5 Ways Architects Can Charge You for Your Next Project

Designing the right building or perfect space is the product of choosing the right architect. The mastery and results of the architect’s work may last beyond your lifetime, giving future generations the gift of an excellent architectural design that stands the test of time. This, however, will require that you do your homework to find an architect who understands your unique and environmental needs to create a true combination of beauty and functionality.

Consider your budget and project’s value.

Of course, part of finding the right firm for your project will, in large part, take into consideration your budget. You will more than likely compare what the industry charges for their services and what those services will include. But it’s also important that you decide on what makes sense for what you are trying to ultimately achieve.

So, part of choosing the right architect for your job is considering the costs. More importantly, it also depends on the ability of your architect to create a truly lasting value of your project. This value represents the living return on your investment even if you never decide to sell. 

How architects charge for their services.

There are many different ways that an architect may charge for their services. And since not all architects are alike, neither is what they charge for the wide array of projects. These can vary from designing a new front exterior for a personal home to rebuilding a commercial property from the ground up. 

So, what do architects charge? How do they decide on their charges? Here is a list of the many ways that an architect can charge you for your next project:

1. Hourly fee – You’ll find that the most common way that architects charge their fees is by the hour. The hourly fee represents the time it takes for them to render their services. They will often quote you in advance the estimated hours of service it will take to complete the project.

2. Capped hourly fees – Another way architects may charge is by charging an hourly fee that incorporates a capped amount. They may, for example, cap their hourly fee based on the cost of construction. Or they may cap the hourly fee based on the square footage of your designed space. For example, their charge maybe $200 per hour, up to 10% of the construction cost.

3. Percentage of the construction cost – Some architects choose to charge by way of a percentage of the cost of construction. The typical range of fees can vary from one architect to another but are typically between 7% to 20% of the construction cost.

4. Square footage cost – Another way you may be charged by a chosen architect is by the designed space square footage. The larger the size of the project, the larger the fee.

5. Fixed cost estimate – The fixed cost estimate is preferred by many who are embarking on an upcoming project with a set budget in mind. This option is often provided by some architects. To come to a fixed cost amount, they may estimate a fee based on a combination of the cost of construction percentage, project’s square footage, and the architect’s time for services rendered.  

 Benefits of the fixed cost estimate.

With so many choices in how architects charge, how can you determine which is the best option for you? Although it will depend on the project’s specific details and unique needs, there are benefits to the fixed cost estimate.

• Clear expectation – One of the biggest reasons that clients love the fixed cost estimate is that it gives them a clear expectation of how much the design service will cost before they engage in the project.

• Architectural focus – Another plus with fixed cost estimates is the ability of architects to focus on the design solutions rather than the hours spent on the project.

• Reduce administrative hours – Sometimes overlooked, there are administrative hours incurred on any project. The fixed cost estimate allows for the reduction of administrative hours since the time and scope of the project is already built into the estimated fees. 

Pitfalls of the hourly fee

• Inaccuracy of hours logged – Unfortunately, charging by the hour can be inaccurate due to the difficulty in logging hours. There are many needs that are addressed throughout the day, including emails, phone calls, etc., and it may be difficult to log multiple projects accurately.

• Time extension – When projects are charged on an hourly fee, it can drag the time necessary to finish the job. For this reason, there may be additional hourly charges that incur unexpected costs.

 Choosing Lindsey Architects 

At Lindsey Architects, we provide our clients with the fixed cost estimate option for most of our projects. In our professional opinion, it is the most accurate and transparent way to charge our clients.  

As an architectural firm, we don't believe that the longer we spend on the design solution, the more we should be compensated. The right design solution shouldn’t be dictated by time but by talent, creativity, and skills. That’s why our architectural design service fees are based on the best design solution that we provide to our clients. 

Each client and project present unique and specific design challenges. Lindsey Architects listens to your needs and what you are trying to achieve. With our experience and expertise, we will provide you with a fixed cost estimate after our initial discussion. From the very start, it is our goal to give each client the best possible outcome with a design they’ll cherish for many years to come.

Lindsey Architects specializes in residential and commercial design in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We design homes that are tailored to the needs of our clients and create custom buildings that fully reflects their lifestyle. To learn more about our services, contact Hiroko Lindsey at 207-641-9739 or hiroko@lindseyarchitects.com.