Commissions checklist
4 Preliminary designs
- In what format will the preliminary designs be submitted to the commissioner? Note: Depending upon the nature of the proposed work the preliminary designs may take a number of forms (model, maquette, drawings, computer generated image).
- What is the deadline for delivery of the preliminary designs or is this flexible?
- How many times can the commissioner request changes to the designs within the agreed fee? Note: The agreement may state the maximum number of changes to the design or additional designs that the commissioner can request for the agreed fee before additional payment is required.
- How many stages will there be to the design process? Note: In the case of large-scale public and more complex commissions there can be more than one stage in the design process. Acceptance of the initial designs can then be followed by a detailed design process during which the feasibility and costs of the initial designs are explored more fully. For large-scale commissions this design process is sometimes linked to the RIBA stages which are roughly equivalent to concept design, design development and implementation. For each stage in the design process details of payment, number of changes to the design and issues of acceptance/rejection should be clearly outlined.
- Will the artist be expected to participate in any public consultation regarding the proposed designs? Note: Particularly in the case of large-scale commissions, artists can be expected to participate in public events to discuss the proposals or in exhibitions of the proposed designs. Any such activities and associated fees should be outlined in the schedule.
