While architectural fees are generally fair and justified, there are situations where fees can become inflated. This often happens when fees are quoted strictly as a percentage of construction cost without considering scope. As a project’s budget increases, the fee increases automatically, even though the actual amount of architectural work may not increase proportionally.
A $5 million home does not always require significantly more architectural effort than a $3 million home. In some cases, the complexity may be similar. When fees climb into ranges approaching 15% of construction cost, that is typically a red flag for most residential projects. That level of compensation would generally be considered excessive unless the scope is unusually complex or includes services far beyond standard architectural work.
This does not mean higher fees are always wrong. Some projects demand extraordinary involvement, extensive custom detailing, or highly specialized expertise. What matters is justification. Homeowners should understand what they are receiving and why the fee is structured the way it is.
Good architects are open about this conversation. They are willing to explain their pricing, adjust scope, and align expectations early. If a fee feels opaque or difficult to explain, that lack of clarity should raise questions. Architecture thrives on transparency and trust.
