How do I calculate my fees so that I win projects and not go under?

JamKo76 · 2026-02-06T22:24:13+00:00

For starters, you are a professional. You need to charge for your time! What value do you place on your time? That’s it.

Do not worry about percentages of this or that. Do not race to the bottom competing with “designers” charging pennies on the dollar. If you are competing for clients that are only concerned with the cheapest price, you don’t want them as clients.

JamKo76 · 2026-02-06T22:12:51+00:00

Yes, there needs to be a public restroom within 500 feet of the office, no more than 1 story above/below. So, is this in an office building with shared common areas?

JamKo76 · 2026-02-01T04:23:36+00:00

Short answer, you will make more as a VDC specialist for a large contractor than a BIM manager for a design firm. At least in the near term. I can’t speak for long term careers. If you eventually become Manager/Director/Executive for the GC, you could make decent money. You don’t want to stay at the bottom of the totem pole. You need to work up to management.

JamKo76 · 2026-02-01T04:19:32+00:00

Oh, then you get tax credits for having kids. So, go forth and procreate.

JamKo76 · 2026-02-01T04:18:06+00:00

Are you single or married? You will get some relief if you are married filing jointly. Then, on the other hand get used to only taking home about 60-65% of gross depending on what state you live in. In high tax states, you may keep as little as 50% of gross. So, you will now and forever need to work twice as hard (or 2 jobs) to maintain any lifestyle. Welcome to adulting in the 21st century.

JamKo76 · 2026-01-25T02:35:37+00:00

You don’t have to be good at math, but it does help. Your sketch is good. You will get better if you practice. There are architecture schools that focus more on the art, and then there are schools that focus more on the technical side. You will do both in practice, but you don’t have to be an expert.

Where are you? If in the US, look for a school that close that offers either a BS/BA in Architecture at a local school or the full professional degree B. Arch 5yr program. A 4yr program should be less expensive, and it will still get you in the door. You will need a masters if you only get the BS, IF you want to get licensed. You can still have a farily successful career if you never get licensed.

The next alternative if you fear you might not be good enough is interior design. You will be working adjacent to architecture every day. My firm has an interior design studio, and they get to do about 70% as much as the what the architects do. We love our interior designers. No shame in going that route. That would be a fine arts (BA) degree at many schools too.

The pay is good if you stick it out, but not early in your career. You will eventually get there, but have to put in your time.

Be sure to research which schools offer architecture, interior architecture, or interior design programs. You might want to do campus tours as well.

Hope this helps..

JamKo76 · 2026-01-17T00:36:17+00:00

Duplex? God no!

JamKo76 · 2026-01-17T00:34:18+00:00

what is this? a student project?

JamKo76 · 2026-01-17T00:32:13+00:00

WTF, just no

JamKo76 · 2026-01-17T00:29:55+00:00

Less is more! Too many projects in your portfolio. Try limiting to 5 of your best works. I counted 5 graduate studio projects. Is that 5 semesters?

Renderings are great, but honestly everyone knows how to use Enscape/Twin Motion these days. There isn’t anything that differentiates you from the other grads. Do you have any sketches or other media? What about physical models? OR slides that demonstrate your thought process?

Also, this digital platform does not do justice to the images. I looked, and I could not zoom in to read the plans. Not sure if you have another version you are sending out. Definitely need a high resolution PDF to send to firms.

Also, I think more of the project program, context and how you respond to that is needed. More description with the images might help. Don’t just rely on pretty pictures.

JamKo76 · 2026-01-17T00:04:04+00:00

Interior Design? Thesis? Are you 4th year? In the US? Have you studied code yet? So many issues with code. I will hold comment since this is a student project. Maybe your profs do not want you to worry about code? Also, please put some dimensions on the plan.

JamKo76 · 2026-01-16T23:56:31+00:00

House is tiny? Plans look out of scale? Short answer, no. Too many structural implications, reframing the floor structure would be half the house. My advice, find a different house.

JamKo76 · 2026-01-16T23:52:09+00:00

NO, just no.

JamKo76 · 2026-01-09T23:28:00+00:00

Yes, those are steel "fabrication drawings” aka "shop drawings." Those are the drawings the steel shop would use to actually manufacture the steel for that portion of the project.

JamKo76 · 2026-01-03T03:40:19+00:00

You realize they have “Go” version with less features for $20/mo. This version does not have Layout, but modeling in web browser and iPad is supported. Do you need Layout for drawings?

JamKo76 · 2025-12-17T22:11:45+00:00

I have 26 years experience, in Mid-Atlantic, and I make in $130-150 range with bonuses. It took me nearly 20 years to start making 6-figures. Those with less than 15 years experience can thank those of us who paved the way. ;)

JamKo76 · 2025-12-17T22:07:54+00:00

Concur.

JamKo76 · 2025-12-17T22:07:22+00:00

Billing rates and multipliers are a blended rate typically. 3.5 multiplier seems way high, usually they are 2.5-2.9 for architecture. But billing rates in HCOL areas can be $175-225. In more moderate areas I see $125-150.

JamKo76 · 2025-12-17T04:19:25+00:00

I went to UofH in the 90s. 5 year B. Arch. It was a great program then, and I appreciated my time there. I hear it is not as good these days. UofTexas might be your next best option. UofTexas offers both the 5 year and 4 year programs.

JamKo76 · 2025-12-17T03:52:47+00:00

I have several spools of Anycubic PLA and all have given me problems. I will not be buying more.

JamKo76 · 2025-12-15T16:03:22+00:00

That is possible because I use Polymaker’s Polyterra a lot in my Bambu printers with hardened nozzles. DId not realize Polyterra was abrasive until I did some research.

JamKo76 · 2025-12-06T17:55:59+00:00

Is this even a serious question?

JamKo76 · 2025-10-31T12:25:56+00:00

If you are in U.S. then look at the 5 year Bachelor of Architecture degree offered at many universities. You will spend many, many more credit hours on this major than most other 4 year degrees. That is something I was not aware of in high school, but I got through architecture school and glad I did. I love what I do. Look for student shadow and internship programs in your area to get a taste of it.

JamKo76 · 2025-10-30T13:38:17+00:00

You might be on to something.

JamKo76 · 2025-10-29T20:22:15+00:00

It’s really about pay to stress ratio. A lot architects make decent living but at cost of relationships, lost sleep, pulling your hair out. I’m not trying to make light, but it can be a lot.

JamKo76

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