Architectural Services Framework
Framework Description
The National Framework Partnership's Architectural Services Framework is a four-year, single-lot framework that runs from 20 May 2024 to 19 May 2028. It gives public sector clients access to a ranked list of architectural firms for design, advisory and site supervision work. Applications for this framework are closed (it is not a DPS), and it sits in the Consultancy category.
Context & Use Case
Public bodies use it to appoint architects for public buildings, housing projects and estate works, from feasibility through design to supervision on site. Clients can award directly to a firm on the ranked list or run a mini-competition among appointed firms, which gives them a fast option for straightforward commissions and a competitive one for larger schemes.
Scope of Services
Architectural design and feasibility studies Advisory and consultancy on construction and project management Supervision of works on site Related planning and design consultancy
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits architectural practices with public sector experience, professional registration and a track record of comparable projects. As applications are closed, new firms cannot join now; the next opportunity is the re-tender ahead of the 19 May 2028 end.
Buyer Benefits
Clients get pre-qualified architects under a compliant arrangement, with the flexibility of direct award or mini-competition. The ranking helps them move quickly on smaller commissions, while competition remains available for larger or more complex schemes. Site supervision and advisory services in the same framework mean one appointment can cover a project from feasibility to completion.
Next Steps
Appointed firms should build relationships with clients using the framework and prepare strong mini-competition responses; a higher ranking also improves the chance of direct selection. Others should review the National Framework Partnership's framework page and plan for the re-tender ahead of 19 May 2028, building public sector design case studies now.
How Athena Can Help
On a ranked framework, every mini-competition matters. Athena's architectural bid writing builds responses around design quality and delivery, and models your fee against likely rivals so you can win on both quality and price.
For practices aiming at the 2028 re-tender, our framework positioning support plans the evidence you need and prepares the application. Our public sector bid reviews test your case studies and quality answers against the evaluation criteria before you submit, so weak spots are fixed early.
