How much are Architects fees
— 18 February 2026
When embarking on a building project, whether a sensitive renovation, new build, extension, or conversion, establishing a clear and realistic budget is one of the first and most important steps. Within that budget, understanding architectural fees is essential to ensuring a smooth and successful journey from initial concept through to completion.
At William Green Architects, we believe transparency is fundamental. Every project we undertake is bespoke, shaped by the specific ambitions of the client, the character of the property, and the demands of the site. As such, architectural fees cannot be meaningfully reduced to a single flat rate. This article outlines the typical parameters that influence fees, helping you plan with confidence and clarity.
How much does an architect cost?
No two projects we deliver are alike. Architectural fees vary according to several factors, including scale, complexity, quality of finish and the level of professional involvement required. Before proposing a fee, we take time to understand the full scope of work, from the size of the project and planning context to technical complexity and desired outcome. Without this information, any estimate would be speculative and potentially misleading.
That said, construction cost can provide a broad guide. For private residential projects, full architectural services typically fall within the region of 6-14% of the total construction cost. The range reflects the differing levels of expertise and involvement required. For example, projects involving Listed buildings, conservation areas or complex planning environments generally sit at the higher end of the scale due to the additional care, consultation and technical rigour required.
Our total fees are set against a percentage of the overall target construction cost. This total is then split down across the 6-7 RIBA stages, you can learn more about the design stages here. As a guide we would usually look to claim 30% of the overall fee for stages 1-3 (up to planning) and the remaining 70% over stages 4-6 (Technical Design – Handover). This fee balance means we are keen to obtain planning and be involved with the realisation and management of the design and detail design onsite.
Get in touch to discuss how we could help with your next project.
Do I need an architect?
Legally you do not need to work with an architect, but we would always recommend working with them to get the most from the design of your property, especially when working on larger, or more complex projects. If you are looking to get a small extension, or loft conversion, and you have a competent builder then you might find you do not need to work with an architect for this type of project. That said, many clients engage us precisely because they wish to realise the full potential of their property, rather than simply add space.
As architects, we bring trained design intelligence and strategic oversight to a project. This includes unlocking latent value within a site, navigating the planning system, coordinating consultants such as structural engineers and contractors, and ensuring the final outcome aligns with both your original vision, statutory requirements and building regulations. The result is not only a smoother process, but often a more coherent, refined, and enduring piece of architecture.
Architects deliver a service that creates and enables the built reality to be bespoke for your aims and ambitions. Architects deliver highly resolved buildings that relate to people and place. They have skills to maximise a projects potential and thereby adding value on many levels. An Architects design solutions will be considered, practical, flow and connect, from the small detail to the overall form of the whole building. The built reality is the solidifying of all design concepts and decisions. When ordered and delivered by architects, this creates desirable buildings, which inherently have timeless appeal and added value.
We have written several articles about aspects of how architecture can have a positive impact on your home, your health and the environment, visit our Thoughts articles here.
Advantage of working with an architectural studio
By working with William Green Architects, clients get the advantage of not only working with an individual architect, but from the collective knowledge and support of the whole studio. As a studio, we have a multitude of strong individual skill sets ranging from designers, sustainability designer, visualisation, project managers, planning & LPA deep knowledge. All skills that come together to navigate the nuanced project pathway that make dreams become reality.
We enjoy working together, discussing projects and problems within the studio, refining, and challenging our design solutions collaboratively. This depth of knowledge and rigor from a studio cannot be replicated when working in isolation.
Working with a studio also offers continuity of support, responsiveness, and depth of service throughout the life of a project, minimising delays and ensuring informed decision-making on time at every stage.
To learn more about our team, visit our Studio page.
Benefit of an RIBA Chartered Architect
We would always strongly recommend working with a member of the RIBA, The Royal Institute of British Architects, as this membership offers an assurance of professionalism, quality, competence, and accountability.
To be a member of the RIBA all architects must continue with their learning, undertaking ongoing professional development each year, adhere to a strict code of conduct, and carry mandatory professional indemnity insurance. For clients, this provides assurance, consumer protection and confidence that your project is being handled to the highest professional standards.
Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help take your project forward.
Difference between an Architect and an Architectural Designer
The distinction between an Architect and an Architectural Designer can often be misunderstood, yet it is significant.
An Architect is a legally protected title in the UK. It requires a minimum of seven years of education and professional training, registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and ongoing regulatory compliance. To work with an architect ensures you are working with a fully qualified, trained, and insured professional able to deliver a comprehensive service from initial concept to completion on site.
By contrast, anyone may call themselves an Architectural Designer. While this route can appear less costly when looking at the initial fees, it carries a greater risk. There is no guarantee of training, professional accountability, or insurance cover when working with an architectural designer.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your design ambitions.
Architecture is an investment
Engaging an architect is one of the most effective ways to safeguard and enhance a property investment. Long-term benefits often include a clearer design process, increased likelihood of planning success, informed on site design input, reduced construction risk, and in many cases, overall cost efficiencies through better coordination and design resolution.
Thoughtful architecture is not simply an expense, but an investment in quality, longevity, and value. We have written several articles discussing architectural design as a positive investment, have a look at our Thoughts section of our website to learn more.
Get in touch with the team to discuss how we can help maximise the potential of your project.