If you're planning an extension, loft conversion, or new build in 2025, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: how much does an architect cost? At Draw Architecture, we know how important it is to plan your budget early. As experienced architects working across London, we’ve helped homeowners, developers, and landlords make confident, informed decisions through every stage of the design and construction process.
Hiring an architect is one of the smartest decisions you can make when planning a new build, renovation, or house extension. But the first question many people ask is: how much does an architect cost in the UK in 2025? If you’re budgeting for a project, even if big or small, understanding architect fees will help you make informed decisions from the start.
This guide breaks down typical architect charges at every stage , from initial consultations to planning applications and site supervision. We'll also share cost examples for different project types, highlight hidden fees to watch for, and explain how architects can add real value to your home. Whether you're looking to extend your house, convert a loft, or build a new property, this article will help you prepare your budget with confidence.
Architect fees in the UK usually depend on the type and size of the project, how involved you want the architect to be, and where you're located. In 2025, most residential architects will charge either a percentage of the construction cost or a fixed fee for specific tasks. You may also come across hourly rates for smaller jobs or consultations.
For full Architecture services, the average fee ranges from 7% to 12% of your total build cost. For example, if your extension costs £100,000, you could expect to pay £7,000–£12,000 in architect fees. In London, fees might be slightly higher due to demand and project complexity. Some architects offer packages covering planning drawings only, while others manage everything up to completion. Choosing the right fee structure depends on your needs and the level of involvement you want from your architect.
Architectural work is often split into stages based on RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) phases. Understanding these stages helps you know what you’re paying for at every step.
Many architects offer a free or low-cost consultation to discuss your ideas. A feasibility study follows, which assesses what’s possible on your site in terms of planning policies, design potential, and budget. This stage often costs £300–£800+, depending on how detailed the analysis is. It’s a good way to explore design possibilities without committing to full fees.
To apply for planning permission, you’ll need scaled drawings and possibly 3D visuals. Expect to pay £1,200–£2,500+ for this phase for a standard home extension or loft conversion. Costs vary based on the complexity of the design. This phase may also include neighbour consultations or pre-application advice.
Architects usually handle submitting your planning application and liaising with the council. This service is often bundled with the design stage or charged separately, around £300–£750+ for admin time, excluding local authority fees. This ensures your application meets all requirements and has the best chance of approval.
Once planning is approved, you’ll need detailed technical drawings for Building Control and construction. These include structural details, materials, insulation, and compliance with safety regulations. Costs for this stage range from £1,500 to £3,500, depending on the size of the build and level of detail.
If you're looking for quotes from builders, your architect can help prepare tender documents and advise on contractor selection. This phase typically costs £500–£1,200+, though some architects include this in their overall fee. Getting multiple quotes can help ensure fair pricing and protect you from unexpected costs later.
During construction, architects can visit the site to check that the work matches the design. Some offer this as a one-off site visit (around £200–£400+ per visit), or as part of ongoing support with monthly fees or a percentage of the build cost. Their role at this stage is to answer contractor questions and ensure quality control.
For homeowners who want one point of contact, full project management includes managing builders, resolving issues, and overseeing every detail. This level of service usually adds 3–5% to your total build cost. While it's not essential for every project, many clients value having a professional manage timelines, budgets, and builders.
To give a better idea of what you might spend, here are some common residential projects and average architect fees in 2025:
For a single-storey rear extension costing around £80,000+, you might pay between £6,400 and £9,600+ in architect fees. This includes concept design, planning, technical drawings, and occasional site visits.
Architect fees for a loft conversion typically range from £2,500 to £5,000+, depending on whether you need planning approval or it's covered under permitted development. Projects that involve dormers or structural changes usually cost more.
If you’re reconfiguring a home’s layout or updating interiors, costs will vary based on how involved the architect is. Fees for renovations usually fall between £3,000 and £10,000+, depending on size and complexity.
For new homes, architect fees are often 7% to 10% of the construction budget. A £300,000 home might attract fees between £21,000 and £30,000+, covering design, planning, technical drawings, and construction support.
For larger projects like flats or multi-unit housing, expect fees to start at 5% of the total build cost, with more detailed services adding to that. Architects experienced with large residential schemes can help navigate planning and compliance more efficiently.
Several factors impact how much an architect charges. These include:
There are a few areas where costs can creep in if you're not prepared.
Sometimes, architects quote for design work only. Planning submissions, technical drawings, or site visits may come at an extra cost if not clearly outlined.
Online platforms often offer cheaper upfront quotes, but they may not cover follow-up support, changes after planning, or construction advice. You might need to hire extra professionals later, which can cost more overall.
Unregistered designers may offer cheaper plans, but they often lack knowledge of planning law or construction detail. Mistakes in design or compliance can lead to delays or rebuilds, which cost much more than hiring a qualified architect in the first place.
Some architects work on an hourly basis, especially for smaller jobs or consultations. Typical hourly rates range from £60 to £120+. Fixed fees are often more transparent for full design services. They give you a clearer idea of the total cost, but make sure to confirm what’s included.
In addition to architect fees, factor in these common expenses:
Check if your architect is registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and ideally a member of RIBA. These credentials prove that they’ve completed the required education and follow professional standards. You can check online at the ARB website using their name or practice name.
Before you commit, ask for a clear written proposal that outlines:
This avoids disputes and keeps expectations clear. If you're unsure about anything, ask questions; a good architect will be happy to explain.
While hiring an architect is a cost, it's also a smart investment. They can improve your home's layout, make better use of space, and increase planning approval chances. A well-designed home can boost property value and reduce costly mistakes during construction. You’re not just paying for drawings, you’re paying for peace of mind, design quality, and expert oversight.
At Draw Architecture, we help homeowners and developers in London achieve high-quality, well-planned projects with fewer delays and fewer surprises. Our experience across hundreds of planning applications, deep knowledge of local borough policies, and practical, buildable designs make us a reliable choice for residential projects. We don't just produce drawings, we help you move through the entire design and construction process with clarity and confidence.
What sets us apart:
Whether you’re building an extension, converting your loft, or starting from scratch, our team ensures your ideas become a reality, on time and on budget.
Disclaimer:
Architectural fees mentioned in this article are provided as general guidance and are based on typical project ranges in the UK as of 2025. Actual costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the project, location, planning constraints, level of service required, and the individual policies of each architectural firm. For an accurate quote tailored to your specific project, please contact Draw Architecture directly.
