Architect

Have you been dreaming of a new interior or a whole new home? An architect or interior designer can help you realise your dreams. They give advice you can really use. On this page, you will find more information about an architect’s prices and activities and how to find a suitable architect.

What is the price for an architect?

Engaging an architect can be done for various activities and does not have to be expensive at all. On average, you will spend between £500 and £15,000. The price depends on the number of years of experience the architect has, the size of the project and the work. See below the average architect prices for different projects.

 

How are architect prices structured?

The cost of an architect is calculated on the basis of an hourly rate, fee or per sqm. How the price arrives varies from architect to architect and depends on the work. Check out the possible price calculations of architects below.

Hourly rate

If only a sketch needs to be made, the architect often works with a fixed amount based on the number of hours it takes. The hourly rate an architect works with is, on average, between £70 and £150 per hour, depending on the experience the architect has.

Honorarium

The most common method for new construction or renovation is a fee. This is a percentage of the total construction cost. Architects who calculate the fee based on a fee charge a usual percentage of 8 to 14 per cent. The final fee amount is calculated and paid after construction. This is because the final construction costs often turn out differently than previously thought.

Price per square metre

The price per square metre is calculated with a fixed price charged by the architect per square metre. The larger the area, the higher the total cost. The advantage of this is that you get a good idea of the final costs.

Sorts of architects

Are you looking for an architect but not yet sure which architect is right for your project? Check out the overview below to easily compare the different types of architects.

 

Read more below about the most common architects and what kind of projects they can be used for.

Architect

Have you been dreaming about your own designed house for years? An architect will put your plans on paper. The architect goes through the whole design and drawing process with you. This way, each room fits your wishes and needs exactly. In addition, the architect supervises the entire construction process and ensures everything goes according to plan. Check the table for the average prices of architects.

 

Interior architect

Do you like it when a specialist thinks along with you about housing solutions? Then choose an interior designer. An interior designer deals with all aspects of an interior, such as colours and materials, but also lighting and room layout. The interior designer will give you advice on how to furnish your home but can also arrange an entire extension if necessary. Check the table for the average prices of interior designers.

Interior consultant

Would you like advice on a new interior? Then enlist the help of an interior designer. An interior designer is also known as an interior stylist. For both, they give you colour advice and interior design advice on décor, furniture and accessories.

In order to give appropriate advice, the interior designer will create mood boards and plot plans. It is also possible to engage the interior designer for personal shopping. The interior stylist will then help you make interior purchases.

An interior stylist is sometimes mistakenly confused with an interior architect, but these are two different professions. Unlike an interior stylist or consultant, an interior designer is a protected title. This means you have to have completed a specific training course before you can call yourself an interior designer. This is different with interior stylists and consultants, which means that practically anyone can call themselves one.

If you are only looking for interior advice, an interior stylist often has enough knowledge to help you with this. If building-technical aspects are involved, it may be useful to hire an interior architect, as he or she is trained in these matters.

Look at the table for different types of advice and prices of interior designers.

What is an architect’s working method?

When you engage an architect, you go through a number of steps together. The length of the process depends on the work. If you only hire an architect for advice, a meeting alone may be enough. In most cases, the process takes longer.

If you want the architect to take care of everything from design to execution, the architect will often proceed as follows:

First meeting

During the first meeting, you will get to know the architect and find out about your wishes and needs. The architect will ask you several questions to understand your style.

Designs

After the meeting, the architect will start working on the first design, which is the sketch design. After seeing this sketch, you can still have adjustments made. Next, the architect will make a preliminary design and keep making adjustments until you are satisfied. Finally, the final design is made and once you have agreed to it, the architect can start making the building drawings for the contractor.

Construction preparation

In some cases, you need to apply for an environmental permit. Think of listed buildings, but also when the appearance of the street is changed by your renovation. Check the central government website to see whether you need an environmental permit. If so, the architect will submit the necessary documents to the municipality.

Construction Execution

During construction execution, the architect ensures that everything goes according to plan. He monitors the time and budget planning and ensures everything looks as agreed.

Delivery

As soon as the contractor has finished the work, the architect checks everything. When he is satisfied, he will deliver the house to you.

How to find a suitable architect?

Do you already know what kind of architect can help you? The steps below can help you find the right architect for your project.

Step 1: architect or consultant?

First of all, check which type of architect or consultant is suitable for your project. In some cases, you only need basic interior advice and an interior stylist will suffice. If you would also like an extension to go with this, it is better to look at an interior or interior designer, as they have more knowledge about the building’s technical side. Do you want to renovate your house completely? Then an architect can help you best.

Step 2: Check the architect

When you have chosen an architect, of course, you want good quality. If you want to be assured of a good architect, you can check whether your architect is registered  In fact, architects registered must meet a number of requirements;

• Have at least 2 years of experience.
• Have professional liability insurance.
• Please attend at least 16 hours of continuing education and training per year.
• Before accepting assignments, check whether they have the expertise, professional competence and capacity for the assignment.
• Do deal with assignments confidentially.
• Guarantee sound mutual rights and obligations in agreements.
• Adhere to the code of conduct of the BNA.

Step 3: the style of the architect or consultant

It is very important that you work with a specialist who is familiar with your style of living. Therefore, look at the architect’s or consultant’s portfolio to get an idea of the styles he or she specialises in. Visualising your style is useful to make your preferences clear to the architect. Make a mood board, search for images online or browse through interior design magazines.

step 4: set your budget

It is difficult to make an accurate estimate of the final building costs. An architect will help you with this. Don’t have a big budget? Then see if it is possible to do the work yourself. In addition, do not forget to take unexpected costs into account. Make sure money remains available for these unexpected costs.

Step 5: Get quotes

You can request several free and no-obligation quotes to find the cheapest architect. Look at the different quotes and compare them on price, working method and portfolio. See if the price the architect charges fits your budget. In addition, the working method should match your requirements.

Step 6:first meeting

Please ask architects for an informal meeting. Architects are your point of contact during the project. During the meeting, see whether a good collaboration is possible between you and the architect. Especially with large projects, you will have a lot of contact with the architect for a long time.