How architects usually charge
For houses and most building projects, the fee is usually a percentage of the construction cost. For full design and construction supervision services it typically ranges from 8–12% of the total construction cost, depending on the type, size and complexity of the project.
Other ways of charging include a fixed lump-sum fee for a clearly defined scope, and time-based fees for consultations or small jobs. Whatever the method, the fee and the scope of work should be written into a contract before design starts.
Where the percentages come from
Fees are guided by the Standards of Professional Practice (SPP) for architects. The current edition was approved by the Board of Architecture in 2010 under the Architecture Act (RA 9266), replacing the 1979 UAP documents. SPP Document 201 covers pre-design services, such as consultation, site analysis, feasibility studies and architectural programming. SPP Document 202 covers regular design services, including the recommended minimum fees. The recommended percentage depends on the kind of building: more complex buildings carry higher percentages, and homes, with their many details per square meter, sit toward the upper end. The final fee is agreed between you and your architect.
What the fee usually covers
- Pre-design services, if you need them: site analysis, feasibility studies and the architectural program (SPP Document 201). These are usually agreed as a separate service.
- Schematic design: layout options and the overall concept, based on your brief, lot and budget.
- Design development: the chosen design worked out in detail, often with 3D renders.
- Construction documents: the plans, sections, details and specifications needed to build and to get the permit.
- Coordination with the structural, electrical, sanitary and plumbing engineers. Some architects include the engineering designs and some quote them separately, so ask.
- Help choosing a contractor, and construction-phase services such as site supervision, if they're part of the agreed scope.
What the fee usually doesn't cover
- Building permit fees and other government charges paid to the city or municipality
- The lot survey and the soil investigation
- The contractor's cost of building the house
- Travel to distant sites, if the contract says it is charged separately
A worked example
For a 120 m² family home with a construction cost of ₱4,800,000, a fee of 8–12% for full design and supervision comes to about ₱384,000–₱576,000. It is a planning figure, not a quote: the actual fee depends on the agreed scope.
Our guide to house construction costs in Baguio shows how this fits into a full budget.
Paying in stages
Fees are normally paid in stages tied to the design phases, so you pay as each stage is delivered rather than all at once. The schedule should be written into the contract.
How to compare quotations
- Check that the architect is licensed by the PRC. Only a licensed architect can sign and seal the architectural documents for your building permit.
- Compare the scope, not just the price: number of design options and revisions, engineering designs, permit processing and supervision visits.
- Ask how long each phase takes and what happens if you change the design.
- Be careful with very cheap "plans only" offers. Plans that aren't signed and sealed by licensed professionals won't get a permit.
Common Questions
Is the architect's fee based on the total construction cost?
Usually, yes. For full design and supervision services, fees in the Philippines typically range from 8–12% of the total construction cost. A fixed fee can also be agreed for a clearly defined scope.
Can I hire an architect for the permit plans only?
Yes. Design-only services cost less than full design and supervision. The plans still need to be signed and sealed by a licensed architect and licensed engineers to get a building permit.
Do you charge for the first consultation?
No. FPA Design Consultancy offers a free initial consultation. Afterwards you receive a project-specific, itemized quotation.
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