There are two main questions to unpack in this blog, looking at the cost and value of an architect for your renovation project, before sharing some insight into the variables and how to plan your budget accordingly.
First up, for a quick overview of what an architect does and what their role is with regards to a renovation project – so that we can start to understand their value and equate it to cost.
The role of an architect
The role of an architect is to take your idea and vision and turn it into a tangible plan, taking into account the space available, the restrictions of any existing buildings or structures, and how best to layout your renovation, extension, or building project according to the local area and aesthetics.
Whenever a significant construction project is planned or in the works, an architect is required to draw up detailed plans and combine the client or homeowner’s vision with local regulations and building codes. Thus, the role of an architect is required early on in the process, with many continuing to supervise the work as it comes to fruition.
What contributes towards an architect’s fee
Rather than terming an architect’s fees as expensive, we believe it’s important to outline what contributes towards that overarching fee in terms of project value.
When you hire an architect for your project, you benefit from:
- Design expertise
- Comprehensive project plans that consider the budget and create a scope and timeline according to that budget
- Connectivity and collaboration across the site, from contractors to engineers, plumbing specialists, and more
- Quality monitoring throughout the project
- Team management
- Innovative ideas and a plethora of creative concepts which help to overcome potential challenges, and ensure that the client’s brief can be closely fulfilled
In short, the fees that you pay for an architect cover a wide portion of any renovation or construction project, mapping the work that is going to be done and ensuring that it is achieved within your timeline and budget.
With that said, what do architect fees look like in 2024 and how are they calculated?
A guide to architect fees in 2024
Architect fees are generally charged as a percentage of the total cost of construction – though this is subject to change in the UK specifically based on the role that the architect plays as part of the overall process. The percentage that is used tends to fall anywhere between 3% and 15% – based on the architect’s involvement and their reputation.
But percentage fees aren’t the only type of fee that you might come across when seeking the services of a professional architect.
Architects will sometimes charge a fixed fee based on the work that they are being hired to do. This tends to be the norm for clients who want to get professional architect drawings for potential work that they want to carry out, before taking those plans to planning applications and contractors.
Another option is the hourly rate structure, whereby an architect charges on the hour. This is the most popular for those projects where the full scope of the project is not yet determined, so the architect can come in as a consultant initially and offer guidance while being paid for the time commitment. This may develop into a fixed fee or percentage rate later down the line.
One thing that is worth noting is that the fee structure previously employed by the RIBA to standardise the work and rates charged by architects was scrapped in 2009 – meaning that ever since architect rates have been incredibly competitive and based on everything from expertise to the recommendation. As a client, you should be looking for an architect who delivers excellent work and falls within your ideal budget.
Here’s why value is such an important thing to consider when hiring an architect for your renovation or construction project.
The difference between a cheap and a more expensive architect
Hiring an architect is as much about value and quality as it is about price – if not more so.
The right architect will take your vision and turn it into a tangible and realistic plan that your contractors can follow and bring to life. Their drawings will be completed to scale and will allow for a seamless journey from paper to fruition.
No two projects are the same, and as such no two fees are the same.
However, some of the differences that you will find between a cheap and a more expensive architect include:
- The quality of the drawings
- The experience and expertise which surrounds the architect, both seen in their drawings and recognised by others in the industry
- Their ability to complete bespoke design work
- How involved they get in the project
- How big their team is
It’s also worth mentioning that a more complex project will lead to a higher price tag, and that factors such as location and project scale, as well as the time a project will take to complete, can all elevate the price tag above what might be considered the average.
Before we leave you to ponder your next project, here’s why opting for the right architect is so important.
Why choose TN Design & Build for your next project
Choosing an architect isn’t solely about budget – it should also be about identifying the architect that is best suited to the project and can bring your vision to life effectively.
Working with TN Design & Build means accessing a team of experts who know about everything from design to completion, and who work as a cohesive team from start to finish to deliver an efficient and high-quality finish.
We love what we do and have worked with some amazing clients over the years. So much so that you don’t need to take our word for it – you can browse the case studies on our website to learn more.
We might not be the cheapest, but we do believe that we are the best – with a competitive, fair, and comparable fee structure to prove it. Get in touch to discuss your project further.
