Architect fees vary widely depending on the scope of your project, the level of service you need, and where you are in the country. Understanding how architects charge helps you budget accurately and get good value.
How Architects Charge
Architects typically charge in one of three ways:
Percentage of Construction Cost
The most traditional method. The architect charges a percentage of the total build cost:
- New build: 7-15% of construction cost
- Extension or renovation: 10-15%
- Small, complex projects: up to 20%
For example, if your extension costs £80,000 to build and the architect charges 12%, their fee would be £9,600.
Fixed Fee
Many architects now offer a fixed fee for defined scopes of work. This gives you cost certainty upfront. Common fixed-fee ranges:
- Planning drawings only (for a simple extension): £1,000-£3,000
- Planning + building regulations drawings: £2,500-£6,000
- Full service (design through to completion on site): £5,000-£20,000+
Hourly Rate
Some architects charge by the hour, particularly for smaller or advisory work:
- Newly qualified architect: £50-£80/hour
- Experienced architect: £80-£130/hour
- Director/principal: £120-£200/hour
What Affects the Cost?
- Project complexity - a straightforward rear extension costs less to design than a whole-house renovation with structural changes
- Level of service - planning drawings only versus full design, tender management and site inspections
- Location - London architects typically charge 20-40% more than those outside the capital
- Practice size - larger RIBA practices generally charge higher fees than sole practitioners
- Listed buildings and conservation areas - additional design sensitivity and documentation requirements increase fees
What's Included in the Fee?
A typical architect's fee covers:
- Initial consultation and site survey
- Concept design and design development
- Planning drawings and submission
- Building regulations drawings (if included in scope)
- Liaison with the planning authority
Full-service appointments also include tender documentation, contractor selection support, and regular site visits during construction.
What's Usually Extra?
The following are typically charged separately or passed through as disbursements:
- Planning application fees (paid to the council)
- Structural engineer's calculations
- Specialist surveys (trees, ecology, drainage)
- Party wall surveyor fees
- Building control fees
Tips for Getting Good Value
- Get quotes from at least 3 architects and compare the scope of service, not just the price
- Ask for a clear breakdown of what's included and what's extra
- Agree the fee basis in writing before any work starts
- Check their registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) - only ARB-registered professionals can legally call themselves architects
- Look at their portfolio to ensure their style and experience match your project