The National Council of the Order of Architects in France has released an updated version of the liberal collaboration contract model, developed in partnership with regional councils from Île-de-France, Grand Est, and Martinique. Published on November 12, 2025, and updated on November 13, 2025, this revised contract template provides a comprehensive framework for architects seeking collaborative working arrangements.

The liberal collaboration contract enables architects to practice their profession alongside established architects, allowing them to benefit from their experience, clientele, premises, and equipment. Unlike traditional employment contracts, this arrangement preserves the collaborating architect's independence and professional autonomy. The collaborator is not subject to subordination and retains the right to develop their own client base.

Members of liberal professions subject to legislative or regulatory status, including architects whose titles are protected, can exercise their activities as liberal collaborators. This possibility is provided for under Article 18 of Law No. 2005-882 of August 2, 2005. The legal framework ensures that architects can maintain their professional status while benefiting from collaborative opportunities.

The contract establishes clear distinctions from other types of professional relationships. Liberal collaboration is not an employment contract, meaning the collaborator is not subject to subordination by the hosting architect. The hosting architect does not exercise directive power, including the authority to give orders, control execution, or sanction poor performance. This fundamental difference protects the professional independence that is essential to the architectural profession.

A key requirement of the liberal collaboration arrangement is that the collaborator must be able to develop their personal clientele. The time spent handling cases assigned by the hosting architect must allow the collaborator to build their own client base. Without this opportunity for independent client development, there is a risk that the arrangement could be reclassified as an employment contract, which would change the legal and tax implications for both parties.

The contract also differs from subcontracting arrangements. While the liberal collaboration contract organizes the relationship between the architect and collaborator by establishing an organizational framework, the parties must determine for each specific project whether it will be handled through co-contracting or subcontracting arrangements. This flexibility allows for appropriate project-by-project decisions based on the specific circumstances and requirements.

Important limitations apply to subcontracting arrangements within this framework. If a project involves subcontracting, the collaborator cannot perform design missions, as specified in Article 37 of the architects' code of ethics. This restriction ensures that design responsibilities remain appropriately assigned and maintain professional standards.

To ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, signed liberal collaboration contracts must be communicated to the regional council. This oversight mechanism allows the regional council to verify that all parties are adhering to the established rules and maintaining the integrity of the professional framework. The requirement promotes transparency and accountability within the profession.

The updated contract model, version 5.1, dated June 3, 2025, is available for download as a 90.65 KB document. The template was last updated on November 6, 2025, reflecting the most current legal and professional requirements. This standardized approach helps ensure consistency across different regions while accommodating local variations and needs.