At the outset, the architect may propose the signing of a pre-contract in the form of a detailed Letter of Intent. Whether in the form of a short-form contract or a pre-contract, this document serves to launch preliminary studies while clearly indicating that a final contract is forthcoming.
Moreover, pre-contracts – such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Letters of Intent (LoIs), and where necessary, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) – provide a structured framework ahead of the signing of the main contract. They provisionally govern the parties’ rights and obligations during the negotiation and contract development phase.
While these documents typically outline the purpose of the assignment and deliverables by phase, it is recommended to include as many contractual terms as possible from the outset, especially those that will later be incorporated into the final service agreement. If the project proceeds based on a letter of intent, it should, even briefly, address key clauses relating to team structure, allocation of responsibilities, insurance coverage intellectual property.
Finally, this is also the appropriate stage to confirm the amount of the proposed fees, ensuring full transparency from the beginning of the contractual relationship.