How much does an architect cost?

Architect fees

Architect fees are 5% to 20% of construction costs for residential projects (custom homes, remodels, extensions) and 3% to 12% for commercial structures. The average cost to hire an architect is $5,000 to $60,000 to design house plans. Architects charge hourly rates of $100 to $250 to draw plans.

How much does an architect cost to draw plans?

Architectural drawings cost $2,000 to $20,000 for a builder's set of house plans needed to obtain permits and accurately estimate construction costs. Adding detailed drawing specifications, construction documents, and project management raises the price to $15,000 to $80,000+.

Full-service architect fees for designing and managing large homes or complex projects can cost $100,000 to $300,000 or more.

Architectural plans are also called construction drawings, design plans, or blueprints, and may include:

• Site plans, floor plans, and roof plans
• Exterior elevations from each side of the structure
• Basement or foundation plans, including footings and bearing walls
• Detailed drawings of specific elements
• Section drawings showing cross-section views of the structure
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) system plans

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Average cost to hire an architect

The average cost to hire an architect depends on the job size and whether the architect draws the initial plans or oversees the entire project.

*Based on 48 responses reported by HomeGuide members.

How much do architects charge?

Architects charge fees based on a percentage of construction costs, an hourly rate, a fixed price, or per square foot. An architect's fee structure depends on the project's size, the complexity of the design, location, and the extent of services provided.

Architect hourly rate

Architect hourly rates are $100 to $250 per hour on average, depending on the architect's experience, skill level, and location. Architectural firms charge $60 to $100 per hour for work by an intern and hourly rates of $160 to $350 for a principal architect or senior partner.

Architects typically use hourly rates for smaller projects, and there's often a negotiated cap on the number of hours they can work.

Architectural design fees as a percentage of construction cost

Architects’ design fee percentages average 8% to 15% of the construction cost, but range from 5% to 20% depending on the project's complexity and the services included. With the average cost to build a house at $155,000 to $416,000, architect fees add $12,400 to $62,400.

Architect cost per square foot

Architects charge $2 to $15 per square foot, depending on the architectural services included and the amount of work. Architects cost $4,000 to $30,000 on average for a 2,500 square foot house.

Fixed prices for an architect

Some architects charge fixed prices for small projects where the scope of work is straightforward and can easily estimated upfront. Architects typically don't charge a lump sum for large projects due to the many variables involved in the design and construction process.

Combination fee structure

Many architectural firms use a combination of fee structures, depending on the project phase. Architects may charge on an hourly basis for the initial consultation and design phase, then set a percentage, flat fee, or per square foot pricing after determining the project's size and scope.

Additional building designer fees

Architects charge extra for building design revisions, add-on services, and reimbursable expenses:

• 3D renderings cost $200 to $800 per image on average for interior and exterior images.
• Architects bill separately for reimbursable expenses, including printing, photocopies, postage or shipping fees, courier service, travel expenses, and mileage.
• Most architects charge for design revisions made at the client's request after construction has already started or changes due to issues during the construction phase.
• Land surveys cost $1,000 to $1,500 for new home construction. Remodels and home additions may also require a survey.
• Building permits cost $500 to $2,000 for new home construction or remodeling, depending on the location.

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Architect fees for residential projects

Architect fees for residential projects are 5% to 20% of the construction budget or $2,000 to $15,000 on average. Architect fees are 8% to 15% for custom homes or new builds and 10% to 20% for remodels. Some architects charge 5% to 8% for initial concept designs with no added services.

Cost of architect for remodel, home addition, or extension

The cost to hire an architect for remodels and home additions is 10% to 20% of construction costs. An architect costs $2,000 to $15,000 to build a home addition. Architects also investigate the existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems, charging $100 to $250 per hour for research.

An architect costs more for house renovations than new homes because they must create Record Drawings depicting the existing structure before drawing new design plans.

Custom house plans cost

Custom home plans cost $2,000 to $20,000 for the design alone, which may not include detailed specifications or construction documents. By comparison, pre-designed stock house plans cost $500 to $5,000, depending on the home's size and style. Architects charge $100 to $250 per hour to customize a stock plan.

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Commercial architect fees

Architect fees for commercial projects are 3% to 12% of construction costs, depending on the complexity. Commercial architects charge 3% to 9% to design simple buildings like warehouses or parking garages, while office buildings cost 4% to 10%, and complex structures like hospitals cost 5% to 12%.

*As the total budget goes up, the fee structure slides down.

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Architects fee structure and design schedule

The architectural design process includes five phases—known as the Architect's Basic Services—including the initial meeting and schematic design, design development and drafting, construction document creation, negotiation with builders, and project management or construction administration.

Many architects base their fee schedule on the design phases. Request a meeting at the end of each phase to review progress and ask the architect to address any questions or problems.

Pre-design and information-gathering

The pre-design phase includes a consultation to discuss ideas, determine the client's budget and needs for the new space, review the architect's process and fee schedule, and possibly visit the property.

Schematic design

The architect creates initial concept designs that may include preliminary drawings, sketches, floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings, and a site plan, and presents the designs to the client for approval.

Design development

The architect refines the design, adds more detail to the drawings, specifies exterior and interior materials and finishes, and works with engineers to design the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Hiring a structural engineer costs $100 to $220 per hour on average.

Construction documents

The architect produces multiple sets of detailed technical drawings and specifications required to obtain building permits and accurate construction cost estimates for bidding.

Bidding and negotiation

Builders submit competitive bids based on the architectural drawings. The architect assists the client by answering contractors' questions, clarifying details from the drawings, and evaluating bids to ensure they meet all requirements.

Construction administration

The architect conducts periodic site visits to monitor the construction and confirm it complies with the drawings. The architect acts as the client's representative, working with contractors and structural engineers to answer any questions, approve changes to the plans, and approve the contractor's requests for progress payments.

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How to know if you need an architect

You may need a good architect if your project meets any of the following criteria:

• You are building a new home and need construction documents for permits or financing.
• You want an experienced professional to handle space planning and design a layout that works best for your family's needs.
• You are adding a second story or large addition to your home.
• You are remodeling a historic home.
• You want an energy-efficient home that makes the best use of the location and surrounding landscape.
• Your current home has problem areas and you want help reconfiguring the space.
• Your project has unique or complex structural considerations.
• You are building on a complicated site or a location with challenging terrain.
• You're on a budget and want an architect to devise ways to get more features at a lower cost.
• Your state requires building plans to be stamped by a licensed architect.

Architect vs. drafter

A draftsperson creates architectural drawings after the architect completes the design. The drafter typically works with a licensed architect who oversees the project and stamps the final plans for approval. Draftsperson fees are $30 to $120 per hour.

Architect vs. home designer

Home and building designers provide architectural design services but lack the same licensing or training requirements as architects. Building designers specialize in private homes and typically charge less than architects but may not have the same engineering or structural systems expertise.

Architect vs. interior designer

Interior designers focus on the look and feel within a home while architects design the structural, technical, and safety aspects. Interior designers make indoor spaces functional and visually appealing by improving the flow, presenting furniture and décor suggestions, and overseeing the decorating process. Interior designers cost $50 to $200 per hour on average.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for an architect to draw up plans?

Architects take 2 to 6 months on average to draw up plans, including all the construction documents necessary for building permits. First drafts of conceptual or schematic designs take 2 weeks to 1 month to complete after the initial consultation.

How much do architects charge for blueprints?

Architects charge $2,000 to $20,000 for blueprints for a house, not including design revisions or construction administration. Blueprints are also called architectural drawings or plans.

Why are architectural drawings important?

Architectural drawings are critical in ensuring the final construction matches the design. Detailed drawings allow homeowners to visualize the finished home and get accurate cost estimates. Inaccurate drawings may cause misunderstandings between the builder and homeowner, resulting in higher costs and delays.

How are architect's fees calculated?

Architects' fees are calculated as a percentage of the total construction costs, an hourly rate, a fixed lump sum, or square footage. Fees depend on the complexity of the design, the project size, and the services included. Architects lower their rates for larger high-budget projects.

How much does an architect make?

Architects make $50,000 to $140,000 per year on average, depending on experience. Architect hourly rates range from $60 to $100 per hour for interns or junior architects to $160 to $350 per hour for principal or senior architects.

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How to hire an architect

Follow these steps to ensure you hire the right architect that is the best fit for your project:

1. Find out which architect designed other homes you admire. Look at photos of their past work. Confirm the architect specializes in designing residential homes.
2. Read their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Request references from previous clients.
3. Request an initial consultation. Discuss your needs, goals, and ideas for the project. Look for an architect who is enthusiastic about your project and gauge your rapport to ensure the relationship will be positive.
4. Determine the budget. Discuss budgeting options with the architect to ensure you have a realistic understanding of exactly what you get. Get the budget written into the contract to protect you from budget overruns later.
5. Confirm the architect's fee structure. Ask the architect to specify in writing which services are included in the fee. Request a complete list of additional services to avoid unexpected costs.
6. Hire the architect before selecting a builder. Accurate construction estimates and competitive bidding from general contractors are only possible after an architect creates drawings and detailed specifications.
7. Read the contract carefully before signing. Ask for clarification on any points you don't understand.

Questions to ask

Ask these questions from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) upfront when interviewing architects.

• Are you a licensed registered architect?
• What is your design philosophy and process?
• What projects have you worked on that are similar to my scope of work?
• What is your fee structure?
• Which services are included in your fee, and which services cost extra?
• Do you charge for an initial consultation, and if so, how much?
• How long will the design process take?
• How will the plans be delivered? Do you provide 3D renderings?
• What challenges do you foresee with my project?
• What is your strategy for bringing in a project on time and on budget?
• How much involvement will you have in choosing and buying fixtures and finishes?
• Do you work with a specific builder?
• How often can we meet on-site with the contractor?

Legal considerations

Ownership of the plans – According to the standard contract from the AIA, the architect retains copyright ownership of the plans and can sell to other builders or homeowners unless specified otherwise. The homeowner is granted a non-exclusive license to use the plans for only one construction project.

Design and construction errors – The architect or builder may be held responsible for building errors, depending on the contract's terms and the cause of the error. Consult with an attorney near you to address any liability issues.

• The architect is typically liable for construction defects that occur due to improper designs or miscalculations, or for failing to discover defects when inspecting a home for compliance with the design plans.
• The builder is typically liable for errors caused by not complying with the plans and specifications.

State requirements – Check local requirements to confirm whether building plans need to be stamped with a licensed architect's or engineer's seal to get a permit.

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