How Much Does an Architect Cost?

Architect fees are one of the least transparent parts of the construction industry. Here’s what you should actually expect to pay — and what you get for it.

It’s a question every homeowner asks, and one that’s surprisingly hard to get a straight answer to. Fees vary widely depending on the practice, the project, and the scope of appointment. But there are benchmarks — and understanding them helps you make a better decision.

How are architect fees structured?

There are three common fee structures:

Percentage of construction cost — the most common approach for full appointments. Typically ranges from 8–15% depending on the complexity and scale of the project. Smaller projects tend to attract a higher percentage because the fixed overhead of running a project doesn’t scale down proportionally.

Fixed fee — common for defined scopes such as a planning application or a specific stage of work. Gives you cost certainty upfront.

Hourly rate — less common for residential work, but used for early-stage advisory work or where the scope is genuinely uncertain.

What does a typical project cost in fees?

For a single-storey extension in the Solihull or Birmingham area with a construction cost of around £150,000–£200,000, you might expect architect fees of £12,000–£25,000 for a full appointment from concept through to completion. For planning only, fees might sit in the £3,000–£6,000 range.

For a new build with a construction cost of £500,000–£1m, full architectural fees typically fall in the £50,000–£100,000 range across all stages.

These are indicative figures — every project is different and a reputable practice will always give you a clear fee proposal before work begins.

What’s included in the fee?

A full architectural appointment typically covers: initial design and concept development, planning application preparation and management, technical design and construction drawings, specification writing, contractor procurement and tendering, contract administration, and site inspections during the build. Some practices charge additional fees for expenses such as planning fees, structural engineer coordination, or specialist surveys — always check what’s included.

Is it worth it?

In almost every case, yes. A well-designed home adds measurable value — both in terms of what it’s worth and how it feels to live in. An architect who manages the build process properly can also save you money by reducing variations, managing the contractor relationship, and making sure the specification is right before work starts.

The cost of getting it wrong — a poorly designed extension, a planning refusal, a contractor dispute — is almost always higher than the cost of proper architectural advice.

A note on cheaper options

There are drawing services and online platforms that offer planning drawings at significantly lower cost. For very straightforward, standard projects, these can be adequate. But they rarely offer design thinking, planning strategy, or any involvement beyond submitting drawings. If your project matters to you, it’s worth understanding what you’re actually buying.

If you’re considering a project in Solihull, Birmingham, or the Midlands and want a clear, honest conversation about fees, get in touch. We’ll always be transparent about what we charge and what you get for it.