Architect Prices: What Can You Expect to Pay in 2026?

Whether building a new home or taking on a large renovation project, the novice might have no idea where to begin. Most know that when taking on any home renovation, the potential for problems and things going awry is high; your expectations might not match the outcome.

Of course, you’d like home renovations to go as smoothly as possible as the changes you make should ideally last a lifetime. With these points in mind, have you considered hiring an architect?

An architect can help you during every stage of the renovation process, including buying materials, drafting plans for permits as well as seeing that the renovation happens in an orderly and thorough fashion.

How much do they cost? What are the fees for drawing up plans? What should I ask them? Luckily, we’re here to answer all of your questions!

How much does an architect cost on average to design a house and handle renovations?

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Prices for working with an architect will vary from project to project and will be dependent on the services provided, the complexity of the renovation and how well the architect is known. In some instances, architects will charge between 5%-20% upfront, but again this will come back to the services they are providing as well as the individual.

During the project, some architects will charge by the hour while others will charge a fixed monthly fee. Always lay out budget costs upfront so you'll be able to completely understand the way that prices and payments are handled before, during and following the project. This will avoid any major or minor misunderstandings. 

What is the usual per-hour fee rate for architects? 

These average prices include consulting times, preparing sketches, documents and project renderings as well as overseeing how the renovation plays out. Again, these are average rates and some architects may charge more upfront depending on some of the aforementioned factors. 

Choosing an Architect: A List of Questions to Ask

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When it comes to choosing the right architect for the job, this decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. Not only will you need to hire someone who meets your stylistic needs, but you’ll also need someone who demonstrates problem-solving and listening skills as well as rates that fit within your budget.

So, where do you even begin when it comes to choosing someone? You likely have an idea of what you’re looking for in terms of your ideal renovation or home. You can narrow down the right person for the job by both considering and asking the following questions:

How will you approach my project?

Of course, a beautiful portfolio, as well as wide-ranging references, are important. However, that doesn’t mean that every architect who comes with these credentials will know how to approach your project. When interviewing potential candidates, ask how they see your renovation playing out. Consider using the following questions as a guideline:

• How will the project interact and blend with the current structure?

• What is most challenging about this project?

• Where is the improvement necessary?

During conversations with potential architect candidates, make sure that your personalities mesh well together. This is someone who you will need to trust closely and will be working with for a lengthy period, so having a good rapport is necessary.

What is your signature style?

Although the architect you choose should be adaptable, they’ll likely have a signature style. This specific sensibility is paramount to how your project will play out. You’ll be able to get a sense of what they’re about by checking their portfolio. Take note if they lean towards modernism, a more rustic look, minimalism or traditional design insights. Asking them about the specifics of their signature style will give you a better idea as to whether or not they’ll be the right one for the job.

Will there be a different designer?

In some cases, meeting with an architect doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be the sole individual looking after the job. If there will be another person designing the project, it’s good to get your barring on what that will entail. Excellent communication between yourself and the people involved in your renovation project is crucial to how it’ll turn out.

What services are provided?

Again, getting this information upfront is pretty important as it will help you determine if you need to hire a separate contractor. Ask your architect if they will be

• Managing the project;

• Hiring a contractor;

• Checking the state of the contractor’s work;

• Design adjustments or workload adjustments;

• Dealing with invoices, payments and so forth.

These services will likely affect the cost of the overall project and since this article is all about the prices, it’s best to understand how these figures will affect your budget.

Hiring an architect: A wise investment

Hiring an architect for your construction or renovation project is a decision that can turn your vision into reality. Thanks to their expertise, planning skills, and ability to coordinate various trades, architects provide more than just a plan—they ensure peace of mind throughout the process.

Whether you choose a percentage-based, flat fee, or hourly payment method, their services represent an investment in the durability, quality, and aesthetics of your project. By considering your needs, budget, and the complexity of the work, the architect can guide you toward informed choices and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Take the time to carefully select the professional who will meet your expectations, as a well-designed project today leads to a harmonious living space for tomorrow.

FAQ Architect Fees and Services

How do you pay an architect?

An architect can be paid in different ways depending on the agreement and the client's needs. The most common method is a percentage of the total cost of the work, typically between 8% and 15%. This percentage includes the design of plans, site supervision, and tender management. Some architects prefer hourly billing, with rates ranging from 32$ to 48,75$ per hour in Quebec, or a flat fee for specific services, such as preliminary plan creation. It’s essential to clarify the payment terms upfront to avoid misunderstandings.

How are architect fees calculated?

The fees of an architect are calculated based on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the requested services. A simple project, like designing standard plans for a single-family home, involves lower fees compared to a complex renovation or a project requiring an environmental certification like LEED. Costs also include elements such as sketches, preliminary studies, and adjustments needed during the project. These fees can vary based on the level of detail expected and the client's specific requirements.

How much does it cost, and what is the range, for an architect to draw plans?

The cost of an architect's plan depends on several factors, including the type of project and the level of customization required. For a single-family home, the cost of plans can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on whether it’s a standard model or a custom design. A custom plan often includes elements like preliminary studies, technical details, and a more thorough approach to meet the client's unique needs. Complex projects or multi-level homes generally incur higher costs.

Architect or builder: what is the cost?

The cost of a project can vary significantly depending on whether you choose to work with an architect or a builder. A builder typically provides a lump sum price that covers all aspects of the project, while an architect charges separately for their services. However, hiring an architect can offer personalized planning, optimized work management, and superior quality due to thorough supervision. Even though the initial cost might seem higher, it can be a worthwhile investment in the long term due to the reduction of mistakes and unforeseen changes.