How much are architects fees?

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Architects’ fees are usually calculated in one of the following ways:

  1. As a percentage of the final construction cost

  2. As fixed amounts for specific stages

  3. On an hourly or time rate

Different project types and clients favour different approaches.

For a typical residential project with a contract sum of £250,000 you should expect to pay your architect between 12.5% and 20% for a full architectural service. The exact figure will depend on the complexity of the project, if it is in a conservation area, or is listed, and what level of service you require. A higher percentage will allow for more design development and alterations for example, or perhaps additional visualisations or model making.

The construction cost can be estimated at the beginning of the project and finalised at the end when the actual costs are known.

We have made an online project calculator here to help you establish your project cost.

Typically the fee would be split into approximately 3 equal parts.

  • Concept design through to planning submission (RIBA stage 0-3)

  • Tender stage: coordination of technical information and preparation of drawing, schedules and specifications sufficient to tender the project (RIBA stage 4)

  • Contract Admin: Overseeing the build contract (RIBA stage 5)

Using the example above a typical £250,000 build project would attract fees of aprox £12,500 for each step. This would again depend on the complexity and service level you wanted.

Hourly rates usually depend on the experience of the individual. Our current hourly rates are as follows:

  • Director £140 / hr

  • Architect £100-£120 / hr

  • Senior Interior designer £120 / hr

  • Architectural Assistant £85 /hr

  • Admin £70 /hr

Please note that one off consultation are charged at a higher rate to cover administration.

Sometimes a performance linked bonus can be included in the fee agreement, for example a grant of planning permission bonus. The specifics of that kind of arrangement would depend on the circumstances.

Sometimes the architects fees can be paid for by the contractor. This will make it less transparent for the customer but also change who the architect is working for and therefore their accountability.