An Architect’s Pay

If not the first, the second question is usually: “So, um, how do you charge for your services?”  If it’s the first question, I say, “probably a fee that’s too much for you” and cleverly find my way out.  It’s one thing to have to ask and another to want to know before any other detail.

There are really 3 ways architects can charge fees: hourly, by a project fee or through a percentage of the costs.

A professional interior designer charges in this manner too but typically on a percentage of cost plus basis because of the innate need to research and procure furniture and surroundings.

The “hourly” is an accounting nightmare and is frankly annoying.  Imagine how much time is wasted keeping track (think timecards) and who needs that?

First, this is a relationship based on trust.  Secondly, constantly paying hourly fees will make cash flow all but improbable for all parties.

So we set the fees.  Whether based on an hourly rate and estimating how many hours the project will incur, or an empirically-achieved flat fee or even cost per square foot.  The fee is king.  It allows cash flow for the project to flow everywhere it needs to go.

If you are dealing with an architect on invoicing, be sure it is based on the percentage the architect is complete.  Everyone knows that everything fluctuates after that first “perfect” plan. There’s no reason to pay fees or collect fees if the project falls flat on its well-designed face.