How We Price Our Architectural Design Services
A Considered Approach to Fees
One of the first questions clients ask is, "How much will the design cost?" It is a fair question, and one we believe deserves a clear answer. At Varloch Design, we approach fees by first understanding the project rather than applying the same percentage or fixed price to every home. A small renovation, a substantial alteration and addition, and a new home on a challenging site can require very different levels of investigation, design, documentation and coordination. We consider the project's scope, complexity, planning requirements, anticipated construction budget and the level of involvement required from our team. Our services are then broken into defined stages, allowing clients to understand what work is included, what will be delivered and when decisions need to be made. We may use estimated professional hours, fixed stage fees or a percentage of construction cost, depending on the project and agreed scope. The objective is not simply to provide a price. It is to establish a realistic scope of services, with clear expectations from the beginning.
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01. Understanding the Project and Its Complexity
Before preparing a fee proposal, we take time to understand what the client wants to achieve. This includes the existing property, the intended scope of work, the construction budget, planning constraints, desired programme and the level of architectural involvement required. Two projects with similar construction budgets can require very different amounts of design work. A straightforward extension on a relatively level site may have fewer technical challenges than a smaller renovation involving heritage considerations, structural alterations, difficult access or complex council requirements. We also consider whether specialist consultants, additional approvals or more detailed coordination are likely to be required. These early discussions help us identify the work involved and recommend an appropriate scope of services. Importantly, we distinguish between the construction budget and our professional fees. Architectural design fees cover the services required to develop, document and help deliver the project. They are not the cost of constructing the building.
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02. Building a Fee Around Defined Project Stages
Once we understand the project, we develop a fee proposal based on the services required. Rather than presenting one figure without explanation, we generally structure our services into identifiable stages. These may include concept design, design development, planning approvals, construction documentation, tender assistance and construction-stage services. For each stage, we assess the anticipated work, complexity, coordination and deliverables. This helps us establish a fee that reflects the professional time and resources required. Depending on the project, fees may be calculated from estimated hours, agreed as fixed amounts for defined stages or expressed as a percentage of construction cost. Our proposals explain the scope, deliverables, assumptions, exclusions and payment arrangements. Separating the work into stages also allows clients to understand the progression of their project and make informed decisions before moving forward. Where the scope changes, we discuss the implications before undertaking additional services.
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03. Providing Clarity and Managing Costs Throughout the Project
A well-prepared fee proposal is only the beginning. As a project progresses, we believe clients should understand what stage they are in, what decisions are required and how changes may affect the agreed scope. At Varloch Design, we use structured project management systems to coordinate tasks, documentation, communication and project progress. This helps us manage our professional resources while maintaining visibility across the design process. We also encourage clients to establish a realistic construction budget early and review design decisions against that budget as the project develops. Architectural fees are separate from construction costs, consultant fees, statutory charges and other project expenses unless specifically included in the proposal. Our aim is to provide clients with a clear understanding of the services they are engaging, the value those services provide and the financial commitments associated with each stage. Good design should be supported by good planning, clear communication and responsible project management.