scrafano architects

Architectural Fees

Scrafano Architects can provide services from initial concept design through construction, and we prefer to be involved in all phases if possible. However, the owner can also choose to hire us for a portion of the project and specific phases if needed.

As-built drawings and documentation are usually based on a fixed fee of $1.00 per square foot. For example, a 2000 square foot house costs about $2000 to measure, document and prepare the record drawings.

A typical architecture project involves the following four phases: schematic design, construction documents, bidding/negotiation and construction administration. The fee for these architectural services, and the time an architect spends on each phase, is broken out as follows:

Schematic design: 35% of the architect's total time and fee. This phase can be billed hourly until the scope is defined. If we work on a fixed fee for this phase, we will provide a certain number of schemes within an agreed-upon, clearly defined scope.
Construction documents: 40% of the architect's total time and fee. A fixed fee can also be determined for this phase, and will be based on the approved and final schematic design of the project.
Bidding/negotiation: 5% of the architect's total time and fee. This phase is usually billed at an hourly rate. We recommend the owner solicit bids from three contractors. If there are more than three we charge an additional service fee for the coordination with the contractors and owner.
Construction administration: 20% of the architect's total time and fee. This phase is also billed at an hourly rate.

Permitting is always based on an hourly fee due to the subjective and unpredictable nature of the building department. We usually estimate about ten hours for the permitting process depending upon the complexity and location of the project.

Interior architecture design work is usually based on an hourly rate, and can include any of the following services: interior elevation drawings; custom-designed cabinetry; selection and procurement of finish materials and fixtures such as tiles, granite, cabinet finishes and stains; plumbing and lighting fixture selections; paint color selection; flooring selection; art selection; furniture specification and planning; and appliance specification.