Architectural Fees and Budgeting for Your Project: Understanding the Process and Getting the Best Value

When it comes to working with architects, it's important to recognize that we are problem solvers, not product sellers. Much like an attorney or psychiatrist, architects offer specialized services tailored to your unique needs and goals. We're not handing you a pre-packaged solution – we’re creating a custom, thoughtful approach designed specifically for you.

However, many people find the process of understanding architectural fees confusing. It's common to hear frustration in the voices of clients who call for pricing information. The reason behind this confusion is that there is no standard, one-size-fits-all pricing structure for architects. Architectural fees vary widely depending on the complexity of the project and the services provided. Federal antitrust laws prohibit architects and organizations like the American Institute of Architects from establishing uniform pricing, as you might see in the real estate industry. As a result, you may come across figures anywhere from 8% to 20% of the construction cost, or hourly rates that range from $100/hr to $550/hr.

At Clawson Architects, we use an hourly, time-based fee structure that has been refined over the years. Our approach has been tested since 2000 and consistently results in creative, cost-effective, and beautiful design solutions. Many of our clients return because they appreciate the transparency and fairness of our method. Repeat clients speak to the success of this approach, as it ensures the project is managed within your budget, with flexibility to adapt to changes as needed without pausing to write a new agreement.

In the past, we used to provide detailed estimates for potential projects, but the sheer number of variables—ranging from site conditions to client preferences—makes it difficult to predict costs upfront. We no longer offer estimates until we’ve fully understood your project goals. Instead, once we begin, we develop a budget tracker to provide transparency and give you an idea of how the project is progressing. This estimate is used as a guide, not a fixed fee, and is adjusted as necessary based on the work completed. For example, if the initial estimate includes 3 meetings, each lasting 2 hours, but more meetings are required, the fee will reflect that additional time.

A few common questions we hear from potential clients include:

How much do you charge by the hour? This depends on the experience and expertise of the person working on your project. We tailor our approach to ensure the right skills for the job.

How many hours will my project take? This varies based on several factors, including:

The complexity of the project
Whether variances or special permits are required
The site conditions (is it challenging to work with?)
Whether you can visualize designs from technical drawings or need models and renderings
How often/available are you to meet with us—your feedback is important.
How well you can articulate your needs, make decisions and stick with those decisions.
Whether you are seeking assistance with interior fixtures and finishes

While some clients may have experience and feel confident managing office or apartment construction projects, designing a residential home is a deeply personal process. Unlike commercial or office projects, your home is an emotional investment, and the stakes are higher. The constraints of apartment design (size, building co-ops) differ vastly from the creative freedom of a custom home build.

Fixed Fees = Fixed Services. A firm that offers a fixed fee might be quoting a very specific scope of work, with everything else marked as “extra.” This lack of flexibility can lead to additional costs down the line if your needs evolve. At Clawson Architects, we believe in providing transparent pricing that reflects the work being done and allows for adjustments as your project unfolds.

Architectural Fees are truly an Investment in the success of your home design project. When you invest in architectural services, especially with a firm like Clawson Architects, you’re not just paying for a set of plans—you’re investing in the future success of your project. A well-crafted design, backed by detailed, complete drawings, will save you money in the long run by minimizing costly mistakes, reducing the risk of construction delays, and ensuring that every design element is executed correctly. Architectural fees are an investment in the quality and outcome of your home, and a well-executed set of plans is key to bringing that vision to life with precision and ease.

At Clawson Architects, we focus on creating long-term relationships with clients, offering more than just a transactional experience. If you're interested in creating tailored design solutions for your home—solutions that are sustainable, valuable in the market, and built to last beyond fleeting trends—we’d love to be your trusted advisor. Our hands-on, personal approach ensures that your vision is realized with professional guidance every step of the way.

If you're ready to embark on your project and would like to get started, contact us today.