Architect's Fees & Work Stages
We generally calculate fees for our work in two ways, but can be flexible depending on the project. Different methods of calculating fees may be used for different stages in a project and this will be agreed and set out in the Fees & Expenses Schedule at the outset. Please cnctatc us to discuss your project and we will provide a quotation for various services
Percentage of the building costs
The normal method is to charge our fees as a percentage of the ‘contract value’. We have different percentage rates for different types of work and different contract values but as an approximate guide, our fees tend to lie between 8% and 12% of the net building costs (what we refer to as the ‘contract value’). Our overall fees are broken down into stages (or parts of stages) and are invoiced on a monthly basis to our clients.
Time based fees
The other method we adopt for charging fees is on a time incurred basis where we charge for the time that is expended on any task or series of tasks associated with the project. Where it is practical and possible we provide estimates of the amount of time we expect to incur on any of these tasks. Invoices that are time based are submitted monthly to clients with an account of how the time has been spent. Our time based charge-out rates may vary from time to time, and also may vary due to the complexity and significance of the work undertaken. For example: to carry out a measured survey, the rate would be £60 per hour. For normal, day-to-day architectural work, our charge-out rates are around £75 per hour.
There are some aspects of a building project that are charged on a time basis in addition to the overall percentage-based fee. These are as follows:
• Measured surveys (Unless quotes for in the fee proposal)
• Interior design specifications (colour schemes, selection of specified finishes, furnishings etc
• Design of purpose made built-in furniture – wardrobes, bookcases, shelving, storage units etc.
• Freestanding furniture items & specialist lighting design.
• Specialist research into specific and bespoke items within a building.
• Party wall negotiations with adjoining owners.
• Liaison with the public utilities companies on a clients' behalf.
