Privacy Notice for L+ Architects and L+ Living
Last updated: September 2025
This Privacy Policy sets out how L+ Architects uses and protects any information that you give us when you use our website, webforms, or services.
We respect the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. You won’t find complicated legal jargon here — just a clear explanation of how we collect, use, and protect your data.
We value your privacy as much as we do our own. We only ask for information we genuinely need, and we’ll never use it for any purpose other than what you gave it for. We never sell your information and only share it when necessary to provide our services or when required by law.
1. Who We Are
L Plus Consulting Limited
Trading as L+ Architects and L+ Living
Company number: 11706969
Registered office: 499 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London, SW14 7DE
Email: office@lplusarchitects.com
2. Information We Collect
Information you provide directly
Information collected automatically
Information from third parties
Sometimes we may receive your details from a partner or referral. If so, we protect it the same way as if you gave it to us directly.
3. Systems and Services We Use
We use trusted third-party platforms to manage enquiries, proposals, project delivery, and marketing. These may include, but are not limited to:
From time to time, we may trial or adopt additional systems. Any new providers will be subject to the same standards of privacy and data protection.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use your data to:
All marketing emails include a clear unsubscribe link.
5. Data Storage and Transfers
6. Data Retention
We only keep your data for as long as necessary for the purposes set out above, or to comply with legal, insurance, or professional obligations. Project files may be retained for professional indemnity purposes.
7. Security
We take security seriously and use appropriate measures, including:
8. Cookies
Our website may use cookies to analyse traffic and improve your experience.
9. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
To exercise these rights, email us at office@lplusarchitects.com.
10. Complaints
If you have concerns about how we handle your data, please contact us first at office@lplusarchitects.com.
If you’re not satisfied with our response, you may also lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk
11. Updates to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website, with the “last updated” date shown at the top.
Residential Terms and Conditions of
Appointment
1. ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS OF THE FEE PROPOSAL
1.1 All proposals are provided strictly subject to contract. The Client may accept a Fee
Proposal within sixty (60) days from the date of issue unless withdrawn earlier. If written
acceptance is not received and Services have not commenced, the proposal may be withdrawn
without liability.
1.2 Headings are for convenience only and shall not affect interpretation. Words importing the
singular include the plural and vice versa. References to persons include companies,
partnerships, funds, and other corporate bodies.
1.3 The Agreement shall take effect from the date we commence performance of the Services
unless otherwise agreed. This document constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all
prior communications. No amendment shall be valid unless agreed in writing.
2. COMMUNICATIONS
All communications and instructions shall be in writing. Verbal communications may be
disregarded unless confirmed in writing. Documents sent by recorded or special delivery shall
be deemed received on the second working day after posting.
2.1 The Client and L Plus Consulting Ltd shall act in mutual trust and cooperation.
2.2 We may act on the Client’s behalf strictly within the scope of the agreed Services and RIBA
Work Stages unless otherwise instructed in writing.
2.3 Services shall be performed with reasonable skill and care expected of a qualified architect,
interior designer, or landscape architect in accordance with ARB and RIBA professional
standards. We shall use reasonable endeavours to obtain necessary approvals.
3. NO ALTERATION TO SERVICES OR DESIGN
No material change shall be made to the Services or design without the Client’s written
consent except in cases of emergency affecting safety or statutory compliance, in which case
the Client shall be informed as soon as practicable.
3.1 Either party shall notify the other if variations to services, programme, or fees become
necessary
4. FEES
Fees shall be calculated in accordance with the Fee Proposal and may be based on percentage,
lump sum, time charges, or other agreed methods.
4.1 Percentage fees shall be calculated using the approved estimate, lowest acceptable tender,
or certified contract value until the final construction cost is known.
4.2 Lump sum fees are based on the approved construction cost at defined stages.
4.3 Time charges shall be calculated using the following hourly rates:
Principal Architect / Interior / Landscape Designer: £250
Architect / Designer: £200
Architectural Assistant / Assistant Designer: £155
Bookkeeping or audit: £85 • Dispute resolution or specialist advice: £200
CGI visualisations: £850 per image
Virtual Reality (VR): price on application
4.4 Where additional work is required beyond our reasonable control, time charges shall apply
unless otherwise agreed.
4.5 Invoices are payable within fourteen (14) days. Interest may be charged at 8% above the
Bank of England base rate. All fees due must be paid in full prior to planning submission.
5. CONTRACTORS AND AGENTS
External consultants and contractors are appointed by the Client. Where we arrange services
on the Client’s behalf, a handling fee of 10% plus VAT shall apply.
6. EXPENSES
Reasonable expenses shall be reimbursed, including but not limited to mileage at 55p per mile,
printing beyond agreed quantities, statutory contracts, credit checks, and design research
costs.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We shall not disclose confidential project information prior to planning submission.
7.1 Planning submissions and statutory applications enter the public domain once submitted.
7.2 We retain full copyright. Upon full payment, the Client is granted a non-exclusive licence for use on the project only.
8. PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
We maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance appropriate to the scale and nature of the Services. Liability is limited to the level of insurance held at the time of the claim.
9. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION
Either party may terminate the Agreement with seven (7) days’ written notice. Fees and expenses incurred to the date of termination shall remain payable.
10. CDM AND BUILDING REGULATIONS PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
10.1 Distinction Between CDM and BR Roles
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) require the appointment of a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor to manage health and safety during construction. Separately, under the Building Safety Act 2022, a Principal Designer for Building Regulations (BR) must be appointed to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations throughout design and construction. These roles are distinct but complementary.
10.2 Our Role
L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living will normally handle both CDM and BR Principal Designer duties during the design stages up to RIBA Stage 5 (commencement on site), unless otherwise agreed by the Client. In some cases, depending on the size, scale, or complexity of a project, a separate consultant may need to be appointed to fulfil one or both of these roles. At Stage 5, responsibility separates: the Contractor must assume the Principal Designer role for CDM, while we continue as Principal Designer for BR, unless otherwise agreed.
10.3 Fees and Appointment
A separate fee proposal and contract will be provided for acting as Principal Designer for BR. A charge of £55 + VAT will apply for the contract documentation, with further pro rata fees on a weekly basis once works commence on site to cover our insurance, time, and liability. We will seek to keep this charge as low as possible by incorporating responsibilities into existing meetings and processes wherever feasible. If the Client declines our appointment, they must appoint a suitably qualified and competent person to act as Principal Designer for BR and provide us with their fee proposal and contact details. If this is not done, we remain legally responsible under the Building Safety Act 2022 and will be obliged to charge accordingly.
10.4 Contractor’s Responsibility for CDM
The Principal Contractor is legally required to ensure CDM compliance throughout construction. This requirement will be noted in tender documentation.
11.0 BUILDING REGULATIONS
11.1 Compliance
We will design to comply with Building Regulations. The Client is responsible for securing approvals.
11.2 Submission Support
We will prepare and submit documents for approval where required, but the final responsibility lies with the Client.
12.0 THIRD-PARTY CONSULTANTS
12.1 Appointment Process
We appoint consultants based on trusted relationships. We do not tender consultant services. A fee proposal and terms will be issued by the consultant directly to the Client for acceptance, and the contract will be strictly between the Client and the consultant. We do not take any fees or commissions for appointing independent professional consultants such as engineers or surveyors.
12.2 Management
We coordinate third-party consultants and provide updates to ensure consistency with project objectives.
13.0 INTERNAL REVIEWS AND FAIR PRICING
13.1 Internal Reviews
We carry out internal performance and pricing reviews to maintain quality and value.
13.2 Pricing Transparency
We aim for fair and competitive pricing. Any significant cost changes will be discussed and agreed before additional work proceeds.
14.0 TRADE DISCOUNTS AND AFFILIATE FEES
From time to time, trade discounts may be available on products or services recommended by L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living. Unless otherwise agreed, the Client will place orders and manage delivery directly. Where we are asked to manage procurement on the Client’s behalf, a handling fee of 10% of the order value (subject to a minimum of £500) will apply. Where goods are purchased by L Plus Consulting, prepayment from the Client will be required, and we cannot accept liability for any third-party merchant issues.
L Plus Consulting may occasionally receive affiliate fees or incentives from suppliers or vendors. These do not affect the level of discount or value passed on to the Client and remain entirely separate from any trade discounts provided.
15.0 PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT
Orders are not placed until deposits are received. Custom items are non-refundable. Contract drafting (RIBA or contractor contracts) is subject to additional handling fees. Cancellation after contract preparation will incur the full cost and a £150 admin fee.
16.0 Contractor Appointment, Financial Standing and Insolvency
The Client remains solely responsible for the commercial decision to appoint, retain or terminate any contractor. L+ Architects may provide observations, tender analysis, references, credit information or other due-diligence information to assist the Client in making that decision, but does not warrant or guarantee the solvency, creditworthiness, financial stability, competence or future performance of any contractor.
Where requested or considered appropriate, L+ Architects may obtain third-party company, credit, court, CCJ and insolvency information. Such checks are provided as a risk-screening service only and do not constitute financial, legal or investment advice. We will not do these if you opt out in writing.
The cost of any third-party credit or company report will be charged to the Client in addition to the professional fee. Unless otherwise agreed, the current charge is:
Where L+ Architects recommends that a contractor or proposed contracting entity is subject to further financial or legal due diligence, the Client may elect whether or not to proceed. Any decision to appoint or continue with a contractor remains the Client’s responsibility and the associated commercial and financial risk remains with the Client at all times.
L+ Architects may require a proposed contractor to provide information before the tender or appointment is progressed, including:
Where this information has not been supplied, or where there is uncertainty over the identity of the contracting entity, L+ Architects may decline to progress tender discussions, contractor meetings, contract preparation or appointment until adequate information has been received.
Any delay arising from a contractor’s failure to provide such information shall not be the responsibility of L+ Architects.
Where a contractor proposes that the building contract is to be entered into by a different legal entity from the company that originally tendered, provided references, carried out previous work or supplied financial information, L+ Architects will treat the proposed contracting entity as a separate company.
Previous project experience, tender information, insurance, trading history, financial information or references relating to another company will not be assumed to apply to the new entity.
L+ Architects may require a revised tender, insurance documentation, company information and due-diligence information in the name of the proposed contracting entity before appointment.
Where agreed, L+ Architects may provide ongoing monitoring of the appointed contractor during the construction period for material financial events, including new CCJs, insolvency proceedings, court notices and significant changes in credit status.
The current charge for this service is:
Any monitoring is a supplementary risk-management service only. It does not guarantee that a contractor will remain solvent or financially capable of completing the works.
The standard Stage 5 / Contract Administration fee assumes the ordinary administration of the building contract.
The following are expressly excluded from the standard fee and will be treated as Additional Services:
Such work will be charged at L+ Architects’ prevailing hourly rates.
Current rates:
Where appropriate, L+ Architects may require payment on account before undertaking substantial additional work arising from insolvency, disputes or contractor replacement.
L+ Architects acts as Contract Administrator in accordance with the terms of the relevant building contract and professional appointment.
The Contract Administrator does not act as the Client’s financial adviser, solicitor, insolvency practitioner or quantity surveyor unless separately appointed to provide an applicable service.
L+ Architects is not responsible for:
Where such advice is considered appropriate, L+ Architects may recommend that the Client appoints a suitably qualified solicitor, accountant, insolvency practitioner, quantity surveyor or other specialist adviser.
Where the Client elects to proceed contrary to a written recommendation made by L+ Architects, L+ Architects will record the Client’s instruction and may continue to provide services insofar as it is professionally appropriate to do so.
Such continuation shall not be interpreted as L+ Architects endorsing or accepting responsibility for the Client’s commercial decision.
17.0 ARB CODE OF CONDUCT ALIGNMENT (Effective 1 September 2025)
L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living affirms compliance with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Code of Conduct and Practice 2025. In line with the six professional standards, we commit to:
Honesty and Integrity
We act with transparency and fairness in all dealings, ensuring accurate communication of services, fees, and professional advice.
Public Interest
We place health, safety, welfare, and environmental sustainability at the forefront of our design and professional judgement.
Competence
Our services are delivered with the skill, care, and diligence expected of qualified architects, interior, and landscape designers. We maintain continuing professional development in line with ARB standards.
Professional Practice
We comply with statutory requirements, uphold robust financial management, and ensure our work is covered by appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Communication and Collaboration
We work openly with clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders, fostering cooperation and clear, accessible communication.
Respect
We treat all clients, colleagues, and collaborators with respect, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our practice.
Complaints Handling
Clients may raise concerns in writing at any time. Complaints will be addressed fairly, transparently, and promptly, following ARB guidance on dispute resolution. If unresolved, clients may escalate matters directly to the Architects Registration Board.
Conflicts of Interest
We will declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest promptly and will not proceed without the informed consent of all relevant parties.
Raising Concerns / Whistleblowing
We support an open culture where concerns about professional conduct, health and safety, or regulatory compliance can be raised without fear of disadvantage.
Financial Transparency
We ensure that fee structures and invoices are clear and accurate in accordance with agreed terms.
In addition, our practice is guided by the principles of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), ensuring our work meets the highest professional and ethical standards.
18.0 PRIVACY POLICY (GDPR)
L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living complies with all applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data provided by clients will be used only for the purpose of delivering our professional services, managing projects, and fulfilling our contractual obligations. Data will be handled securely and retained only as long as necessary. Clients have the right to request access, correction, or deletion of their personal information at any time. This clause is provided strictly subject to contract.
19.0 GENERAL DISCLAIMERS
Measured Surveys
A measured survey is always necessary to ensure accuracy, and we will only work from accurate measurements. In the unusual circumstance where a measured survey cannot be obtained, L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living cannot be held liable for any errors, discrepancies, or issues arising from reliance on incomplete or inaccurate measurement information.
Third-Party Information
We rely on information provided by clients, consultants, contractors, and third parties in good faith. L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living cannot be held liable for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in third-party information or documentation.
Planning and Statutory Approvals
While we prepare and submit applications with reasonable skill and care, approval decisions rest with statutory authorities. We are not liable for outcomes, delays, or conditions imposed by third parties beyond our control.
Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for delay or failure to perform our obligations under this agreement if such delay or failure results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Subject to Contract
All services and proposals are provided strictly subject to contract. No legal obligations shall arise until a formal written appointment is agreed and signed by both parties.
Terms & Conditions (Commercial)
1.0 ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS OF THE FEE PROPOSAL
1.1 Acceptance of the Proposal
This proposal is provided strictly subject to contract. The Client may accept the proposal for services and fees for 60 days from the date of the Fee Proposal. If the Client has not sent written confirmation, countersigned, and returned the Fee Proposal to L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living within that time and L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living has not commenced the Services, the proposal may be withdrawn.
1.2 Interpretation
Headings and notes are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. Words denoting natural persons include corporations and firms and shall be construed interchangeably.
1.3 Commencement and Entire Agreement
The Agreement takes effect from the date L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living commences performance unless otherwise stated. It constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes prior communications. No amendments are valid unless made in writing and signed by both parties.
2.0 COMMUNICATIONS
All communications must be in writing and may be delivered by any practical means. Communications not in writing may be disregarded unless confirmed in writing. Documents sent by recorded or special delivery will be deemed received on the second working day after posting.
2.1 Trust and Co-operation
The Client and L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living shall act in mutual trust and co-operation.
2.2 Authority to Proceed
L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living may act on the Client’s behalf within the scope of the agreement and defined RIBA stages, unless otherwise instructed in writing.
2.3 Performance Clause
Services will be performed with reasonable skill and care expected of a qualified architect, interior designer, or landscape architect, and with regard to relevant RIBA professional standards. L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living will use reasonable endeavours to obtain necessary approvals.
3.0 NO ALTERATION TO SERVICES OR DESIGN
No material changes to the design or services will be made without the Client’s written consent, except in an emergency. Any such action will be communicated promptly.
3.1 Services Variation
Either party shall inform the other if variations to services, timetable, or fees become necessary.
4.0 FEES
Fees are based on the terms set out in the Fee Proposal. They may be calculated by:
4.1 Percentage Fees
Until the final construction cost is confirmed, fees will be calculated using the approved estimate, lowest acceptable tender, or certified contract value.
4.2 Lump Sums
Based on the construction cost approved at defined stages.
4.3 Time Charges
Fees based on time spent, multiplied by the following hourly rates:
4.4 Additional Fees
Where additional work or expense is required beyond control of L Plus Consulting, time charges will apply unless agreed otherwise.
4.5 Payment Terms
Invoices are due within 14 days. Late payments are subject to 8% interest above Bank of England base rate. Full design phase fees must be paid before planning submission.
5.0 CONTRACTORS AND AGENTS
External consultants are appointed by the Client. Where L Plus Consulting arranges services on the Client’s behalf, a 10% handling fee plus VAT applies.
6.0 EXPENSES
Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. These include:
7.0 CONFIDENTIALITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
L Plus Consulting will not disclose confidential project details.
7.1 Photography and Media
Photography and media may be used for marketing. If the Client declines, an additional fee of 1% of the contract value (minimum £2,500) will apply.
7.2 Copyright
Copyright is retained by L Plus Consulting. On full payment, the Client receives a non-exclusive licence to use materials for the project. Alterations or sublicensing require consent.
8.0 PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
L Plus Consulting maintains Professional Indemnity Insurance at a level considered adequate and appropriate for the scale and nature of the services provided, in line with ARB requirements.
9.0 TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION
Either party may terminate with seven days’ notice. The Client remains liable for services performed and reasonable termination costs.
10.0 CDM AND BUILDING REGULATIONS (BR)
10.1 Distinction Between CDM and BR Roles
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) require the appointment of a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor to manage health and safety during construction. Separately, under the Building Safety Act 2022, a Principal Designer for Building Regulations (BR) must be appointed to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations throughout design and construction. These roles are distinct but complementary.
10.2 Our Role
L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living will normally handle both CDM and BR Principal Designer duties during the design stages up to RIBA Stage 5 (commencement on site), unless otherwise agreed by the Client. In some cases, depending on the size, scale, or complexity of a project, a separate consultant may need to be appointed to fulfil one or both of these roles. At Stage 5, responsibility separates: the Contractor must assume the Principal Designer role for CDM, while we continue as Principal Designer for BR, unless otherwise agreed.
10.3 Fees and Appointment
A separate fee proposal and contract will be provided for acting as Principal Designer for BR. A charge of £55 + VAT will apply for the contract documentation, with further pro rata fees on a weekly basis once works commence on site to cover our insurance, time, and liability. We will seek to keep this charge as low as possible by incorporating responsibilities into existing meetings and processes wherever feasible. If the Client declines our appointment, they must appoint a suitably qualified and competent person to act as Principal Designer for BR and provide us with their fee proposal and contact details. If this is not done, we remain legally responsible under the Building Safety Act 2022 and will be obliged to charge accordingly.
10.4 Contractor’s Responsibility for CDM
The Principal Contractor is legally required to ensure CDM compliance throughout construction. This requirement will be noted in tender documentation.
11.0 BUILDING REGULATIONS
11.1 Compliance
We will design to comply with Building Regulations. The Client is responsible for securing approvals.
11.2 Submission Support
We will prepare and submit documents for approval where required, but the final responsibility lies with the Client.
12.0 THIRD-PARTY CONSULTANTS
12.1 Appointment Process
We appoint consultants based on trusted relationships. We do not tender consultant services. A fee proposal and terms will be issued by the consultant directly to the Client for acceptance, and the contract will be strictly between the Client and the consultant. We do not take any fees or commissions for appointing independent professional consultants such as engineers or surveyors.
12.2 Management
We coordinate third-party consultants and provide updates to ensure consistency with project objectives.
13.0 INTERNAL REVIEWS AND FAIR PRICING
13.1 Internal Reviews
We carry out internal performance and pricing reviews to maintain quality and value.
13.2 Pricing Transparency
We aim for fair and competitive pricing. Any significant cost changes will be discussed and agreed before additional work proceeds.
14.0 TRADE DISCOUNTS AND AFFILIATE FEES
From time to time, trade discounts may be available on products or services recommended by L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living. Unless otherwise agreed, the Client will place orders and manage delivery directly. Where we are asked to manage procurement on the Client’s behalf, a handling fee of 10% of the order value (subject to a minimum of £500) will apply. Where goods are purchased by L Plus Consulting, prepayment from the Client will be required, and we cannot accept liability for any third-party merchant issues.
L Plus Consulting may occasionally receive affiliate fees or incentives from suppliers or vendors. These do not affect the level of discount or value passed on to the Client and remain entirely separate from any trade discounts provided.
15.0 PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT
Orders are not placed until deposits are received. Custom items are non-refundable. Contract drafting (RIBA or contractor contracts) is subject to additional handling fees. Cancellation after contract preparation will incur the full cost and a £150 admin fee.
16.0 Contractor Appointment, Financial Standing and Insolvency
The Client remains solely responsible for the commercial decision to appoint, retain or terminate any contractor. L+ Architects may provide observations, tender analysis, references, credit information or other due-diligence information to assist the Client in making that decision, but does not warrant or guarantee the solvency, creditworthiness, financial stability, competence or future performance of any contractor.
Where requested or considered appropriate, L+ Architects may obtain third-party company, credit, court, CCJ and insolvency information. Such checks are provided as a risk-screening service only and do not constitute financial, legal or investment advice. We will not do these if you opt out in writing.
The cost of any third-party credit or company report will be charged to the Client in addition to the professional fee. Unless otherwise agreed, the current charge is:
Where L+ Architects recommends that a contractor or proposed contracting entity is subject to further financial or legal due diligence, the Client may elect whether or not to proceed. Any decision to appoint or continue with a contractor remains the Client’s responsibility and the associated commercial and financial risk remains with the Client at all times.
L+ Architects may require a proposed contractor to provide information before the tender or appointment is progressed, including:
Where this information has not been supplied, or where there is uncertainty over the identity of the contracting entity, L+ Architects may decline to progress tender discussions, contractor meetings, contract preparation or appointment until adequate information has been received.
Any delay arising from a contractor’s failure to provide such information shall not be the responsibility of L+ Architects.
Where a contractor proposes that the building contract is to be entered into by a different legal entity from the company that originally tendered, provided references, carried out previous work or supplied financial information, L+ Architects will treat the proposed contracting entity as a separate company.
Previous project experience, tender information, insurance, trading history, financial information or references relating to another company will not be assumed to apply to the new entity.
L+ Architects may require a revised tender, insurance documentation, company information and due-diligence information in the name of the proposed contracting entity before appointment.
Where agreed, L+ Architects may provide ongoing monitoring of the appointed contractor during the construction period for material financial events, including new CCJs, insolvency proceedings, court notices and significant changes in credit status.
The current charge for this service is:
Any monitoring is a supplementary risk-management service only. It does not guarantee that a contractor will remain solvent or financially capable of completing the works.
The standard Stage 5 / Contract Administration fee assumes the ordinary administration of the building contract.
The following are expressly excluded from the standard fee and will be treated as Additional Services:
Such work will be charged at L+ Architects’ prevailing hourly rates.
Current rates:
Where appropriate, L+ Architects may require payment on account before undertaking substantial additional work arising from insolvency, disputes or contractor replacement.
L+ Architects acts as Contract Administrator in accordance with the terms of the relevant building contract and professional appointment.
The Contract Administrator does not act as the Client’s financial adviser, solicitor, insolvency practitioner or quantity surveyor unless separately appointed to provide an applicable service.
L+ Architects is not responsible for:
Where such advice is considered appropriate, L+ Architects may recommend that the Client appoints a suitably qualified solicitor, accountant, insolvency practitioner, quantity surveyor or other specialist adviser.
Where the Client elects to proceed contrary to a written recommendation made by L+ Architects, L+ Architects will record the Client’s instruction and may continue to provide services insofar as it is professionally appropriate to do so.
Such continuation shall not be interpreted as L+ Architects endorsing or accepting responsibility for the Client’s commercial decision.
17.0 ARB CODE OF CONDUCT ALIGNMENT (Effective 1 September 2025)
L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living affirms compliance with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Code of Conduct and Practice 2025. In line with the six professional standards, we commit to:
Complaints Handling
Clients may raise concerns in writing at any time. Complaints will be addressed fairly, transparently, and promptly, following ARB guidance on dispute resolution. If unresolved, clients may escalate matters directly to the Architects Registration Board.
Conflicts of Interest
We will declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest promptly and will not proceed without the informed consent of all relevant parties.
Raising Concerns / Whistleblowing
We support an open culture where concerns about professional conduct, health and safety, or regulatory compliance can be raised without fear of disadvantage.
Financial Transparency
We ensure that fee structures and invoices are clear and accurate in accordance with agreed terms.
In addition, our practice is guided by the principles of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), ensuring our work meets the highest professional and ethical standards.
18.0 PRIVACY POLICY (GDPR)
L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living complies with all applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data provided by clients will be used only for the purpose of delivering our professional services, managing projects, and fulfilling our contractual obligations. Data will be handled securely and retained only as long as necessary. Clients have the right to request access, correction, or deletion of their personal information at any time. This clause is provided strictly subject to contract.
19.0 GENERAL DISCLAIMERS
Measured Surveys
A measured survey is always necessary to ensure accuracy, and we will only work from accurate measurements. In the unusual circumstance where a measured survey cannot be obtained, L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living cannot be held liable for any errors, discrepancies, or issues arising from reliance on incomplete or inaccurate measurement information.
Third-Party Information
We rely on information provided by clients, consultants, contractors, and third parties in good faith. L Plus Consulting t/a L+ Architects / L+ Living cannot be held liable for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in third-party information or documentation.
Planning and Statutory Approvals
While we prepare and submit applications with reasonable skill and care, approval decisions rest with statutory authorities. We are not liable for outcomes, delays, or conditions imposed by third parties beyond our control.
Contractor Performance
We try to take every reasonable measure to check on the suitability of contractors, including offering client-funded credit checks at £65 per check. We also seek to safeguard against risks, but we are not privy to all financial or operational information. Accordingly, we are not responsible for contractor insolvency, financial failure, performance, workmanship, or contractual obligations of contractors, suppliers, or consultants engaged by the Client.
Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for delay or failure to perform our obligations under this agreement if such delay or failure results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Subject to Contract
All services and proposals are provided strictly subject to contract. No legal obligations shall arise until a formal written appointment is agreed and signed by both parties.
FINAL DISCLAIMER
This document and all associated terms, services, and fee proposals are provided strictly subject to a RIBA-compliant contract signed by both parties. However, if the Client instructs us in writing to commence work, including where the work is of an urgent nature, before a formal written appointment is signed, both parties agree that these Terms and Conditions shall apply from the date of instruction. These Terms and Conditions shall remain in force alongside any RIBA-compliant contract, forming part of the overall agreement between the parties. All advice and assumptions are based on information currently available and may be subject to revision following further investigation or briefing. These Terms and Conditions are drafted with reference to current ARB and RIBA requirements.