Architectural fees, clearly explained
Understand the level of support, example project fees and other costs before you commit. Ask us for a quote for your project.
Example architectural fees
These examples are a guide, rather than fixed quotations or package prices. Your fee is based on the agreed scope of your project.
| Project | Example total | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Garage conversion | £990 | Single integrated garage; no bathroom or plumbing. |
| Internal alterations | £1,385 | Includes £395 for listed building consent, if required. |
| House extension | £1,990 | Single-storey extension to a two-storey house. |
| Loft conversion | £2,385 | Loft conversion to a bungalow. |
| New build house | £4,985 | 100m² single-storey house. |
See the full breakdowns and assumptions · Other professionals and application fees
Choose your level of support
Design and approvals, with the option of support as your project moves into construction.
Silver package
Design & Approvals
- Design Planning & Application Liaison
- Building Warrant Drawings & Submission
- Coordination with Structural Engineer (if required)
- Ideal if you need approvals to move forward
Gold package
Design, Approvals & Construction Admin Support
- Everything in the Silver package
- Site visits aligned with inspections
- Contractor tender support
- Support to completion
Gold includes three site visits aligned with inspection stages. It provides construction administration support; day-to-day project management, supervision of builders’ work and contract administration are excluded. Read the full service scope.
Fees by project type
Open a project type for the stages, example fees and assumptions.
Garage conversions offer a practical and cost-effective way to create additional living space within your property. By transforming your garage into a new room, such as a bedroom, home office, or playroom, you can increase the functionality and value of your home.
Planning Permission
In most cases, converting a garage into living space is considered permitted development and does not require formal planning permission. This means you can proceed with the project without obtaining prior approval from your local planning authority. However, there may be certain conditions or restrictions that apply.
Building Warrant
A building warrant is always required. This is a legal document that authorizes you to carry out construction work. The building warrant ensures that the project complies with building regulations and safety standards.
To obtain a building warrant, you will typically need to submit plans and specifications to your local building standards department. They will review the documents to ensure that the conversion meets the required standards.
Garage Conversion Architectural Fees
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Feasibility & Design | £495 (Includes ONE site visit) |
| Building Warrant | £495 |
| Total Architectural Fees | £990 |
This fee is based on a garage conversion for a single garage, integrated into the house with no bathroom/plumbing.
Structural engineers are generally not required for garage conversions unless there are any significant structural changes – if a structural engineer is required we will obtain a fee quote on your behalf.
Internal alterations involve modifying the interior layout or structure of your home. This could include tasks such as removing walls, creating new openings, reconfiguring rooms, or installing new features.
Planning Permission
Typically, internal alterations do not require planning permission. This is because they generally do not affect the external appearance of your property. However, there are exceptions. If your alterations involve listed buildings, planning permission and/or listed building consent may be necessary. However, there may be certain conditions or restrictions that apply.
Building Warrant
A building warrant is usually required for internal alterations, regardless of whether planning permission is needed. The warrant ensures that the work complies with building regulations, particularly in terms of safety, energy efficiency, and structural integrity.
To obtain a building warrant, you will need to submit plans and specifications to your local building standards department. They will review the documents to ensure that your project meets the required standards.
Internal Alterations Architectural Fees
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Feasibility & Design | £495 (Includes ONE site visit) |
| Building Warrant | £495 |
| Listed Building Consent (If required) | £395 |
| Total Architectural Fees | £1385 |
This fee is based on simple internal alterations to a tenement flat – for example removing an internal wall or adding an en-suite to a bedroom.
House extensions involve adding new space to your existing property. This can include building additional rooms, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or living areas, or extending existing rooms.
Planning Permission
Whether or not you need planning permission for a house extension depends on several factors, including:
- Size and scale of the extension: Larger extensions are more likely to require planning permission.
- Location of the extension: Extensions to the rear of your property are generally more likely to be approved than those to the front or side.
- Local planning policies: Your local planning authority may have specific rules and regulations regarding extensions.
It’s crucial to check with your local planning authority to determine if your extension requires planning permission. They can provide guidance and clarify any regulations that may apply.
Building Warrant
A building warrant is always required for house extensions, regardless of whether planning permission is needed. The warrant ensures that the extension complies with building regulations, particularly in terms of safety, energy efficiency, and structural integrity.
To obtain a building warrant, you will need to submit plans and specifications to your local building standards department. They will review the documents to ensure that your project meets the required standards.
House Extensions Architectural Fees
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Feasibility & Design | £995 (Includes ONE site visit) |
| Building Warrant | £995 |
| Total Architectural Fees | £1990 |
This fee is based on a single storey extension to a 2 storey house.
Loft conversions involve transforming your attic space into usable living areas. This can involve creating bedrooms, home offices, or additional living rooms.
Planning Permission
Whether or not you need planning permission for a loft conversion depends on several factors, including:
- Size and scale of the conversion: Larger conversions are more likely to require planning permission
- Roof type: If you are not altering the shape of the roof, say installing only rooflights (no Dormers) then planning may not be required
- Local planning policies: Your local planning authority may have specific rules and regulations regarding loft conversions.
It’s essential to check with your local planning authority to determine if your loft conversion requires planning permission.
Building Warrant
A building warrant is always required for loft conversions, regardless of whether planning permission is needed. The warrant ensures that the conversion complies with building regulations, particularly in terms of safety, energy efficiency, and structural integrity.
To obtain a building warrant, you will need to submit plans and specifications to your local building standards department. They will review the documents to ensure that your project meets the required standards.
Loft Conversion Architectural Fees
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Feasibility & Design | £995 (Includes ONE site visit) |
| Planning Permission | £495 |
| Building Warrant | £895 |
| Total Architectural Fees | £2385 |
This fee is based on a loft conversion to a bungalow.
We can provide architectural services for new build houses anywhere in Scotland.
We can assist you with the design and planning process. This can include custom-designed homes, as well as standard or semi-custom designs.
Planning Permission
Planning permission is always required for new build houses. The planning authority will assess the proposed development against various factors, such as:
- Site suitability: The location and characteristics of the site will be considered.
- Design and appearance: The design of the house must be compatible with the local area.
- Impact on the environment: The development should not have a negative impact on the environment.
- Infrastructure: The local infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, must be adequate to support the new development.
To obtain planning permission, you will need to submit a detailed application to your local planning authority, including plans, drawings, and supporting documents.
Building Warrant
Once planning permission has been granted, a building warrant is required before construction can begin. The building warrant ensures that the construction complies with building regulations and safety standards.
To obtain a building warrant, you will need to submit plans and specifications to your local building standards department. They will review the documents to ensure that the project meets the required standards.
New Build House Architectural Fees
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Feasibility & Design | £1995 (Includes ONE site visit) |
| Planning Permission | £995 |
| Building Warrant | £1995 |
| Total Architectural Fees | £4985 |
This fee is based on a 100m2 single storey house.
Typically other consultants will be required for a new build house such as a structural engineer, drainage design, energy consultant etc.
Additional Fees During the Design Phase
In addition to the architectural fees outlined above, there are several other costs that may arise during the design phase of your project:
Structural Engineer Fees
Purpose: Structural engineers are responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of your building. They will conduct calculations and provide drawings to verify that the design complies with building codes and safety standards.
Factors Affecting Cost: The complexity of the structural design, the size of the project, and any unusual structural elements will influence the engineering fees.
The structural engineer is employed directly by the client, with the contract established between you and the engineer. This arrangement also applies to any other consultants that may be required.
| Structural Engineer Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| A Structural Engineer is needed for most projects | From £595 to £3000 + VAT |
Local Authority Fees
Planning Application Fees: To obtain planning permission for your project, we will need to submit an application to your local planning authority. This typically involves paying a fee.
Building Warrant Fees: Once planning permission is granted, you will need to obtain a building warrant from the local building standards department. This also involves a fee.
| Local Authority Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Planning Fee | £350 |
| Certificate of Lawfulness Fee | £150 |
It’s important to note that these fees can vary depending on your location and the specific requirements of your project.
We can assist you in coordinating with these professionals and ensuring that all necessary applications and fees are submitted on time.
Please feel free to discuss your project requirements with us so we can provide you with a comprehensive estimate.
Application fees can change. Please confirm current council charges when planning your project.
A clear scope, an agreed fee
Why Choose Us?
Thank you for considering our architectural services. We understand that the cost of architectural work can be a significant factor in your project planning. Our pricing is designed to be transparent and fair, reflecting the complexity and scope of each project.
We specialize exclusively in domestic projects and are well-equipped to handle work anywhere in Scotland.
Our expertise in residential design and construction, combined with our deep understanding of local regulations and standards, ensures that we can deliver exceptional results across the country. We offer everyday architecture for everyday people.
We understand that you may be new to the world of construction and may have limited knowledge of architectural costs. To provide transparency and clarity, we’ve published a general pricing guide that gives you an idea of the typical range for our services.
(Please note that these are not fixed prices, as the cost of your project will depend on its specific requirements and complexity.)
How we agree your fee
Fixed Fee: For all of our projects we will define the scope and a fixed fee can be agreed upon upfront
What affects the fee?
Garage conversions
Pricing depends on the garage size, existing layout and the intended use of the converted space.
Internal alterations
Costs vary with the extent of structural changes, new openings and room reconfiguration.
House extensions
The size, complexity and type of extension determine the scope and fee.
Loft conversions
The existing roof structure, access, insulation requirements and proposed design influence the fee.
New build houses
Fees depend on the size, design, materials and level of customisation required.
Your next chapter starts with a conversation.
Tell John what you have in mind and take the first step towards a home that works for you.