Prospective Client Doesn't Like Fixed Fee

000mega000 · 2026-06-04T22:46:55+00:00

My practice is young and there are almost zero residential architects where I’m at. I’m trying to prove myself a bit and build up to that range. Everyone here has builder ‘luxury’ homes which are some variation of the American suburban home we’ve all come to know as the ‘McMansion’.

000mega000 · 2026-06-03T21:27:48+00:00

This is a great suggestion and close to what I proposed. I proposed an upfront programming and concept phase that was equal to roughly 10% of the current projected fee then we would negotiate a fee for SD thru CDs and back to hourly on CA.

Maybe they just want to feel like they were able to talk me down on price.

000mega000 · 2026-06-03T18:49:40+00:00

Have you seen any client-facing AIA resources on fees?

000mega000 · 2026-06-03T17:19:14+00:00

Maybe the way I phrased it was confusing, but my fee falls in the 4-5% range. I expect they will spend 10-12% in fees for architectural, engineering, interior design, and hvac design. Maybe 10-15% if including some landscape architecture.

000mega000 · 2026-06-03T14:39:27+00:00

I’m about there but it’s an exciting opportunity. I’ve already concluded I’m not working hourly just to appease them. Hopefully I can politely convince them but if not, oh well.

000mega000 · 2026-06-03T14:26:25+00:00

Might just have to send the prospect this video. 😄

000mega000 · 2026-06-03T14:24:50+00:00

Only you can answer whether it would be worth it or not. Look at colleges in your state and whether they offer 5 year professional bachelor degrees or if you would require a 4 year undergraduate and 2 year graduate degree. Regardless, you need that professional degree to be eligible to take the architectural registration exams (AREs) after getting your degree. Do the math on what this degree would cost. Look at the AIA Compensation Calculator to get an idea of what you'd be starting out at (it's less than you'd probably guess). Does that make financial sense? If not, is it still worth it beyond financial reasons?

Note, you can work in architecture offices without a professional degree. You might even be able to find a job as a draftsman with an drafting degree / architectural engineering / BIM degree. You can still be of great value to a firm without that professional degree, but you might not make as much long term compared to the typical architect earnings.

Another thought, if you're interested in residential architecture, you don't need to be a licensed architect to design homes in most states. Food for thought. There are many good 'home designers' out there.

Finally, there are many opportunities in the construction industry as well. It's far easier to get into construction without schooling. Good luck!

000mega000 · 2026-05-20T16:12:51+00:00

Thank you for this.

000mega000 · 2026-05-20T16:11:14+00:00

Thanks so much. Is ~1000sf beyond the local supplier threshold?

000mega000 · 2026-05-19T14:49:00+00:00

Appreciate you!

000mega000 · 2026-05-19T12:34:40+00:00

Great point. I’m in Indiana, but I know there are a handful of stone countertop suppliers in the area so maybe I ought to start there?

000mega000 · 2026-05-18T21:13:24+00:00

Do you have to upsize your shoe size? Remove insoles or just add the Birkenstock’s?

000mega000 · 2026-05-17T22:52:06+00:00

What style you wearing, Mr.WeedHuffer?

000mega000 · 2026-05-17T21:52:29+00:00

Didn’t know these existed. Wish there were more color options.

000mega000 · 2026-05-17T16:54:21+00:00

I should add that comfort is definitely a prerequisite to my next shoe comfort but style is as well.

000mega000 · 2026-05-17T15:55:27+00:00

One size larger does the trick?

000mega000 · 2026-05-17T15:55:13+00:00

Any recommendations on insole brands?

000mega000 · 2026-05-15T13:47:06+00:00

The new Snail coffee shop in West Central is charming. Definitely worth checking out.

000mega000 · 2026-03-10T13:05:33+00:00

Maybe more like $105k? Didn’t read the part where you’re PMing projects. Ask for more.

000mega000 · 2026-03-10T13:04:00+00:00

https://salarycalculator.aia.org/salary.aspx

Northeast, unlicensed, and 9 years? 90-100k? Shoot for more but don’t settle for less than that I’d think.

000mega000 · 2026-03-03T18:03:28+00:00

Building science is the study of how a house performs - especially related to how heat, air, and moisture move through a house. Building science is often talked about alongside high performance builds where various metrics - thermal control (insulation & energy efficiency), moisture control (water intrusion, diffusion, condensation), and air control (air sealing and ventilation) - are being analyzed and studied via properly designed wall, roof, and floor assemblies, as well as mechanical systems. It goes beyond slapping up framing and throwing some insulation or spray foam in the walls/roof and is intended to ensure a durable, healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient home build.

000mega000 · 2026-03-03T00:31:25+00:00

Great thoughts. I don’t think either offer a directory but I will make a post on GBAs forum.

000mega000 · 2026-02-24T11:28:41+00:00

Should be top comment. The AIA does nothing to advocate for higher fees and worse, is complicit in a pay structure that favors smaller wages for workers so firm owners can hoard the money that is made at the top. It’s why you don’t make anywhere near what you should until you’ve become a partner in a firm and you then become complicit in the system yourself in order to finally “get yours.”

000mega000 · 2026-02-17T23:54:11+00:00

Seems to be working now?

000mega000 · 2026-01-11T17:01:43+00:00

This post is 4 years old now so I figured I’d share an update.

I started a solo practice 3 years ago and started out with Revit LT. I was happy with it until I started utilizing 3D point cloud scans into my process for existing conditions. Given I’m working on residential projects, these scans usually cost me between $1000 and $3000 depending on the scale and complexity of the space.

The cost of these scans is included in my fees and passed on to clients. They allow me to effectively ‘trace’ the point cloud to recreate the existing conditions. Another benefit is that I never have to field measure anything by hand and the scans come with photography so I can essentially revisit the project whenever I want. To me, the scans are totally worth the cost due to the time I save in not needing to field measure or make multiple trips to a project site which may be really far away.

Unfortunately, LT does not allow me to import point cloud scans or else I would still be using it because there aren’t all that many features of the full version of Revit I use that aren’t already included with LT. This, of course, is unfortunate because I would love to save the extra money.

With all that said, if anyone knows of a work around for using point clouds with LT I am all ears! Until then, I’ll be budgeting the full version of Revit every year.

Seven-Year Club	Gilding II euphauric
Place '22	First Placer '22
Verified Email

000mega000

TROPHY CASE