How Do Architects Charge for Their Work?
Depending on the project type and the architectural firm, an architect may charge for a project via a percentage of a cost of construction fee, a lump sum fee, or hourly rates. It is most typical for a project that involves all five architectural phases of work (Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Document, Bidding and Construction Administration) to be charged via a percentage of the cost of construction. Likewise, it is most typical for a study project to be charged via a lump sum or hourly rate. Fee percentages can range from 5-15%; as the building size goes up, the fee percentage usually goes down. Our firm has established a fee chart that is based on our past experience of how much time it takes us to successfully complete a certain size and type project. This chart is reviewed on an annual basis and includes standard fee percentages for projects of varying costs of construction as well as our firm’s hourly rates. From this starting point, SRBL reviews each project
