Our Service

The RIBA guide “Working with an Architect for your home” is a good starting point although it does not specify the Architectural fees. As it is an explanation of the services and value an architect can provide for a project.  You can download this document from here.

We have written a short description of a typical project design and building process in a document found here

Initial consultation

The initial meeting for project discussion and evaluation of our client’s requirements is charged at £95 for the hour excluding costs, unless the project is at a great distance when a nominal charge is made to cover travel costs.

At the meeting, both us architect and out client will establish a project brief:

• The project details and services to be provided
• The procurement method
• An approximate construction cost
• The project timetable
• Further information on initial consultations can be found here

Fee Basis

Our fees are based on skills, experience, overheads and the resources needed to undertake the work. We normally calculate a total fee to be charged at an agreed percentage of the construction costs where we are providing the full service. A restricted service is usually charged on a time basis.

This percentage we use is based on:

• The classification of the building (whether new build or works to existing)
• The size of the project (the larger the project, the smaller the percentage)
• The site constraints and complexities (a simple flat serviced plot of land requires less work)
• The nature of the design specification (a higher design spec that will be much more unique needs more time spent on selection with client, technical research and communication with contractor to get the best possible solution and finish).

In the early stages the construction costs are based on:

• All of the above
• An approximate rate per square metre of internal floor area of the proposed design
• Any additional information from the client about budget
• Any budget quotation given by contractor, subcontractors, consultants or suppliers.

At the later stages of the project when the construction costs are more known, the figures are based on the total value of all works within the project site.  This may include tender accepted main contract and subcontractors’ figures.

In 2019 an independent annual survey of fees by Mirza & Nacey Research recorded the general level of architect’s fees for providing a full service for new private houses to be between 7.5% and 12% of the construction cost. (This changes significantly with higher value projects, please contact us for a fee estimate).  On projects to refurbish or extend houses the fee is between 10-12.5%, or for repair and conservation work on historic buildings, the fee can be a larger percentage of the building cost.

This total fee is broken into stages related to the RIBA work stages as shown below:

Strategic Definition, Preparation and Briefing| RIBA Stage 0-1

5-15%

Initial consultation and site visit to determine project feasibility, usually charged as an hourly rate but deducted from account if the project goes ahead and we are instructed.

Project Brief approved by the client and confirmed that it can be accommodated on the site.

• • Undertake Feasibility sketches and option appraisals.
  • Agree Project Budget

• Appoint surveyor and source site Information.
• Prepare Project Programme and Project Execution Plan and advise on additional consultants
• Invoiced after client meeting or on a monthly basis for larger projects

Concept Design | RIBA Stage 2

15-30%

Develop concept of scheme in more detail with outline drawings and massing to meet clients brief.  To commence work a measured survey will need to be carried out by a consultant which is an additional cost.

• Discuss procurement route
• Consider implementation of broad structural and servicing requirements
• Review Brief and programme
• Appoint additional consultants as required to achieve a complete planning submission
• Changes to the brief that affect stage 1 and 2 may incur additional design fees.
• Invoiced after sign off from client or on a monthly basis for larger projects

Spatial Coordination / Detailed Proposals | RIBA Stage 3

25-40%

Planning draft submitted to client for approval prior to submission.

Design for full Planning Permission submitted and local authority queries dealt with.  At this stage there will be an additional cost for the Planning application fee which can be paid by the client directly. And there may be costs for extra time spent if 3D visualisation services are required for marketing or Planning purposes.

• Coordinate with strategies, cost plan and outline specifications
• Invoiced after submission to council or on a monthly basis for larger projects

Technical Design| RIBA Stage 4

20-35%

Prepare technical submission of building regulation to achieve Building Control Approval.  Advise on benefits of appointing a local authority or approved inspector.

Make Building Regulation submission. At this stage there will be an additional cost for the Warrant application fee which can be paid by the client directly.

• Advise on the need for a SAP calculation (energy use analysis)
• Invoiced after submission to council or on a monthly basis for larger projects
• Finalize drawings and specification for project to be priced by contractors.
• Advise on suitable contractors, agree procurement route and ongoing program.
• Prepare information for tender stage, issue tendering contractors and resolve queries
• Advise on appointment contract as required.
• Complete technical design of the project.
• Invoiced after tender accepted or on a monthly basis for larger projects

Manufacturing and Construction | RIBA Stage 5

10-20%

Administer and inspect all building work at regular intervals to achieve satisfactory completion.

• Invoiced at monthly stages throughout the building process at a timescale agreed with client and builder based on schedule of works.

Building Handover| RIBA Stage 6

5-10%

Conclude the administration of Building Contract and issue As-Built information

Ensure accurate and thorough handover of building and satisfactory completion of all works in accordance with the contract.

• Final invoice after handover

As each project is unique, we are happy to discuss your specific needs. Please contact us via phone or email initially and we can arrange a visit to your site for an appraisal if necessary.