What does an architect cost?

The short answer: most homeowners pay between 8 and 15 percent of their construction budget for full architectural services. The real number depends on your project. Use the calculator below to see a typical range for yours.

Project type
$250,000
$50,000$2,000,000
Level of service
Typical fee for this project
$20,000 to $30,000
8 to 12 percent of construction cost

These are typical planning ranges, not a quote. Actual fees vary with complexity, site conditions, and scope. An architect will propose a fee after learning about your project.

What affects the fee

Renovations cost more than new construction

Working inside an existing building means documenting what is there, designing around surprises, and detailing connections between old and new. That takes more of the architect's time per construction dollar, so renovation percentages run higher.

Level of service

Permit drawings alone cost less than full design services. Adding construction administration, where the architect reviews the builder's work and certifies payments, costs more but protects you during the phase where mistakes are most expensive.

How fees are structured

Architects commonly charge a percentage of construction cost, a fixed fee for a defined scope, or hourly. Percentage fees scale with the project. Fixed fees give you certainty. Hourly suits small or open scopes.

Why hiring a licensed architect matters

1

Permits often require one. Many municipalities require drawings sealed by a licensed architect before they will issue a building permit, especially for structural work and additions.

2

The license is earned. It means an accredited degree, documented experience hours under supervision, and a national examination. Anyone can say designer. Architect is a protected title.

3

Accountability continues. Licensed architects answer to a state licensing board and complete continuing education throughout their careers to keep the license current.

4

Good design pays for itself. Decisions resolved on paper cost far less than decisions made during construction. A well developed set of drawings prevents the expensive changes that happen mid build.

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Fee ranges shown are industry typical estimates for planning purposes and do not constitute a quote or professional advice. Association of Licensed Architects.