Clause 8 — Provide services diligently and promptly

An architect must provide architectural services diligently and with reasonable promptness according to timelines agreed with the client, or within a time that reasonably accords with the client's instructions.

Delayed architectural services can have significant financial consequences for clients, including delays in obtaining planning permits and additional construction costs. This clause seeks to ensure that architects deliver services in accordance with agreed timelines or, where no timeline is agreed, within a reasonable period of time.

• Set realistic timelines in the client agreement for delivery of work. Build contingency into the timelines for obtaining relevant regulatory approvals, client decision-making time, and consultant coordination.
• Timeframes can be expressed as a reasonable best estimate at the time of entering into the agreement and could note that they may be impacted by a range of factors outside the architect’s control (e.g. time taken by clients to provide instructions, regulatory approval processes, consultant availability and supply chain delays).
• If the project is running behind schedule, the client should be notified promptly (see also clause 9 ‘Communicate with clients effectively and promptly’) and agree on a revised timeline, which should be documented in writing.
• Maintain adequate resourcing for each project so that they can be delivered on time (see also clause 14 ‘Maintain adequate systems and resources’).
• Use appropriate project management tools to track progress against agreed milestones and deadlines.