Architecture/Drawing Plans

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Expert: - 5/15/2008


Question
Hi there, I wrote you a question earlier regarding building a bachelor style residence. I got your answer and conveyed it only to find I had asked the incorrect question. What that question SHOULD have been what is the average prices to have an architect draw plans for the building/project. Maybe that'll be an easier answer. Let me know and thanks!  

Answer
Chin - thanks for the clarification!  I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help, however!  Just like building costs, drawing costs vary widely depending on where you live, what services you want, the complexity of the project, the requirements of your building authorities, the conditions of the site, and who's doing the work.  There's no set price schedule for architects and we all bill differently.  Some work on a percentage, some a flat fee, some by the hour, some combine several methods.

An established firm is going to be more expensive than a sole proprietor; an unknown architect will be less expensive than a popular one, etc.

I've seen prices vary from a few dollar per square foot to 20% of construction cost...there's no "average" price.

You need to talk to an architect to determine what services you want - "full" services?  Simple drafting work?  A "permit" set?

You need to ask these question of local architects to get useful answers.  I'd be asking them of you if you were interviewing me!

Hope this helps (a little!)

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

Architecture

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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