How Much Does an Architect Cost? Understanding Architectural Fees
If you’re thinking about building a custom home or starting a renovation, one of the first questions that pops up is: “How much does it cost to hire an architect?”
Totally fair question—and the answer is… well, it depends.
The Two Most Common Fee Structures
Architects typically charge in one of two ways:
Hourly – You’re billed for the actual time spent on the project. This can work well if you’re just testing ideas or doing early-phase design work. It gives flexibility, but the final cost can be hard to predict.
Lump Sum (Fixed Fee) – You’re quoted a flat price for the entire scope of work. This gives clients clarity on budget, but if the project scope expands (say your 2,000 sq ft dream home becomes a 4,000 sq ft “what-if-we-added-a-gym?”), the fee might need to be adjusted.
Some architects also use a percentage-of-construction-cost model—typically between 4% to 15% of the total build cost. Why such a wide range? Because not all services are equal. A 3–5% fee might just get you a basic permit set, while a 15% fee might include detailed design studies, high-touch guidance, coordination with consultants, and site visits throughout construction.
What We Do at High Low Buffalo
At HLB, we usually take a hybrid approach. We start with hourly billing in the early “dating phase”—a low-pressure way to explore ideas and see if there’s chemistry between us and the client. Once the design is dialed in and we have a good sense of scale and scope, we lock in a lump sum for the rest of the process. That way, clients know exactly what to expect.
Why? Because hiring an architect is a big commitment, and we believe it should feel more like a thoughtful relationship rather than a shotgun wedding.
