#002 / WHAT CLIENTS WANT TO KNOW ABOUT ARCHITECTURAL FEES
The first thing to understand about architectural fees is that they are not an exact science. Every project is bespoke and every Architect has different levels of overheads, efficiencies and risks to factor into their fee calculations. This inevitably means that Architect's fees for the same job can vary massively. Having said this, in general there are three main methods that Architects use to calculate their fees which are revealed in this blog post along with typical rates you can expect to pay.
+ TIME CHARGE
Time charge is self explanatory - an hourly rate is agreed and the client pays for the hours spent on the project. Below are the typical hourly rates charged by Architects in 2017 based on the Architect's Journal fee survey.
Source: Architect's Journal 2017 Fee Survey
+ PERCENTAGE FEES
Percentage fees are normally calculated on a percentage of the total construction sum. As you can see below the percentage charged varies depending on the value of the project and whether it is a new build or refurbishment project.
Source: Architect's Journal 2017 Fee Survey
+ LUMP SUM FIXED FEES
Alternatively, an Architect can charge a fixed fee which tends to be hybrid between a percentage and time charge fee and will also factor in any risks that may affect the Architect's time spent and / or work required for a project.
+ P+S TIP
Focus on value, not overall cost! Whilst comparing fee proposals from different Architects make sure to pay particular attention to what each fee proposal includes and doesn't include as they most certainly won't be like for like. For example one quote may include the planning fees payable to the local council and in another this may be excluded. Furthermore, if all of your quotes come in higher than your budget allows it is worth talking to your potential Architect about how they can reduce their scope to reduce their fee.
Last updated: 07/01/2019
