How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Architect? Understanding Architect Fees

Whether you’re building a custom home from scratch or tackling a major renovation, understanding the financial side of things—especially architect fees—is key to planning effectively.

One of the first questions many homeowners have is: How much will it cost me to hire an architect?

It’s a great question, but because each project is different, the answer isn’t always simple. Project size, complexity, and your unique needs all play a role in determining costs.

Here, we’ll give you a clearer picture of how architect fees are typically structured and explain our tiered service model, which makes it easier to find the right balance of support, design, and budget for your project.

While these insights are meant to help you estimate and plan, keep in mind that only a custom consultation will give you a fully accurate portrayal of your project costs. We hope this information helps you better understand your options so you can make confident, informed decisions for your home.

Why Architect Costs Vary for Each Project

Architectural fees vary because every project has unique requirements and levels of complexity.

For example, a small renovation will likely require fewer hours and less customization than a fully custom new construction home, which typically involves an in-depth design phase, material selection, and construction administration. 

For a renovation and addition project, there is such a variety of homes—from highly detailed historic properties to builder-grade homes that need substantial improvements. 

Each type of home will require a unique approach.

For new construction, the existing site conditions are also varied, from urban infill to farmland, forest properties, and mountainous, rocky properties. In addition to that, every family is different and has their own goals and objectives for a project. 

Designing a custom home is not a one-size-fits-all process, and the architectural fees for one project may not be the same as the architectural fees for the next project.

How Are Architectural Fees Structured?

Architects typically charge using one of three main fee structures: percentage of construction cost, flat fee, or hourly rate. 

Each approach offers something different, and your architect will use the fee structure that best aligns with your project’s scope and requirements.

• Percentage of Construction Cost: In this type of contract, the architect’s fee is based on an agreed-upon percentage of the construction cost. Sometimes this type of fee will be used for high-end projects where the total budget and overall goals are not yet determined from the beginning and instead are a moving target. At N3 Architecture, during our initial meetings, we often quote a percentage range based on your project, but this is for budgetary and planning purposes only. Most often, we will use a flat fee proposal.
  
  
• Flat Fee: The flat fee proposal is the most common for both renovation + addition projects and new construction projects completed by N3 Architecture. In this type of contract, there is a defined scope of work, a defined set of deliverables (such as the number of meetings and design options), and you know the exact fee to expect. The fee is broken down into phases, such as Conceptual Design and Analysis, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Observation. In the flat fee contract, your monthly invoices are billed against a known amount for each phase of the project based on work that is completed.

• Hourly Rate: The hourly rate contract is used only for very small projects or additional services that are beyond the agreed-upon scope of a flat fee contract. I will always let you know if work is outside of the agreed-upon scope and when to expect an additional fee.

Each of these structures is tailored to fit different project types and budgets, and your architect will select the approach that best suits your specific needs—from fully custom builds to smaller consulting projects.

Value Beyond the Cost to Hire an Architect

The cost of architectural services is understandably a key consideration for homeowners, but it’s important to remember that choosing an architect involves more than just comparing fees.

Consider the value of trust. 

Building or renovating a home is a deeply personal process that requires trust and collaboration. Ideally, you want an architect you feel comfortable talking with and someone with whom you can openly share personal details, routines, and lifestyle needs. 

An architect who understands these elements can design a home that truly reflects who you are.

For more on creating a one-of-a-kind design, watch our video, Avoid the Ordinary: How to Ensure Your Custom Home Reflects Your Unique Style, to see how the right architect can help bring your unique vision to life. 

Consider the value you place on comfort and happiness in your home.

Is saving a small percentage on architectural services worth it when it comes to building your dream home? 

Investing in an architect who takes the extra time and care to craft a design that’s truly unique to you—rather than a standard, builder-grade plan—can transform your project from just another house into a home tailored to your lifestyle.

Consider the value of avoiding costly mistakes and delays. 

An experienced architect can spot potential issues, provide workable design options, and overall help keep unexpected challenges to a minimum. 

Choosing an architect based solely on the lowest fee can lead to disappointment—your home is an investment, and the right partnership is key to creating a space that truly fits your lifestyle.

The right architect will ensure that the finished product not only meets your functional needs but brings you lasting joy and satisfaction.

The Flexible Approach to Service Tiers and Architect Fees

To give our clients the most flexibility and value, we have developed a three-tiered service model: Basic, Standard, and Premium. 

By providing a tiered structure rather than a simple but rigid per-square-foot rate, we can better account for unique design and customization elements in each project. 

Each service level is designed to meet the diverse needs of homeowners and builders, from developers working on spec homes to clients building their forever homes. 

Before we go further, keep in mind that the example fees listed below are spread out over the duration of the project in a payment plan. You won’t need to cover the whole cost up front.

Here’s what each tier includes so you can choose the best fit for your project.

Basic Architectural Service: Only The Essentials

The Basic Service tier at N3 Architecture is created primarily for developers or contractors working on spec homes or projects intended for resale. We do not offer this service level to homeowners. You need a higher level of care and quality to create a home that is special and unique to you and your family. 

This option includes only the essentials needed to secure permits and get the project underway, so there’s less flexibility in design or revisions.

• What’s Included: One design option, minimal revisions, and the basic construction documents required for permits.



• Who It’s For: Typically developers or builders making finish selections based on broad market appeal, not those looking for a custom or personal design.
  

Disclaimer on Service Levels and Fee Range
Before we provide a proposal, we will have in-depth discussions about your specific needs and goals to ensure an accurate estimate. The following examples in each tier represent the higher end of the service and complexity level. A simpler home may have a fee that is less than what is listed here.

Example Cost: 

• For a $500,000 renovation, architectural fees in this tier might range from 5-7% of the construction cost, or about $25,000 to $35,000.
  
• At this same tier, a $900,000 developer spec home could see fees in the $45k-$65k range.

Standard Architectural Service: A Balance of Design and Cost

Our Standard Service is a great fit for homeowners who want a balance between design flexibility and budget.

This service includes more design options and detailed construction documents, allowing for fewer surprises and smoother project management. This also allows for full customization of the home, but without making every decision on finishes, materials, and colors, leaving you the flexibility to make these decisions with the contractor during the construction phase.

What’s Included: Several design options, complete construction documents, and guidance through major decisions and questions.



Who It’s For: Homeowners looking for a semi-custom home with room to make adjustments during the design process.

Example Cost: 

• For a $2 million semi-custom home, architectural fees in the standard tier may range from 7-10% of the construction cost, or roughly $140,000 to $200,000. 
  
• For a $900,000 semi-custom home, fees may be in the range of $63,000 to $90,000.

Premium Architectural Service: Full Customization for Your Dream Home

For those looking to build a truly unique home, at N3 Architecture we offer a Premium Service tier designed for fully custom projects. 

This level offers a deep, collaborative design process that ensures every aspect of the home reflects your personal style and needs. In this service level, you get everything included in the Standard Service plus more design options, more coordination meetings, and a deep dive into the design of each room in the house.

• What’s Included: Custom design tailored to your lifestyle, highly detailed construction documents, 3D renderings, and guidance on every finish and material.



• Who It’s For: Homeowners building a custom luxury home who want a high level of detail and personalization throughout the design and build process. This service is also ideal for busy professionals and executives—high earners with limited time—who want their architect to manage the details in a “concierge” style service, allowing them to be as hands-off as desired.

In the Premium service, we may also be pulling in outside specialist consultants such as interior designers, kitchen designers, and landscape architects to ensure that every aspect of your home aligns with your unique vision, lifestyle, and taste.

Example Cost: 

• For a $1 million custom home, architectural fees in this tier might range between 10-15%, totaling $100,000 to $150,000.
• A $3 million home could see fees in the range of 10-15%, or $300,000 to $450,000.
• A $5 million custom home in the Premium tier could see architectural fees between 15-20%, totaling $500,000 to $750,000.

This tier represents the ultimate, full-service experience for those who seek the very best in design and lifestyle, providing everything needed to bring your unique vision to life—from the first sketch to the final, exquisite detail.

Standard vs. Premium: Choosing the Right Level

The difference between Standard and Premium often comes down to the level of detail in interiors and the depth of involvement from your architect.

For instance, in the Standard service, we may specify ceramic tile flooring for your bathroom. But in the Premium service, we’ll work with you to examine tile options in more depth, considering different sizes, textures, and colors that can enhance the overall design.

In the kitchen, Standard service may include a layout in plan view, outlining the general arrangement of appliances and cabinetry.

In the Premium service, we go a step further—reviewing the layout in both plan and 3D views, analyzing how different styles of cabinets, countertops, and appliances affect the space, and refining each selection for cohesive functionality and aesthetic. 

Ultimately, the choice between Standard and Premium services depends on the level of customization and involvement you desire. 

If you’re looking for a streamlined, efficient approach with quality design, the Standard service may be perfect for you. However, if you value a more immersive, personalized experience with every detail carefully crafted to your specifications, the Premium service offers added value and results in a home unlike any other.

Both service options mean your project is managed with care and expertise, but Premium service creates a truly unique, tailored home designed just for you.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Here’s How to Plan for Success

In this guide, we’ve broken down how architectural fees work, giving you insight into the factors that influence costs and how they relate to the scale, detail, and customization of your project.

With a better understanding of the differences between Basic, Standard, and Premium service levels, you’re now equipped to choose the approach that aligns best with your vision and budget. 

If you’re still unsure of the best option, don’t worry—we’ll have several conversations about your needs, goals, and desires for your new home before a proposal is issued. Through these discussions, it generally becomes clear to everyone which approach is the best way forward.

This knowledge isn’t just about numbers; it’s about finding the right architect who can bring your ideas to life in a home that reflects your unique lifestyle. 

If you select a random architect based solely on the lowest cost, you won’t receive these personalized services and, ultimately, won’t end up with a home of any true significance.

With N3 Architecture’s tailored service tiers, you have access to the exact level of support, creativity, and attention your project deserves.

Apply for a discovery meeting today, and let’s explore the best path forward for your home.