• Golden State Design & Engineering
• Comment 0

How Much Does an Architect Charge to Design a House in 2025?

Introduction

If you’re planning a new construction project like a custom home, one of your first questions will likely be, how much does an architect charge to design a house? Understanding architectural fees is essential for managing your project costs and avoiding surprises. Whether you are building your dream home from the ground up or planning a smaller remodel, hiring the right project architects helps ensure your project moves efficiently from concept development to construction.

At Golden State Design & Engineering, we support California homeowners through every design phase of the construction process. This guide breaks down architectural design fees, pricing models, and the value of professional design services to help you get an accurate estimate before you build.

Percentage of Construction Cost

Many architects charge a percentage of construction cost as their primary fee structure. This is the most common model, especially for full-service residential architectural services. In 2025, most architectural firms charge between 8% and 15% of the total construction cost. For remodels or complex projects, the rate may rise to 20%.

For example, if your total construction cost is $900,000, architect fees might range from $72,000 to $135,000. This approach ties fees directly to the scale of the work, offering flexibility when the scope or construction cost changes.

Hourly Rate

Another approach is billing by hourly rate. This model works well for preliminary consultations, smaller projects, or design revisions. In 2025, hourly rates range from $100 to $250 per hour, depending on the architect’s experience. Principal architects or specialized consultants may charge up to $300 per hour, while junior architects or drafters may bill at lower rates.

Hourly billing offers flexibility but requires clear scope definitions to control total cost. It is best used for design phase tasks such as schematic design, feasibility studies, or limited involvement in the construction phase.

Per Square Foot

Charging per square foot is another common fee model for architectural design services. Most architectural firms in California charge between $2 and $15 per square foot, based on the level of service provided. A 2,000 square foot custom home at $10 per square foot would equate to $20,000 in architect costs.

This model is straightforward and ties pricing directly to the size of the home. It’s particularly helpful for homeowners trying to align design fees with total construction cost.

Flat Fee or Fixed Fee

For well-defined or smaller projects, some architects offer a flat fee or fixed fee. This is common for simple remodels, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or permit-ready plan sets. A flat fee might range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the project’s complexity and design services included.

This model gives clients cost certainty and is often used when the project’s scope is not likely to change.

What Affects How Much Architects Charge?

The Project’s Scope and Complexity

The more complex a design is, the higher the architectural fees will be. Multi-story homes, non-standard structural features, advanced plumbing systems, or unique rooflines all add to the time and expertise required. Larger square footage also increases cost, even under flat or square foot billing models. This includes critical elements such as foundation design which requires specialized knowledge.

The Architect’s Experience

Architect’s experience plays a role in determining fees. Experienced architects or partners at established architectural firms charge more than junior team members. When you hire an architect, consider what level of oversight and expertise your project demands.

Location and Market Conditions

Architectural fees vary based on your region. In high-demand areas like San Jose, Santa Rosa, or Sacramento, both construction cost and architect fees may be higher due to labor and regulatory environments.

Type of Services Included

The depth of design services also affects cost. Services may include concept development, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration. Full-service architectural design typically includes all these phases, while a basic set of construction drawings may only cover part of the process.

If you’re working with a full-service team like GSDE, architectural services are integrated with engineering and project management, streamlining both cost and coordination.

Add-On or Additional Services

Extra services such as site analysis, preliminary drawings, 3D modeling, or coordination with a structural engineer, interior designer, or landscape architects may add to total architect costs. These services enhance your project’s outcome but need to be included in your budget. Designing an energy efficient home often requires additional expertise and coordination.

Understanding the Design Process and What You’re Paying For

The full architectural design process typically includes the following phases:

Conceptual Design

This phase explores layout options, spatial planning, and initial design ideas. It may include rough sketches and early feedback sessions to help define the project’s vision and concept development.

Schematic Design

Architects begin translating ideas into early construction drawings. These include floor plans, elevations, and preliminary code research.

Design Development

More detail is added during the design phase, including material selections, structural layout, and integration with systems like HVAC and plumbing.

Construction Documents

Final construction documents include detailed technical drawings and specifications submitted for a building permit. These are used by contractors during the construction phase.

Construction Administration

In this optional phase, your architect supports the construction process by answering contractor questions, reviewing submittals, and conducting construction observation site visits to ensure the project matches the design intent.

Many architects include construction administration as part of their package or offer it as an hourly service.

Architectural Fees by Project Type

Custom Home

For a full custom home, expect architectural fees between $15,000 and $80,000 or more, depending on square footage, design services, and location. These homes require complete coordination from concept development to permit, including structural and site considerations.

ADUs and Smaller Projects

Smaller projects like ADUs or garage conversions might fall between $5,000 and $25,000, especially when working with a licensed architect to meet city-specific requirements.

Remodels and Additions

These often require a higher percentage of construction cost, sometimes up to 20%, due to challenges in tying new and existing structures together.

Commercial Architect Fees

For commercial architect fees, pricing is generally higher and structured differently than residential work. Commercial design typically involves larger teams, zoning constraints, and ongoing project management. While outside GSDE’s core focus, we coordinate with commercial architect teams when needed for mixed-use or multi-unit projects.

How to Save on Architect Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Choose the Right Architect

Hiring the right architect is not just about price. Consider their experience, communication style, and how well they understand your project’s scope and goals.

Define the Project Early

Unclear scope leads to design changes, which increase hours and cost. Early alignment on needs, budget, and layout will help control architect fees.

Bundle Services

At GSDE, we combine architectural design services with engineering, surveying, and permitting under one roof. This saves our clients time and money and improves coordination.

Read the Contract Carefully

Review your contract carefully to understand what’s included. Are 3D renderings or additional site visits extra? Are revisions capped? Knowing this upfront helps avoid billing surprises.

Frequently Asked Architect Costs in 2025 Questions

How much does it cost to hire an architect in 2025?

Depending on your project size and service level, the cost to hire an architect ranges from $2,000 for basic plans to over $80,000 for large, complex builds.

Do I need to hire an architect for a remodel?

While not always required, most remodels benefit from architectural guidance, especially for structural, zoning, or layout changes.

Are architectural design fees tax-deductible?

In most cases, design fees for personal residences are not deductible, but they may be for income-producing properties. Consult your CPA.

What’s the difference between design services and construction administration?

Design services involve developing the plans. Construction administration means supporting the project during the construction phase, including reviews, RFIs, and job site checks.

Can I get an accurate estimate before starting design?

Yes. At GSDE, we provide an accurate estimate of architectural design fees based on square footage, location, and scope before work begins.

Final Thoughts

Architectural design is a crucial part of any residential construction project. Whether you hire an architect for a small remodel, a detached ADU, or a full custom build, understanding architectural fees, the design process, and service models helps you plan effectively. At Golden State Design & Engineering, we offer tailored architectural design services that align with your construction budget, permitting needs, and design goals. Our integrated team of project architects, engineers, and planners ensures your entire project stays on track from concept development to construction.

If you’re ready to build your dream home or need help understanding architect costs for your next project, contact GSDE today for a consultation and custom quote.