If you’ve never worked with an architect before, it’s natural to wonder how the pricing works. Is it a flat fee? Do you get charged by the hour? What if the project runs over time?
At NB Architects in Timaru, the fee structure is tailored to fit the specific project – and to give you clarity and peace of mind from the start. There’s no guesswork, and no cookie-cutter pricing.
Three ways architects charge
Architects typically use one of three pricing models, and at NB Architects, all three are used where appropriate:
- Fixed fee – ideal for well-defined projects, such as new homes, fit-outs, or renovations with a clear scope
- Hourly rate – often used during early concept development or feasibility stages, where the full scope isn’t yet known
- Percentage-based fee – more common in larger or complex projects, where the architectural fee is calculated as a percentage of the total construction cost
In many cases, a mix of these is used. For example, concept design might be charged at an hourly rate, and once the scope becomes clear, a fixed fee is offered for the remaining stages.
When is each pricing method used?
Here’s how the team at NB Architects typically decide which structure suits best:
- Hourly rate is often used for initial consultations, feasibility studies, or very early-stage concept work where the outcome isn’t yet locked in. This gives flexibility while you’re still exploring ideas.
- Fixed fee is preferred when the design brief is defined and the site or building is understood. It offers clients cost certainty and makes budgeting easier. Renovations, commercial interiors, and new homes often fall into this category.
- Percentage-based fees are sometimes used for complex, high-value, or evolving projects, such as public architecture or large-scale commercial developments. The percentage allows for adjustment if the project scope increases significantly over time.
What’s included in the proposal?
After your first meeting with NB Architects, the team will take some time to review your site (or existing building), clarify the scope, and prepare a detailed proposal. This includes:
- The pricing model recommended
- The project stages and deliverables
- What’s included (and what’s not)
- Timeframes and key milestones
The goal is to avoid any surprises and to make it easy for you to plan ahead. If you’re comparing quotes, this level of detail also helps you understand exactly what you’re getting.
Transparency and flexibility
NB Architects understand that every project – and every client – is different. Some clients want high-level concepts and guidance. Others want a complete service, from sketch to handover. The pricing structure will reflect what suits you best.
Just as importantly, you’re not locked into one model from day one. If your project shifts direction or grows in scope, the team will revisit the agreement and keep things fair and transparent.
Talk to us early
If you’ve got a project in mind but aren’t sure how much involvement you’ll need from an architect, the best starting point is a chat. Bring your ideas, your budget, and your timeframe. The NB Architects team will guide you through what’s realistic, what’s possible, and how the pricing might work for you.
Whether you’re planning a new home, a commercial fit-out, or a council-led community project, you’ll receive a clear, written proposal with no fluff – just the facts you need to move forward confidently.