When starting a new residential project, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: “How much will it cost to engage an architect?”
It’s a great question—and one we’re always happy to answer.
We believe transparency builds trust, so we’ve put together this guide to help you understand how our architectural fees work and how you can estimate your project costs based on your home’s floor area and budget.
How Our Fee Structure Works
Our architectural fees are generally based on one of the following models, depending on the scope and complexity of your project:
1. Percentage of Construction Cost
Fees are calculated as a percentage of your actual construction cost. These are subject to change as the project develops and is adjusted by a cost check (quantity surveyor) at the end of each stage.
2. Fixed Fee
This is the most common approach. For clearly defined scopes of work—like small additions or single-stage projects—we may offer a fixed lump sum. Fees are based on an agreed initial budget, but fixed for the scope of work regardless of cost increases (such as rising material costs outside our control).
3. Hourly Rate
For consultations, concept design, or advisory roles without full service delivery, we offer an hourly rate.
Most of our residential projects follow the ‘Fixed Fee’ model, which provides peace of mind during the process.
Estimating Our Fees: A Simple Guide
If you’re in the early planning stages, you can estimate architectural fees using these two common methods:
Option 1: Based on Floor Area
A rough way to estimate costs is to calculate your floor area (in square metres) and apply an average construction rate, then calculate our fees as a percentage of that.
For example:
Floor Area: 150 m² (If work includes restoration to an existing home, you will need to allow for new and existing areas)
Average Construction Cost: $8,000 per m² (subject to change depending on your quality and complexity)
Estimated Build Cost: 150 × $8,000 = $1,200,000
Our Architectural Fee Range: Typically ‘7% to 12%’ of the build cost depending on complexity.
Estimated Fee: $84,000 to $144,000 (plus GST)
The percentage depends on the size, complexity and scope of service. Full services—including design, documentation, approvals, tendering, and contract administration—are at the higher end of the range. Design-only or partial services are less.
Option 2: Based on Budget
If you already have a target budget in mind, we can use that to estimate fees more directly.
For example:
Your Budget: $800,000
Fee Range (7%–12%): $56,000 to $96,000 (plus GST)
This method is useful when you’ve already spoken to a builder or quantity surveyor or have finance pre-approval in place.
What’s Included in Our Fees?
Our fees cover a wide range of services tailored to your project’s stage and scope, including:
Initial consultation, Concept and design development
Council approvals and documentation
Construction drawings and specifications
Builder selection and tendering
On-site contract administration during the build
Our fees are invoiced progressively as each stage of your project is completed.
As a general guide:
1/3 of the total fee covers work up to and including the planning application stage (e.g. Development Application).
1/3 covers construction documentation and interior design.
1/3 covers the construction stage, including site visits and contract administration.
Before any work begins, we’ll provide a detailed fee proposal outlining exactly what’s included at each stage—so there are no surprises along the way.
Tailored Fee Proposal
Every home is unique—so is every client. Once we’ve had a chance to understand your brief, your site, and your budget, we’ll prepare a tailored fee proposal with a clear breakdown of costs, services, and timelines.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
If you’re thinking about renovating, building new, or extending your home, get in touch. We would love to talk about your ideas and help you plan with clarity and confidence.
Contact us to book an initial consultation and take the first step in creating your future home.