How much does an Architect cost?

Posted by Vita Architecture Ltd on 19th September 2019 -

Always high up on our client’s question list is – How much does an Architect cost?

Before we start digging into the cold hard figures, it’s really worth setting the scene.
On average architect’s design fees range between 5-15% of the construction costs depending on the scale of the project –  the higher the construction cost, the lower the percentage.

This leaves between 85-95% of the remaining budget to be allocated between the rest of the design and construction team.

Here’s the one key factor that most clients overlook – it’s your architect’s job to make sure that the remaining 85-95% of the budget is spent as efficiently as possible. This means, that if you get the right architect, the savings you receive through clever design and management of consultants and contractors should far, far outweigh the initial outlay for an architect. In turn, think twice before choosing the cheapest quote you can find. Many choices out there aren’t RIBA or ARB registered so will result in a cheaper service, but this is because they’re not qualified or governed by the code of conduct rules that chartered architects abide by. Essentially this results in planning, construction and ultimately financial risk to you the client.

Architectural fee types

1. Percentages – some architects will give you a percentage of the construction budget figure. This method of calculation uses percentages vs construction budgets as it is typically proportionate to the amount of works required. At Vita, we don’t follow this route as it leaves the architect and the client with diverging interests with regards to keeping costs down.
2. Time charges – where the scope of works is open ended an architect may charge as a time charge. At Vita, we again try not to use time charges where possible as it doesn’t give the client any piece of mind as to what the end figure will be. However, when appropriate we do use time charges with a fee cap giving clients some control over their costs.
3. Lump sum charges – A fixed cost weighted against a fixed scope of works. This is our preferred form of appointment as it gives the client a clear scope against a clear fee. How we calculate this figure is actually based on both time and sanity checked against percentages but the result is a far more collaborative approach to charging.

Architectural fee brackets

Depending on the type of building we’re designing, each typology comes with it’s own complexity and therefore fee percentage. For the purposes of this article we are assuming the works will be carried out for residential properties. To estimate your construction budget you can refer to this link which gives you some rule of thumb calculations.

So let’s get into the figures – How much does an Architect cost?

A new build house on an empty plot.

£100k budget: 7.5%
£250k budget: 6%
£500k budget: 5.5%
£1m budget:     5%

An extension (rear, side or basement)

£100k budget: 8.5%
£250k budget: 7%
£500k budget: 6.5%
£1m budget:     6%

But what if I don’t want a full service?

As a rule of thumb we calculate our fee break down into the 3 main phases as documented below, from here, you should be able to pick and choose the services you want and the fee associated. Each architect should be providing you with a more detailed breakdown in their fee proposal so you can further hone the service you want to suit your project and aspirations.

1. Pre planning (includes planning permission)
   30% of the architectural fee
2. Technical design (includes full plans building regulation submission)
   40% of the architectural fee
3. Construction (based on contract administration services)
   30% of the architectural fee

So… how much does an architect cost?

In summary, it depends on size and scope. It’s obviously an important question for clients to ask, but from our perspective, the truth is that the focus has to be on getting an architect and design that’s right for you, fits within your budget and minimises planning and construction risk. When you take a step back and see that the architect is only 5-15% of your project, it’s so fundamental to get this decision right as they are the foundations on which the remaining 85% of the project is built upon.

The estimations discussed in this article are intended for guidance only, each and every project and site is different so contact us for more detailed information.