Investment Explorer
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Adjust to your expected investment: slide, or tap an amount to type it.
How involved would you like your architect to be? Each level represents a different depth of architectural involvement; choose the guidance appropriate to the place you want to create.
Your vision, carried through construction
Integrated: Complete architectural design and construction documents, coordination of engineering consultants, assistance with contractor selection, and construction administration through completion.
From Architectural Vision to Project Build
What if the knowledge needed to build your home informed its design from the beginning?
Our architect-led approach connects design and construction expertise earlier, creating opportunities to reduce unnecessary handoffs, protect architectural intent, and make more informed decisions about the investment.
Whether through architectural construction administration or an integrated design-build engagement, the objective remains the same: bringing the original vision into reality with greater continuity.
What is construction administration?
Construction administration (CA) is the architect’s role during construction. It is included at the Integrated, Signature and Private Commission levels, and not at the Essential level. CA typically includes periodic site visits to observe the progress and quality of the work, responding to the contractor’s questions, reviewing submittals and change requests, and reviewing payment applications.
CA is professional observation, evaluation and contract administration on your behalf. It does not guarantee the contractor’s performance; the contractor remains responsible for construction means, methods, scheduling and safety.
See the full breakdown
Professional fees compared
| Fee | Basis | Amount | Share |
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The realtor and builder fees are part of the land price and construction contract above, shown separately here so the three can be compared. They are not added on top. Why these fees differ
About architectural engagement
Think of a football team
You are the owner: you set the objectives and provide the capital. Your architect is the head coach, shaping the game plan and keeping every part working toward it. The builder is the quarterback, leading execution on the field, and the trades are the players. Excellent execution cannot make up for the wrong play being called. Read the full analogy
Descriptions are illustrative; actual services are defined by the agreed scope. Architectural involvement is determined by scope and complexity, not construction value alone.
Renovations often involve concealed conditions, structural limitations, existing systems and code-compliance challenges, and may warrant a higher fee percentage even when the construction budget is smaller.
Additional assumptions
The builder’s general conditions, overhead and profit. This slider is a share of the construction contract. A builder’s markup is usually quoted on the direct cost of the work instead: a 25% markup equals 20% of the contract, and an illustrative 20% to 40% markup range, which varies with project size, risk and market, equals roughly 17% to 29% of the contract.
Brokerage commission, typically negotiated and built into the purchase price.
Engineers, civil engineering, survey and acoustics may be needed. The more complex the project, the more specialized engineering it is likely to need: structural engineering for long spans, cantilevers or steep sites; geotechnical engineering for difficult soils, slopes or foundations near water; civil engineering for drainage, grading and septic; and mechanical, electrical and energy specialists for advanced systems. These are not included in the architectural fee; set lower if your architectural agreement includes them.
Set land to $0 when the property is already owned; the result is then the remaining project investment rather than the full acquisition picture.
Educational planning model only. Figures are illustrative and do not constitute a fee quotation or construction estimate. Acquisition costs, financing, taxes and other expenditures may require additional allowances.
Your investment is personal. Your project should be, too.
The explorer illustrates financial relationships. Defining the right investment requires understanding the place you want to create, the life you want to live, and what your project needs to accomplish.
Begin Defining Your Project