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Q&As
How Much Should Our Architect Be Charging?
We are struggling with our architect and need advice as to what/how much he should be charging. We feel very under advised throughout the process and we are still waiting approval for a planning application that was submitted in January. Is there someone who could offer some advice?
2 Answers
You have to be very careful you are not being charged for numerous drawings that are not always necessary.
It’s shame that you are in this struggle. An architect should be there to support you through all stages of your project. All architects have to put their form of appointment, including setting out their fees, in writing. This is a professional and legal requirement if you are calling yourself an architect. Therefore your fees should be as per the appointment document.
Your architect should also be keeping you updated on a regular basis with your project, including what is happening with your planning application. You suggest that this has been lodged for 9 months. Usually a planning application should be determined within 8 weeks, so something has gone awry here and your Architect should at least update you with why. Perhaps the local authority is asking for more information or they are delaying the process?
I would suggest you speak first with your architect and if this is not fruitful then perhaps contact the planning officer directly to see what is going on. Moving forwards, if communication is not working out, perhaps it’s time to reconsider who you are working with?
Opinder Liddar (Build It expert & director of Lapd architects)