What level of architectural service does your project really need?
Updated: Oct 2
One of the difficulties when comparing architects' fees is that you may not actually be comparing the same service.
Architectural services can range from providing great design and the documentation needed for Building Approval, through to detailed design, specifications, assistance selecting a builder and ongoing involvement during construction.
More service isn't automatically better. The important question is what level of architectural involvement is appropriate for your project — and for you?
How much time do you have to put into the project? How comfortable are you making selections and dealing directly with a builder? How much flexibility do you want to give the builder to find cost-effective construction solutions? And how important is it that particular details and finishes are resolved by your architect?
At Urban Solutions Architects, we generally think of residential architectural services at three levels.
Basic BA — Great design, greater builder flexibility
Best suited to clients who have the time and confidence to work directly with their builder once the overall design has been established.
Basic doesn't mean basic design.
The focus is on developing a well-designed solution and preparing the architectural documentation needed for Building Approval and construction, without necessarily designing and specifying every construction detail, finish and fitting.
More responsibility is left with you and your builder. The builder can develop construction details and specifications, while finishes, fittings, cabinetry and other components can be resolved as part of the building contract, generally using the builder's preferred suppliers and subcontractors.
This gives the builder greater freedom to use familiar and cost-effective construction methods while keeping architectural fees focused on the areas where they provide the greatest value.
It works particularly well for clients who are comfortable making decisions, sourcing products and working directly with their builder during construction.
Custom Design — Balances cost, design control and builder flexibility
Best suited to clients who want architectural input into the decisions that matter, without needing every aspect of the project designed and specified.
Custom Design takes the architectural involvement further.
We identify the details, finishes and components where additional design input is likely to make a meaningful difference to the finished project. This might include important construction details, kitchens and wet areas, lighting, finishes or other elements that contribute significantly to the overall design.
At the same time, the builder retains flexibility to develop straightforward construction details and propose practical, cost-effective solutions where appropriate.
We can assist with selections, review proposed substitutions and help you deal with design-related questions from the builder.
The objective is not to control every construction decision. It is to protect the important design outcomes while retaining flexibility where that can save time or money.
Contract Administration can also be added where you would like the architect to take a more formal role during construction.
Bespoke Design — Greater design resolution, control and support
Best suited to clients with particular design requirements, those seeking a highly resolved architectural outcome, or those who don't have the time or inclination to manage the many decisions themselves.
With a Bespoke service, considerably more of the project is designed, detailed and specified by the architect.
Greater attention can be given to materials, finishes, cabinetry, fixtures, construction details and the way individual elements come together. Documentation and specifications provide the builder with clearer direction and reduce the number of design decisions that need to be made during construction.
The architect also remains involved through Contract Administration, assisting with builder queries, reviewing relevant work and helping manage the architectural aspects of the building contract.
This provides greater control over the finished result while reducing the amount of time and responsibility the client needs to devote to managing design and construction decisions themselves.
So which level of architectural service is right for you?
There isn't one answer for every project.
A client with previous building experience, plenty of time and a good relationship with their builder may achieve an excellent result with a Basic BA service.
Another client may want architectural assistance with the elements that matter most to them while allowing their builder considerable freedom elsewhere. Custom Design may provide the right balance.
Someone with particular design requirements—or simply limited time to devote to the project—may place considerably more value on a Bespoke service.
This is why comparing architectural fees without comparing the scope and level of service can be misleading. A lower fee may simply mean that more decisions and responsibilities are being transferred to you and your builder.
Why don't we quote a fixed fee at the outset?
Before recommending a level of service, we first need to understand the project.
Our Project Definition process allows us to establish your brief, investigate the site and approval requirements, develop the concept design and undertake an initial review of the likely construction cost.
Just as importantly, it gives us an opportunity to understand how you want to work.
From there, we can prepare a Project Delivery Plan and recommend a scope of architectural services appropriate to the project and your preferred level of involvement.
Not every client needs every architectural service. The objective is to provide the design expertise and professional support you need — and not charge you for services you don't..
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