The first step in any commercial architectural project is often a discovery meeting. This is where you sit down with an architect to talk through the basics—your goals, any challenges you anticipate, and the look and feel you envision for the space. This initial meeting is about more than getting a quick quote. It’s about exploring your needs, understanding your vision, and discussing how to move forward.
The discovery meeting is also a chance to clarify the scope of the project, which is key to understanding potential costs. Think of it as the foundation that helps you and the architect get on the same page. At Studio Steinbomer, we use this meeting to build a clear picture of your project needs, allowing us to create a realistic timeline and cost structure. From here, we can discuss fee expectations, which will depend on the size and complexity of your project.
When it comes to architectural fees, there are several structures that architects use, depending on the project’s needs and how defined the scope is. Here’s a look at the most common ones:
Hourly rates are often used at the start of a project when the scope isn’t fully defined. This can be especially useful during the discovery phase, as it allows for flexibility and time to refine the project’s direction. Hourly billing is straightforward, giving you a chance to explore ideas without being tied to a fixed cost upfront.
As the project becomes more defined, some architects, including Studio Steinbomer, may shift to a fixed fee, which provides more predictability in the later phases. But initially, hourly billing allows you and the architect to stay agile. It’s important to know that hourly billing can vary depending on the complexity of the work and the level of expertise required.
A fixed fee is a common option for projects with a clear and well-defined scope. Once the discovery phase has helped shape the project’s requirements, the architect may offer a fixed fee to cover the expected work from initial design through to completion. This type of structure can be beneficial because it provides a set cost that’s easier to budget around. However, fixed fees are only possible if the project scope is stable and there are few unknowns.
Studio Steinbomer often provides a fixed fee once we have a firm understanding of the project scope, ensuring transparency and predictability for clients. This approach helps avoid surprises and allows you to plan with confidence.
Typical architectural fees for commercial projects vary based on a few main factors. Here’s what typically influences the costs:
The complexity of a project has a big impact on fees. Complex projects may involve unique designs, specific compliance with building codes, or in the case of older buildings that have structural issues. Each additional level of complexity requires more time, resources, and collaboration with consultants, which can affect costs.
If your project involves detailed design or specialized features, fees may increase to cover the time required for thorough planning and execution. Complex projects often require coordination with consultants like engineers or code specialists, and this collaboration is built into the overall cost.
The size and scope of your project also impact architectural fees. Larger spaces or projects with extensive needs, such as a complete commercial overhaul, generally require more work, from planning to final execution. The project’s scope might also involve multiple phases, each with different tasks and objectives.
A larger project may involve more frequent meetings, additional design drafts, and the coordination of multiple teams. Architects often work with structural engineers, HVAC consultants, and even interior designers on larger projects, so the need for this ongoing coordination will factor into the fee structure.
Commercial architectural services often involve more than just drafting a design. Contract drawings are a key deliverable to the owner that reflects detailed coordination between the architect and the engineering team. These drawings ensure all elements meet building code and compliance standards and are essential for permit approval, as well as preparation of the final bid by the contractor.
Studio Steinbomer leads a team of consultants and engineers to ensure the design is reviewed, meets all regulations, and aligns with the project’s objectives. While additional engineers and consultants can result in higher fees, this collaborative approach ensures high-quality deliverables, which is especially important with highly complex projects. The involvement of expert engineers and consultants, as may be required with certain types of commercial building renovations, can save the owner in unplanned costs during construction by reducing the amount of preventable change orders. Furthermore, this level of ongoing collaboration keeps the project on track and ensures alignment among all parties.
When you’re budgeting for commercial architectural services, it’s wise to account for “soft costs.” These costs cover professional services rather than hard costs like construction and materials. Soft costs include the fees for the architect’s work, including initial planning, design, and project management.
These professional services are a vital part of your project, helping ensure the design aligns with your goals, meets compliance codes, and is structurally sound. Studio Steinbomer works closely with clients to provide transparency in these soft costs. By clarifying the scope early on, we ensure you understand the soft costs associated with achieving the project’s goals, allowing for informed budgeting and planning.
Thinking about a commercial renovation or new build? Studio Steinbomer’s experienced team can guide you through each phase, from discovery to final execution. We can help bring your vision to life in a way that’s both functional and cost-effective.
When you hire a commercial architect, it’s important to understand what’s included in the fees. Here’s a look at the typical deliverables:
Contract drawings are instrumental for any commercial architectural project. These detailed documents provide the specific instructions needed for construction, including specifications for materials, dimensions, and code requirements. The level of detail and completeness reflected in the contract drawings is vital as they are not only required to obtain a building permit but also provide necessary details and construction information that a contractor needs to bid and build from.
Studio Steinbomer emphasizes the importance of precise contract drawings, which are routinely coordinated with consulting engineers to ensure accurate details and equipment specifications. These drawings and specifications are key to ensuring the project aligns with the owner’s primary design and investment goals, current building codes, and local regulations. These drawings are key to ensuring the project aligns with safety codes and design goals.
A successful commercial project often requires ongoing collaboration. As part of our commercial architectural services, Studio Steinbomer leads coordination efforts with consultants and engineers, making sure everyone involved understands the project’s objectives. This level of collaboration helps avoid unexpected issues and keeps the project moving forward smoothly.
Managing multiple teams and maintaining open communication is a big reason architectural fees can vary. At Studio Steinbomer, we build this collaborative approach into our fee structure, ensuring that you benefit from a streamlined process that aligns with your goals.
Studio Steinbomer’s approach is based on transparency. We provide clients with a clear breakdown of fees, sharing enough information to help them understand the scope without diving into unnecessary details. During the discovery phase, we discuss how fees are calculated based on project needs, allowing them to make informed decisions from the start.
While hourly billing might be used initially for flexibility, we’ll often move to a fixed fee once the scope is well-defined. This two-phase approach gives you the flexibility to explore options upfront and the predictability of a set fee as the project progresses.
Studio Steinbomer approaches every commercial project as a collaboration, working with you to create a beautiful and functional space. With over 30 years of experience, we bring a seasoned perspective to each project, whether it’s navigating complex regulations or designing spaces that enhance productivity. Our team ensures transparency in fee structures and clear communication every step of the way.
Ready to start your project? Contact Studio Steinbomer today, and let’s bring your vision to life.
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