Architects’ Fees in the UK – A Guide to Value, Vision, and Legacy

Why the Conversation About Fees Matters

When we talk about architects’ fees, we’re not simply talking about numbers on a page. We’re talking about the value of vision. About trust. About the long-term decisions that shape how you live, work, and thrive.

Too often, fees are seen as an obstacle. At RISE, we see them as an investment. An investment in clarity, creativity, and sustainability. An investment that can reduce waste, unlock potential, and transform a house into a home, or a project into a legacy.

Sean Ronnie Hill and Imran Jahn, Directors of RISE Design Studio, guiding clients through transparent and sustainable approaches to architects’ fees in the UK.

What Architects Bring Beyond the Drawings

Our work is not about producing lines on paper. It’s about seeing possibilities that others may miss. It’s about anticipating problems long before they reach site. It’s about material choices that lower embodied carbon and details that ensure comfort for decades.

☉ A well-conceived design increases property value.
☉ Early planning reduces costly mistakes.
☉ Passive strategies cut energy bills while improving wellbeing.

The question isn’t “how much does an architect cost?” The question is “how much value can a good architect add to your life and the environment you inhabit?”

Different Ways to Structure Fees

Architects typically work in one of three ways:

Percentage of construction cost
This keeps fees aligned with the scale of ambition. If the project grows, the fee scales with it.

Fixed fee
Certainty from the outset, ideal when the scope is crystal clear.

Time charge
Flexible for early stages like feasibility studies, where possibilities are still open.

Each structure has its place. What matters most is transparency, and the shared understanding between client and architect about what’s included.

A Journey in Stages

Every project is a journey. Architects walk with you through key stages:

• Defining your vision and testing feasibility

• Shaping concept design into planning drawings

• Translating ambition into technical detail for construction

• Overseeing delivery, ensuring quality and accountability

At RISE, we often align with the RIBA framework, splitting fees roughly:
→ 35% for early vision and planning
→ 45% for technical detail and tender
→ 20% for construction and handover

It’s a rhythm that balances inspiration with rigour.

The Numbers – Typical Fee Ranges

Architects’ fees usually sit between 4% and 16% of construction cost, depending on scope, service level, and complexity. The figures below represent a mid-level service – a balanced package of design and delivery that most residential clients opt for.

Ultimately, the fee reflects both the ambition of the project and the depth of involvement you want your architect to have.

Beyond the Fee Proposal

A meaningful proposal should not just quote numbers. It should articulate:

• The design philosophy and sustainable principles guiding the studio

• The scope of services and what lies beyond them

• The accountability frameworks in place (contracts, insurance, professional standards)

• A timeline that respects both process and delivery

In short, a good proposal should feel like the start of a partnership, not just a transaction.

Other Costs to Anticipate

Architects’ fees are one piece of the puzzle. Alongside them, clients should budget for:

• Measured surveys and site investigations

• Structural or environmental engineering input

• Planning application fees and pre-application advice

• Specialist reports (ecology, heritage, daylight, flood risk)

• Quantity Surveyor support for cost control

Each plays its role in ensuring that decisions are made with foresight, not hindsight.

How to Compare Proposals Wisely

Price alone is a poor compass. One architect may offer only the basics - just enough drawings to reach planning. Another may provide immersive 3D models, detailed specifications, and careful coordination.

The difference lies not only in service but in mindset. Do you want the bare minimum to get approval? Or do you want a partner committed to the integrity, performance, and sustainability of your project?

Final Thoughts – Building for Value, Not Just Cost

Architecture is not about spending money. It’s about directing it wisely. The cheapest option rarely delivers the best outcome. The most expensive isn’t always the most visionary.

At RISE, we believe fees should reflect fairness, transparency, and ambition. We design not for today alone, but for decades ahead - for energy efficiency, comfort, and the joy of inhabiting a space that feels alive.

Building is always a leap of faith. Choosing the right architect ensures you land where you hoped, with a project that elevates your life while giving something back to the planet.

Building for the Future

Every project carries weight. It’s not just bricks and mortar, not just percentages and fees. It’s an opportunity to create a place that outlives you - that tells a story about how you saw the world and what you valued.

At RISE, we believe the right home or building can do three things at once:
☉ It can serve your needs today with clarity and comfort.
☉ It can adapt to tomorrow with flexibility and foresight.
☉ It can respect the planet, reducing the energy and carbon it consumes.

This is the real value of architecture. To leave behind more than just square metres. To craft a legacy.

Ready to Begin?

Thinking of starting a project? Whether it’s a home, a cultural building, or a commercial space, the conversation starts with trust and vision. Let’s talk about how design can:
→ Transform your space into something purposeful
→ Add measurable and lasting value
→ Contribute to a more sustainable future

At RISE, we’re not here to deliver the ordinary. We’re here to create work that stands as a benchmark, bold enough to be different and humble enough to belong.

→ Email us at architects@risedesignstudio.co.uk
→ Or call the studio on 020 3947 5886

Frequently Asked Questions

Do architects charge for an initial consultation?

At RISE, the first step is always a conversation. We offer an initial consultation free of charge because good architecture begins with listening to your needs, your ambitions, and your site.

How do I get the best price from my architect?

The best value isn’t found in the lowest fee, but in alignment of vision. To make the most of your architect’s expertise:
→ Share a clear brief and realistic budget from the outset.
→ Decide whether you want full service (concept to completion) or support for selected stages.
→ Think about long-term value – from reduced energy bills to increased comfort and property worth.

When you measure price against what you stand to gain, clarity emerges.

How much do architects charge?

In the UK, architects’ fees for residential projects typically range from 10% to 14% of construction cost. This varies with project size, complexity, and the level of service required. Larger budgets tend to attract lower percentages, while smaller, intricate projects may sit at the higher end.

How much does an architect cost for an extension?

Extensions often carry higher fee percentages than new builds, simply because they involve complexity: existing structures, planning sensitivities, and integration with the home. A typical range might sit around 12% to 15% of the construction cost. That investment often pays back many times over in added value, efficiency, and quality of life.

What are architects’ fees for a new build house?

New builds usually fall between 8% and 12% of construction cost, depending on scale, ambition, and performance standards. A new home offers the opportunity to design sustainably from the ground up – from orientation and daylighting to fabric-first energy strategies. Done well, this is not just a house, but a benchmark for living.

Can architects help me keep control of costs?

Yes. A key part of our role is balancing ambition with budget. We collaborate with Quantity Surveyors early on, recommend materials that reduce long-term running costs, and design with efficiency in mind. The right decisions at the right stage save money, time, and carbon later.

Do architects handle planning permission?

We guide you through the entire planning process – from early feasibility studies to preparing applications and liaising with the local authority. Our experience helps avoid common pitfalls and strengthens your case for approval, especially where sustainability and design quality are central.

How do architects add value to a project?

Beyond drawings and approvals, architects add value by:

• Unlocking potential you may not see in a site or building

• Reducing future maintenance through thoughtful detailing

• Designing energy-efficient homes that lower bills and carbon impact

• Enhancing the character and market value of your property

Value is created not only in what you can measure but also in how a space feels and functions for decades to come.

Do architects only design?

No. At RISE, we go far beyond design. We manage consultants, coordinate technical details, support contractor selection, and oversee the build on-site. That oversight safeguards quality and ensures the vision becomes reality.

Can I hire an architect just for the early stages?

Yes. Some clients want only initial feasibility studies or planning drawings. Others prefer full-service engagement through construction. We’re flexible – though in our experience, projects benefit most when we stay involved until the final detail is complete.

Why do fees vary so much between architects?

Fees reflect not only service level, but also philosophy and focus. Some practices provide basic compliance drawings at a low percentage. Others, like RISE, bring sustainability expertise, Passivhaus knowledge, and design rigour that anticipates long-term performance. What you pay for is not only time – but depth, foresight, and legacy.

Do I need an architect for small projects?

Even the smallest project benefits from clarity and good design. Whether it’s a modest extension or a full retrofit, an architect can help you maximise space, secure approvals, and ensure every pound is well spent. The scale may be smaller, but the impact on daily life is often profound.

How do architects factor sustainability into their fees?

Sustainability isn’t an add-on; it’s embedded in our process. From choosing low-carbon materials to designing for energy efficiency and future adaptability, every decision considers environmental impact. This can require more design time upfront – but it pays back in running costs, comfort, and reduced emissions over the building’s life.

Do architects manage builders and contractors?

Yes. One of our most valuable roles is acting as Contract Administrator during construction. We monitor quality, check progress against the contract, and ensure payments are fair. This protects you as the client and keeps the builder accountable.

What’s included in an architect’s fee – and what isn’t?

Our fees typically include design work, drawings, coordination, and project oversight. What’s not included are third-party costs such as surveys, engineering reports, or planning application fees. We’re always transparent so you know exactly what you’re paying for – and why.

How do I know if I need planning permission?

This depends on your project. Some work can be carried out under Permitted Development rights, while others require a formal application. We advise early, test your ideas against local planning policy, and, where needed, prepare the application to maximise your chances of approval.

What happens if my budget changes during the project?

Budgets evolve – materials shift in price, priorities change. We stay flexible, offering options and value-engineering strategies without compromising design quality. Our aim is to help you make informed decisions at every stage.