Contract between client and architect

Hello everyone,

what must absolutely be included in a contract between the client (me) and the architect (construction planning / construction tendering / construction supervision / until completion)?

Are there any clauses that one must definitely pay attention to?

Can a construction completion deadline be included?

What is important?

I look forward to any answers or assistance.

Hello,
Of course, you can write whatever you want into your contract. However, I would not agree to a completion deadline. You can arrange those deadlines with the individual trades. For planning tasks, I think that is difficult.
The architect also depends on the cooperation of the client as well as on the cooperation of specialist planners, etc. From my own experience, I can say that it is easy to run into timing problems. The planning is half done when the client suddenly decides that they want everything done differently. So what then?
What you should do, however, is to commission the architect first for performance phases 1-4 and see if you both get along. If yes, then commission the rest.
Best regards

Yes, we have that too --> unfortunately so far without a contract ? is that normal ?

while we are at it .. is LPH1-4 costing 8000 € ( 80% ) normal ?

this is the last invoice we received

Regards

Hi,
you cannot say that in general without further knowledge of the object.
Haven't you received any comprehensible invoice?