How to Contract an Architect in Spain

Hiring an Architect in Spain

One of the most important people in your construction project is your architect. They are the visionary behind the concept, as well as the team that will put together the execution project, which details every single aspect of how this vision will be realised.

You need an architect with a style that you like, and who shares your design sensibilities. They need to understand your concept and vision and then turn that into a stunning design. They also need to be comfortable working within your budget and timeframe and be excellent communicators, as they need to transmit their concept to you and also be able to explain why certain decisions have been made, or where certain compromises are required.

Choosing the Right Architect

When you’re searching for architects and trying to make your decision, ask for examples of past work, especially in your type of project. Speak with previous clients and gain a feeling for modus operandi, dependability and efficiency.

An architect with local knowledge is helpful, for communication with the Town Hall. We recommend being cautious with recommendations from technical architects, estate agents or friends. Often there are commissions involved, and you want an independent architect who is on your side and not collaborating with other parties involved.

It is also vital that you are assisted by a knowledgeable Project Manager who has extensive knowledge on contracting these services and who is totally independent. They can support you with choosing the right architect and ensuring that you are making a decision which complies with all legal requirements and makes sense when it comes to all the practical considerations you should keep in mind.

Over more than 25 years, MDCI have worked with hundreds of clients and helped them to make a shortlist of suitable architects and then choose the final candidate. Importantly, we also then support clients to ensure that the contract that is drawn up protects the client from all eventualities and is not rigged in favour of the architect if things go wrong. Find out more about our Project Management services

In this article, we’ve pulled together some of the most important considerations that you need to bear in mind before contracting an architect in Spain. We hope it helps you to find the right team for your project. Contact us if you need help.

Ensure Your Architect Has Professional Accreditation and Insurance

Architects in Spain must be officially qualified and registered with the Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos (Official College of Architects) in the region where the project is located.

Always ask for their collegiate number (número de colegiado) to verify their registration. Without it, they cannot legally sign off projects.

Also ensure that they are properly insured with a sufficient PII Insurance cover. Architects in Spain must carry professional liability insurance (seguro de responsabilidad civil). Verify this – it protects you in case of design flaws or legal issues.

Clearly Define the Scope of Architectural Services

Not all projects will require the same thing of an architect. So, it’s important to clarify whether you want just the design or also interior decoration and specification, permits, and construction oversight.

In Spain, the architect typically:

• Designs the project
• Signs off each stage of the project and acts as the professional with ultimate responsibility for the building
• Submits it to the Town Hall for planning permission and licenses
• Oversees construction with the aparejador (technical architect), who handles site supervision and compliance, plus health and safety (if contracted)
• Spanish law requires an architect’s signed project for most new builds, extensions, or major renovations.
• The architect is responsible for compliance with:

– Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE) – building code.

– Local urban planning regulations.

– Energy efficiency and sustainability rules.

– Shared responsibility for the quality of the construction

It’s important for the developers or clients to define the team they are bringing to the project and how those professionals will work with the architect.

Projects usually involve a Technical Architect (Arquitecto técnico / Aparejador) for site management and construction compliance, plus Engineers for structural, electrical and HVAC.

Clarify whether the architect will coordinate these roles or if you must contract them separately.

If also using a Project Manager, discuss what roles they will undertake and how they will work alongside the architect, or where they will take over certain duties.

How to Draw Up a Watertight Contract & Agree Fees with the Architect

Once you’ve met with a shortlist of possible architects and chosen the right one for your project, you need to lock them in with a strong contract which is legally binding in the country you are building and which offers as many protections as possible. Find out about the importance of a good contract during development.

Draw-up a written contract (contrato de servicios profesionales) adapted to your needs and circumstances. Be very careful before signing a contract from the Architect, have it checked by a lawyer and your project manager, to make sure it doesn’t just cover them against issues.

It should cover:

• Project scope (design, licensing, supervision, etc.).
• Deliverables (drawings, reports, 3D models if applicable).
• Timelines and deliverables.
• Fees (fixed price, percentage of construction cost, or phased payments).

Fees vary, but are often 8–15% of construction costs for full services. When reviewing fees or negotiating, make sure you clarify what is included, and any extras which are outside of those fees. This could include changes, additional meetings, other inclusions and college visa charges.

Make sure you are 100% sure what you’re agreeing to before you put pen to paper and don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t like the terms. A Project Manager is your best protection against contract issues, as they know the pitfalls and legal loopholes and are on your side to ensure you only sign something which protects you.

Checklist before signing:

• Verify collegiate number.
• Confirm liability insurance.
• Define scope of services.
• Agree on fees and payment schedule.
• Sign a detailed written contract.
• Ensure they commit to handling permits and compliance.

Communication & Transparency with Your Architect.

Ensure the architect is clear about:

• Reporting and updates during works – how often you expect to be updated, how you wish to receive updates and reports and in which language.
• How they handle changes or unexpected costs.
• Their approach to design (modern, traditional, sustainable, etc.)
• Their obligation to attend construction meetings and sign the minutes.

Final Thoughts: Contracting the Right Architect in Spain

We hope this article helped you to understand how to select the right architect for your building project in Spain.

Our team of experienced Project Managers can support you throughout your project and we maximise our value when we’re brought in when you are choosing your Architect. We are the perfect partners to ensure you have the very best Architects, Builders and Tradespeople on the job and that you’re properly protected with a watertight contract.

Contact us to discuss your project and how we can support you.