What does an architect usually charge?

It is one of the questions we hear most often. Like asking what a house costs, the answer depends on what the work involves and what it needs to deliver. This guide covers how architects’ fees are put together and what they pay for.

Three ways architects charge

1. 01

   Percentage of construction cost

   Usually between 7 and 15%, depending on complexity, scope and which stages are covered. For full design and delivery on a bespoke project, 8 to 12% is common.

2. 02

   Fixed lump sum

   Agreed stage by stage, for example concept, planning and technical design. Suits projects with a clear scope.

3. 03

   Hourly or daily rate

   Used for feasibility work, one-off advice and small tasks.

We explain how we match design ambition to value in a better way to design.

What the fee pays for

Architects are often seen as the people who do the drawings. In practice the role covers strategy, compliance, coordination and speaking up for the project. A typical appointment includes:

• Feasibility studies and testing early options
• Planning strategy, applications and liaison
• Detailed technical design and coordination of the other consultants
• Building regulations and construction information
• Tender support and contract administration
• Site inspections and guidance at each project stage

The drawings are the visible part. What you are paying for is a clear brief, lower risk and a better building.

Why fees vary

No two projects are alike. The main things that move the fee are:

• How complex the site is: tight urban plots, heritage constraints, difficult access
• The type and scale of the project
• How much bespoke design it needs
• The procurement route, for example traditional or MMC-led
• Which stages are covered, from concept only to full delivery
• Sustainability or compliance targets such as BREEAM or net zero

Our guide to MMC in architecture explains how modern methods affect delivery. We set our fees by the level of service a project needs and show you where the value lies at each stage.

The cost of a cheap appointment

The lowest fee can look like a saving. It often leads to:

• A vague brief and missed opportunities
• Gaps in the design that delay construction
• Incomplete or inflexible information
• Higher costs later through inefficiency, disputes or non-compliance

Architecture is not a commodity. The fee pays for outcomes that last.

How we approach fees

We are open about how we charge and about what you get for it. We work with you to:

• Define what the project needs, and what it does not
• Rank the main risks and the best chances to add value
• Recommend design and procurement strategies
• Give guidance from start to finish

Good design covers how a building performs, how it is delivered and how well it serves the people who use it, as well as how it looks.