Architecture  ·  Fees

How Much Does Architecture Cost?

May 5, 2024

When we begin a project, it's nearly impossible to answer that question. There are simply too many unknowns.

But as the project proceeds and the scope of work comes into sharper focus, it becomes easier to define an appropriate fee.

The flexible fee structure we use for most of our projects - a hybrid of hourly and fixed fee methods - accommodates this progression.

STEP 1: WE DEVELOP A PRELIMINARY (“SCHEMATIC”) DESIGN. BILLED BY THE HOUR AND TYPICALLY TOTALING ±3% OF CONSTRUCTION COST.

At the start of a project, we will need to gather a great deal of information about you, your project, and what you will need to get the project built.

What type of project is this? Existing or new? Renovation or addition? What is your project budget? Will this be a “high-performance” building? Are you certain to build the project or are you looking for an estimate for now? Will you need a zoning variance?

And if this is our first time working together: How decisive are you? Are you a good communicator? How many decision-makers are there? Is our firm a good fit for you?

Because there are so many unknowns at this early stage, hourly billing is the fairest and most flexible way to charge. The Step 1 fee usually amounts to about 3% of the project’s construction cost*. 

For a significant addition, the fee could range from $7,000 to $12,000, including the cost to document existing conditions (i.e., measure and photograph). This part typically costs $2,500 to $4,500, depending on the house size.

For a new home, a Step 1 fee of $15,000 to $30,000 should be anticipated.

*There is a strong correlation between the amount of time it takes us to design and manage a project and the cost to build it. So architectural fees are often expressed as a percentage of construction cost.

  • We bill by the hour until we find a solution that you love.
  • We do a quick square-footage assessment to roughly estimate costs.
  • We keep your budget in mind and make efforts to design towards it.
  • We bill frequently so you know how much you are spending.
  • You can quit at any time—zero commitment.

STEP 2: WE PROVIDE OR OBTAIN A CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE. FREE IF DONE IN-HOUSE; $2,000 to $3,000 BY PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATOR

We offer you a choice of 3 estimating methods:

  • In-House (Free): We provide you with a very rough estimate for the cost of your project. This is based on the project's square footage and on the cost per square foot of comparable, recently-completed projects; or
  • Professionally-Prepared Itemized Estimate ($2,000 to $3,000, depending on the size of the home.) This will be more detailed and accurate than our in-house estimate; or
  • Contractor-Prepared Preliminary Estimate. (Some builders will do this for free; others charge a fee.) The level of detail and accuracy will vary from one contractor to another.

From this estimate, we either:

  • Go back to the drawing board and revise the drawings to reduce the scope of work (i.e., back to Step 1); or
  • Move on to Step 3, Bringing the Project to Fruition. We do the work described below and use the estimate as a basis for the remaining project fee. 

STEP 3: WE BRING THE PROJECT TO FRUITION. FIXED FEE BASED ON 10% OF CONSTRUCTION COST, WHICH IS ADJUSTED AS NEEDED OVER THE COURSE OF THE PROJECT TO REFLECT THE ACTUAL COST.

  • We develop the design in far greater detail than in Step 1, with significant input from you.
  • We create Construction Documents for permitting, bidding, and construction.
  • We coordinate engineers, surveyors, and other design consultants to compile one comprehensive permit and construction package.
  • We help you find a contractor and review bids.
  • We provide construction oversight until the completion of the job.

*Most architects’ total fees fall between 9% and 20% of construction cost for all work shown above. Our fees are typically in the middle of this range.

Why Percentage-Based Fees?

 

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