Wondering how much hiring an architect will set you back for your new build or home extension? It’s one of the first big questions to pop up when planning a project.
From hourly rates to flat fees, architect costs can vary as much as design ideas do. But don’t worry, that’s why we’re here to break down everything you need to know to make your choice easier—and your budget happier.
What’s the going rate for an architect?
If you’re looking at hourly rates, expect some variation based on experience and expertise. Newer architects might charge around $50 to $77 per hour, with $60 being the average. But if you’re eyeing someone with years of experience or a strong design portfolio, be ready to pay more—up to $100 to $250 per hour.
But hourly rates are often just for consultations or early design stages. Many architects will charge based on a percentage of your project’s total cost, especially if they’ll also manage the build.
Typically, you’re looking at this being around 8 per cent to 10 per cent of the overall cost, so if your new home build is projected at $600,000, you’re looking at $48,000 to $60,000 in architectural fees.
It sounds steep, but remember, there’s a reason why you pay more for people with expertise and project management skills. A good architect can go a long way to easing the whole home building process, from ensuring structural integrity to communicating with contractors.
Just be sure to have a clear idea of what you need from them to avoid forking out for any unexpected charges along the way.
And if you’re not interested in all those bells and whistles for a simple extension or small home build, you might consider home designers or drafters, who can provide basic design services at a lower cost.
Choosing the right architect: What to ask
But picking an architect isn’t just about the budget; it’s about fit. When shopping around, it’s important you ask your prospective architect the right questions to see if they have the skills and the vision to make your dream home happen.
Try asking:
- Can you walk me through your experience with similar projects?
- How do you typically incorporate a client’s ideas and needs into the design process?
- What’s your design philosophy, and how would you describe your architectural style?
- Can you show examples of your past work that are similar in style or scale to what I’m envisioning?
- What is your process for managing budget constraints and unexpected costs?
- How do you handle project timelines, and what steps do you take to stay on schedule?
- How do you communicate with clients and contractors throughout the project?
- What challenges do you foresee with my project, and how would you plan to address them?
These questions can go a long way to gauging whether or not an architect is the right match for your build. Just remember to get a clear estimate of costs and factor it into your overall budget.
Drafter, designer, or architect: Who’s the right pick?
If your project is smaller—like a three-bedroom home or an extension—you may be wondering if you need an architect at all.
The answer: maybe you don’t. Drafters and building designers can be great options, and they often come at a lower price point. While they can’t offer full-scale project management, they’re equipped to draw up plans and guide you through the council approval process.
For instance, building designers typically charge between $90 and $180 per hour or may take a percentage of the overall project fee, often around 4.75 per cent to 7 per cent—noticeably lower than an architect’s rates. Some may even charge by the square meter, with rates typically in the $16 to $25 range.
As with architects, choosing the right drafter or designer is key. Look for someone with experience on projects similar to yours. This is especially true if you’re going for an extension; a seasoned drafter or designer with knowledge of similar additions will be able to handle the process smoothly and likely at a lower cost.
What’s right for you?
For larger, more complex projects, an architect can be the best choice for bringing your vision to life. They’ll ensure you have a unique, functional design while taking on project management duties to keep things running smoothly.
But if you’re working on something straightforward, like a smaller home or basic addition, a talented drafter or building designer could be a more budget-friendly fit.
Either way, remember that you’ll need those detailed plans before any construction begins. Your builder will rely on them to bring your design to reality, whether an architect or a designer created them.
So, do some research, get quotes, and ask the right questions—and your new home or extension will be on its way to reality in no time.
