How much will an architect cost?
Updated: 7 hours ago
Architectural fees can vary considerably from one project to another. A straightforward renovation requiring limited documentation may involve relatively modest architectural fees, while a major renovation or new home requiring planning approval, consultant coordination, detailed
documentation and assistance during construction will require a much broader scope of service.
For this reason, comparing architects simply by a percentage of construction cost or a single quoted fee can be misleading. The more useful question is what services will your project actually require, and what is included in the fee?
What affects architectural fees?
The cost of architectural services is influenced by more than the size or construction cost of the project.
Some of the main factors include:
the size and complexity of the proposed work
the condition and complexity of an existing dwelling
planning and building approval requirements
the level of design development required
the amount of construction documentation needed
the number and type of consultants involved
how the builder will be selected and engaged
whether architectural services are required during construction.
Two renovations with the same construction budget can therefore require quite different levels of architectural input.
What services does an architect provide?
A residential architectural project will generally progress through four broad phases:
Project Definition → Design → Documentation → Tendering & Construction
The extent of architectural services within each phase depends on the project.
A relatively simple renovation may require concept design and sufficient documentation for building approval and construction. A substantial renovation or new home may require considerably more design development, consultant coordination, detailed documentation, tender assistance and involvement during construction.
This is why we prefer to establish the appropriate scope of services before providing a fee for the complete project.
How much should you allow for your project?
Project type | Indicative architectural fees* |
Simple alterations | $6,000–$9,000 |
Typical renovations & extensions | $15,000–$30,000 |
Major renovations & new homes | $30,000–$60,000+ |
These figures are intended as a general guide only and include the Project Definition phase. Actual fees depend on the project and the scope of architectural services required.
Fixed fee, percentage or hourly?
Architectural fees can be structured in different ways.
Fixed fees provide certainty where the scope of work can be clearly defined. Percentage fees can be appropriate where the scope and construction value are expected to evolve. Hourly rates are useful for work that cannot reasonably be defined in advance, such as some additional services or responding to issues that arise during a project.
At Urban Solutions Architects, we generally prefer to establish a defined scope of services and corresponding fee once the project requirements are sufficiently understood.
That gives both the client and architect a clear understanding of what is included.
Are consultant fees included?
Usually not.
Depending on the project, you may also require services from consultants such as a:
structural engineer
building certifier
surveyor
town planner
hydraulic engineer
energy assessor
quantity surveyor or other specialist consultants.
There may also be council, authority and building approval fees.
These should be considered as part of the overall project budget, rather than looking only at construction and architectural fees.
Why don't we quote the entire architectural fee at the first meeting?
Before we can accurately define the architectural services required, we need to understand the property, your objectives, likely project scope, budget, approval requirements and how you intend to deliver the project.
We therefore begin with a structured Project Definition process. This allows the important early questions to be resolved before establishing the scope and fee for the remaining architectural services.
Start by defining the project
Our 4-step Project Definition process helps establish what you're trying to achieve, what is realistically possible and whether the proposed project and budget are aligned.
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