Your fee among the options for this project$91k midpoint
$14k leanest — design only, simple, focused$198k most comprehensive — full service, highly custom
02 · Play with the scope
Each choice shows its change to the fee midpoint
Architect’s scopeThe biggest choice in what you pay. Each level includes the one before.
Everything in Permit / build, plus bidding / pricing assistance and construction administration.
Design levelMore custom design means more decisions and detailing.
Thoughtful custom design, significant material and detail decisions.
Drawing detailDrives construction documents, the largest phase.
Detailed plans for accurate pricing and construction.
Design explorationHow sure are you about what you want? Exploring more options takes more design hours.
You know the general direction but want to see it take shape. The architect shows a few options, you react, and the design is refined together over normal rounds of revision.
Construction involvementConstruction administration protects the design as it’s built.
RFIs, submittals and periodic site visits.
Site conditionsChoose any that apply. Leave blank for a straightforward site.
Other professionals you may needConsultants are hired and billed separately from the architect. Tap “What do they do?” to see what each one is for — and whether your project is likely to need one.
A few quick facts help us tell you who you’ll need:
Structural engineer
Likely needed — new custom home$4k–$21k typical hereWhat do they do?Designs the bones of the house — foundations, beams, posts and the walls that resist wind and earthquakes — and stamps the calculations most building departments require.You’ll usually need one for: New homes, additions, second stories, removing or moving walls, big openings, heavy snow or seismic areas.Often not needed for: Cosmetic remodels with no structural changes.Civil engineer
Usually optional$4k–$12k typical hereWhat do they do?Designs how the land works: grading, drainage, the driveway and access, utility connections or septic, and erosion control. Often required for a grading or site permit.You’ll usually need one for: New homes on rural or sloped land, new or long driveways, septic systems, floodplains, or anywhere the site is being regraded.Often not needed for: Most city-lot remodels and additions that don’t change grading, drainage or utilities.Surveyor
Likely needed — new custom home$1k–$6k typical hereWhat do they do?Measures the property — boundaries, setbacks, slopes, trees and utilities. Everything the architect draws starts from this survey.You’ll usually need one for: New homes, additions near setbacks, sloped sites; many jurisdictions require one for new work.Often not needed for: Interior-only work.Energy consultant
Likely needed — new custom home$500–$3k typical hereWhat do they do?Runs the energy-code calculations (such as REScheck or Title 24) and HERS ratings that show the design meets code.You’ll usually need one for: New homes and larger additions in most states.Often not needed for: Small interior remodels.Interior designer
Sometimes needed$9k–$66k typical hereWhat do they do?Selects finishes, fixtures, furniture and lighting, and details interiors beyond the architect’s scope.You’ll usually need one for: When you want a fully designed interior, or your architect doesn’t offer interiors.Often not needed for: If your architect includes interiors or you’ll choose finishes yourself.Landscape architect
Sometimes needed$4k–$26k typical hereWhat do they do?Designs the outdoor spaces: planting, paving, walls, outdoor living and stormwater features.You’ll usually need one for: Larger sites, new homes, HOA or design-review requirements, significant outdoor living.Often not needed for: Small lots, or if you’ll landscape later.Lighting designer
Usually optional$3k–$10k typical hereWhat do they do?Designs layered lighting, fixtures and controls for design-driven interiors.You’ll usually need one for: High-end custom homes and art- or detail-focused interiors.Often not needed for: Most projects — the architect or electrician lays out lighting.Mechanical / HVAC engineering
Sometimes needed$3k–$20k typical hereWhat do they do?Engineers heating, cooling, ventilation and plumbing systems.You’ll usually need one for: Large or very efficient homes, radiant or geothermal systems, or where the jurisdiction requires stamped designs.Often not needed for: Many homes — HVAC is often designed and built by the contractor.Geotechnical / soils
Likely needed — new custom home$2k–$6k typical hereWhat do they do?Drills soil borings and writes a report on what the foundation can safely sit on.You’ll usually need one for: Slopes, hillsides, expansive or unknown soils, and many new homes.Often not needed for: Additions on known, stable soils — ask your structural engineer.Happy with it? Next, a few one-click details that help an architect see if it’s a good fit.