How do architects most commonly charge for their services?

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: It really depends on the project. If the brief is detailed, then the architect can estimate with more accuracy the amount of hours required to do the job, but also could charge based on a percentage of construction cost. If the brief is unclear or it involves a really complicated permitting process with lots of unknowns, then an hourly rate is preferable. Sometimes clients want to keep exploring ideas, in which case hourly is also preferred.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: Like construction projects, we estimate the number of hours required to complete a design, and prepare a firm lump sum proposal, with a scope of work, to outline the costs.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: Like most professional service providers Architects have a billable hourly rate which include a person's rate of pay, benefits, office overhead (insurance requirements, electricity, rent, internet,etc.). Architects typically estimate the amount of time required to provide the service needed to meet the clients requirements.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: At least this is what i do, not too sure how other architect base their fee.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: Most firms write a contract with a fixed fee based on how much time the firm will need to produce the final products. If significant changes in the scope of work are made, either the fees are re-negotiated, or an hourly rate is added to the original scope.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction is the most common way of charging clients....this is billed by percentage of completion by the architect and is adjusted according to the actual building cost.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Depending on the project, Architects can charge for services based on a fixed rate or an hourly rate.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Prior to the economic downtown turn of 2008 most architects charged based off a percentage of construction. However other forms include square foot prices, lump sum prices, fixed fee based on number of hours. Each project is very different and its fee structure should emulate that.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: It can be a fixed fee or a not to exceed fee based on an hourly rate. Each project is different

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: Each project is extremely different and must be estimated based upon its unique requirements.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: I change a flat fee based on my estimate of time needed to complete your project. I do not base it on Construction Cost.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: i use lump sum fee most of the time. I'm lazy and don't like to be a clock watcher. Generally I have a good idea of how much time it will take for each phase of a project. There are usually several phases. We go thru the process together at the start. Most architects us a combination of all these options, I do too.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Architectural design service fee is based on the total construction cost. Percentage varies for each project. If the project happens to be exceed the scope of work that indicates on the contract, Architect will charge the hourly rate for the additional services provided.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
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Answer: Hourly rate (not to exceed a specific amount)
Explanation: Varies widely

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Architect in this method charges a percentage of the cost of the building (usually the cost on completion.

Answer: Hourly rate (not to exceed a specific amount)
Explanation: All architects and projects are different. It is difficult to give a fixed fee. I do both hourly rate and hourly rate not to exceed. This depends on how much information is provided up front about the project.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: Different types of projects are charged differently.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: Although different arrangements can be made, the most common types of fee arrangements are based upon an estimate of hours or a percentage of construction costs.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Hourly initially, adjusted to project scope as it develops

Answer: Hourly rate (not to exceed a specific amount)
Explanation: For residential projects I usually use this method. For commercial projects i usually use a fixed fee based on construction cost.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: An architect may charge for services using any of the above methods depending on the type of services for each individual project. Basically, the cost is dependent opon the amount of time needed to provide those services.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: There are two main fee approaches for design services, percentage of construction cost or a fixed fee for services based on the design parameters and time. I feel the fixed fee allows the owner the best price because the Design Professional doesn't have the opportunity to increase his fee by what he specifies. The cost is totally based on the designer's perception of the time to complete the project.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: This is a typical fee structure, next to hourly rates for certain project extras.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost is one way. Another very common method is a fixed fee based on the area to be designed, normally the heated or cooled space.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: This is the clearest way for clients to understand the costs upfront without having architects risk underestimating their time without the appropriate scope information.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: There are many ways in which an architect can charge a client...it all depends on the agreement.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Fees vary but as a general practice they are calculated on the construction cost as a percentage according to the industry fee curve

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: A fixed fee based on a percentage of construction is the most common and traditional method of determining appropriate fees. However, different project and Clients often have differing circumstances that require alternative fee structures that can include portions as fixed fees and portions as hourly.

Answer: Hourly rate (not to exceed a specific amount)
Explanation: For residential work, smaller projects and renovations the most common method is hourly. For medium to large size non-residential projects the most common method is a percentage of construction cost. Typical Architectural hourly fees range from $125 to $250 per hour. This method is mostly used for small projects, residential projects or for services where the time to complete the work is not known

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: There are many ways an architect can charge for there services. Depending on the the firm, the complexity of the project and other variables. At DmA Architecture & design, we avoid charging on square foot because it does not take into account a project's complexity. We will charge a fixed fee on a percentage of construction cost only when the scope of work is clearly defined. We prefer to offer a percentage of construction cost based on a tiered range of construction cost on project type.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Commercial projects' fees are based on a percentage of construction cost. Residential project' fees are generally based on hourly rates not to exceed a certain amount.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost are not always the best option, because a cheaper project usually have the same or more working hours than a normal project. Hourly rate is often a bad business for developers and owners, because they do not have the real control of the time. A fixed fee is usually the best option for both parties.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: The Architects fee is traditionally calculated using the method that is based on a percentage of the total construction cost. However, when partial or only pre-design services are provided the architect fees can be based on hourly rate or a guaranteed lump sum amount not to exceed a specific amount, or any fixed fee pre-negotiated between the client and architect.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: This is a typical fee approach but not the only.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: We arrive at our fees based on a simple formula: the time it takes to complete the tasks we propose to do for you multiplied by our standard billing rate

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: If you call and architect they will typically quote a percentage of the construction cost. Only when you meet with the architect one on one and discuss the project fully will they be able to provide you a more accurate fee.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Architects base their fees on a number of criteria. Contracts can be any of the above. Most of the time, it is a fixed fee based upon the estimated number of hours to complete the scope of work.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Majority of projects are performed where a statutory rate applies which is defined as percentage of the final construction cost.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Most architects base their fees on a percentage of the construction budget or cost. This is most typical for commercial architecture. Fees for residential will vary by architect and could based on the construction cost, flat fee, hourly or some combination of any of them,

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: This is the process at our office for 90% of our projects and is the basis for most state contracts

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Based on the construction cost and the scope of services, the percentage rate can vary from 5% to 12%. The smaller the job the percentage tends to be higher and the larger the job the percentage tends to be lower.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: We normally calculate the amount of hours and services required for every project. This helps our clients get an appreciation of the efforts put forth in each project. They also can appreciate the value of services rendered.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: It all depends, many architects will by the hour if small projects.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Anywhere between 5-20% of the total construction cost depending on the size and complexity of the project

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Because we also do "cost estimating", we know what the averages are. It is logical that we use percentages, on average, to charge for our work.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: We can charge hourly and also as a percentage of the estimated construction cost. We have seen some architects and engineers provide fees based on a cost per square foot prices as well. We like to look at our estimated time involvement, as each project is different, and go from there. We will look at the percentage of estimated cost as well as the cost per square foot numbers to inform our estimate.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Also some charge by the square foot of the project.

Answer: Hourly rate (no cap on hours)
Explanation: Architects are trained in design theory, engineering, and project management. A design for your project and a set of code compliant plans will cost from $65 to more than $150 per hour (rates vary by region and individual architect

Answer: Hourly rate (not to exceed a specific amount)
Explanation: There should be a fifth answer. "All of the above" Depending on the project an architect can determine his fee by any of the above methods including "per square foot cost"

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Fee structures vary with every architect. Also, it hugely depends on the type of work being performed (ie private vs public sector).

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: That is the way I do it. Although, I have also done it the other listed ways as well.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: This is a difficult one. I could have answer "all of the above". I feel like the "percentage of construction cost" is a good thumb rule, while the last one is just "too good to be true".

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: The American Institute of Architects (AIA) was formed to promote best practices in Architecture. Generally speaking Architects will bill hourly at a "billable hourly rate", with that said caps, upsets, lump sums and a percentage of construction cost are all ways which Architects are compensated.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: An experienced architect will know the anticipated number of hours a project will take. Establishing a mutual Scope of Work at the beginning of the project by both parties is important to both parties.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: How an architect structures their fee will depend on scope and complexity. Percentage of construction costs (or initial budget) is the most widely used method.

Answer: Fixed fee based on a percentage of construction cost
Explanation: Most base it on the cost of construction and verify it against the assumed hours required.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: I'm not sure how to answer this because i am not most architects, but i look at what it going to take to complete a project to help me determine the fee.

Answer: Fixed fee based on number of hours
Explanation: For each project, the hours are factored in considering the type of project, where it is located and it's complexity, since those items can effect the number of hours required. For example, architectural design fees will be lower in general if a structure is designed in Tennessee than in South Florida due to the stringent Florida Codes related to hurricanes and the amount of information the design documents must include.