Why Do Architect-Designed Projects Seem to Cost More?
Updated: Oct 2
It's a common belief that Architect-Designed Projects Cost More
Architect-designed homes and renovations are often associated with higher construction costs.
But good design itself isn't necessarily expensive.
The architectural projects we tend to see published often represent the bespoke end of the market.
Custom windows, extensive glazing, complex structures, bespoke joinery, natural stone, expensive fixtures and highly detailed finishes can all produce beautiful results.
They also increase costs.
Costs increase when good design is combined with bespoke construction, complex detailing and high-end specification.
The two don't necessarily go together.
A well-positioned window doesn't cost more than a poorly positioned one. Arranging rooms to capture light and breezes doesn't necessarily add cost. Making better use of existing space may actually reduce how much you need to build.
So rather than asking:
Why do architect-designed projects cost more?
a more useful question might be:
How do you achieve good design on a budget?
There are four areas we think can make a significant difference:
Define the project before designing it
Design efficiently
Specify cost-effective products, fixtures and finishes
Give the builder flexibility to use standard, cost-effective construction methods
Importantly, these aren't decisions that need to be made without architectural input. Part of the architect's role can be helping you decide where design control will add value and where flexibility can save money.
1. Define the project before designing it
One of the biggest opportunities to control cost occurs before detailed design begins.
With renovations in particular, the initial solution is often assumed to be more building: another bedroom, a larger kitchen, an extension at the back.
But the first question should be whether that's actually the best way to solve the problem.
Could existing rooms work harder? Can circulation be improved? Is all the proposed additional floor area necessary? Which parts of the existing house are worth retaining?
Our Project Definition process establishes what you want to achieve, what the property allows, your priorities and the available budget before committing to detailed design.
During concept design, we also prepare an Opinion of Probable Construction Cost (OPC) so the emerging design can be considered against the budget early.
If the two don't align, it's much easier to adjust the design, scope or priorities at this stage than after the project has been fully designed and documented.
2. Design efficiently
Good design isn't necessarily about adding features. Often it's about getting more from less.
A well-considered floor plan can reduce wasted circulation. Carefully positioned windows can provide light, ventilation and views without needing to be unusually large or expensive. Simple building forms and roof structures can reduce construction complexity.
For renovations, retaining useful parts of the existing house can also reduce the amount of new construction required—provided retaining them doesn't create other expensive compromises.
This is where architectural input can help reduce the cost rather than add to it.
The objective isn't necessarily to minimise the cost per square metre. It's to determine how much building you actually need and how to make that space work well.
3. Specify cost-effective products, fixtures and finishes
A good architectural outcome doesn't require every product to come from the top end of the market.
You can protect the things that are difficult to change later—orientation, room layout, ceiling heights, openings, natural light and the relationship between spaces—while being much more pragmatic about finishes and fittings.
Standard-sized windows may replace custom systems. Proprietary cabinetry may replace elaborate bespoke joinery. Economical tiles, flooring, tapware and benchtops can be selected instead of premium alternatives.
Architectural input can help identify where spending more will make a meaningful difference and where it probably won't.
A tap can be replaced later. Moving a staircase is considerably more difficult.
4. Give the builder flexibility where it makes sense
This can be another significant opportunity for savings.
A fully bespoke architectural project may specify and detail much of the building before construction. That provides greater control over the finished result, but it can also limit the builder's ability to use familiar construction methods, preferred subcontractors and cost-effective products.
That level of control isn't necessary for every project—or every part of a project.
We can establish the important architectural decisions and detail the elements where design input matters, while giving the builder greater freedom elsewhere.
The builder might develop standard construction details, source products from preferred suppliers or suggest alternatives that achieve the required result more economically.
The key is knowing what should remain under architectural control and where builder flexibility can be allowed without compromising the design.
This allows you to retain the benefit of considered architectural design while avoiding some of the costs associated with a fully bespoke project.
Choose the level of architectural input that suits the project
The same principle can also be applied to the level of architectural service.
Not every client needs every component designed, detailed and specified by their architect.
Our residential services therefore range from Basic BA, providing great design with high builder flexibility, through Custom Design, balancing cost, design control and builder flexibility, to Bespoke Design, providing greater design resolution, control and professional support.
The appropriate level depends on your project, budget, the outcome you're seeking and how much responsibility you're comfortable sharing with your builder.
Spend where it makes the biggest difference
Designing to a budget isn't about making everything cheaper. It's about making deliberate choices.
Spend on the things that make the house work better and are difficult to change later. Simplify where complexity adds little. Use cost-effective products where premium alternatives don't materially improve the outcome. And give your builder flexibility where doing so won't compromise the important parts of the design.
That's where architectural input can be particularly valuable—not simply in designing what to build, but in helping you decide where to spend, where to save and what not to build at all.
Rather than asking:
“How cheaply can we build it?”
a better question is:
“How can we use the available budget to achieve the best result?”
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