thing they would introduce is a confirmation that studios would comply with the regulations introduced by the Polish government (minimum wages, not shunning overtime pay, etc.).
Based on the above, neither the OCCP nor any court can say that this is an attempt to restrict competition. Even the new, updated (and much simpler in content) fee schedule, by virtue of being only a "proposal," could not be considered a tool to restrict competition.
So why sign such a contract?
Some offices are sure to be tempted by such a proposal, for many reasons. If only to promote good professional practices. As a result, this should even spread such an approach to more and more studios, which may one day stop offering a 150 sq. m. catalog house design for PLN 1500.
summary
Today, IARP has more power for change than ever before. The successive election of younger and younger district boards of directors can further refresh the reputation of the national professional association of architects. Implementing the solution above in this letter is primarily in the interest of the IARPitself. Interestingly, the Chamber does not, in principle, have to devote any effort or money to implement the proposed changes. This is perhaps the ideal solution for all parties. Right now, everyone is getting tired of the many years of stagnation on this issue. By taking the first step, we will move forward. We will start the process of change.
Importantly, although the salary thread is only one of the challenges mentioned at the beginning, maybe this will inspire our industry to start changing in these other areas. Let's make 2020 the year of change in the Polish architecture industry.
