It’s all about the money

It is for 95% of my clients, and it most certainly is for me as well. I am the child of parents who endured the hardships of the Great Depression—please don’t do the math on my age—and I was raised in lower middle-income America. This background has instilled in me a profound understanding of the value of a dollar and the significance of financial considerations in any project. So, when a client approaches me with inquiries about the cost of a project, I empathize with their concerns completely. At the core of their questions lies a fundamental truth: “It’s all about the money.”

When a client asks, “How much will this cost?” I typically respond with a ballpark figure, which generally falls within the range of 5% to 7.5% of the overall construction cost or a specific dollar amount per square foot. This figure can elicit a variety of reactions; some clients may be taken aback, falling to the floor in shock, while others might choose to leave immediately. Conversely, some clients may accept the figure without question, while others will sit down and ask the pivotal question: “Why?” That is the question I truly long to hear, as it opens the door for meaningful dialogue.

If given just five minutes to explain, I can clarify how this fee is determined and why the services I provide are undoubtedly worth the investment. During this brief interaction, I also take the opportunity to describe various strategies that can help save money or time by potentially eliminating certain aspects of the design process. The business of architecture is undeniably competitive, and if you search thoroughly enough, you will likely find a fee that is lower than mine, or perhaps even lower than that of the next architect you consult. However, the bottom line remains that we are all professionals in this field, and when you examine the entirety of what we offer, our costs tend to align closely. The critical factor to consider is what you are receiving or not receiving behind the scenes. A lower fee often indicates one of two possibilities: either you are receiving a lower fee because certain services have been excluded without your knowledge, or the individual providing the service has overlooked key items. The true value of a qualified architect or designer lies in the extensive level of experience and expertise they bring to the table, which can make a significant difference in the outcome of your project.

When you are in the process of interviewing potential candidates for your project, it is essential to ask to see samples of their completed work, whether through photographs or even field trips to actual projects. Additionally, request to view their work in progress, including plans that have been completed and those that are currently under design. Understanding the process they will employ to guide your project from point A to point B is equally important.

A good architect or designer will have a well-defined process they follow with their clients, ensuring that all the proverbial bases are covered. This process typically includes programming, concept design, development design, construction documents, and construction administration. Each of these phases adds value to the project. From the client’s perspective, it is crucial to understand what each service entails and how it can ultimately lead to cost savings, either upfront or on the backend. Clients should have their design professional explain each service in detail, including what will be provided and the potential ramifications of excluding certain elements. Once you grasp the significance of each step as an informed consumer, you may discover opportunities to opt out of some services. Depending on your level of construction experience and your willingness to invest additional time into the project—whether through research or by taking on the role of a “gofer”—you can potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars from the design budget.

Having a solid concept or a preliminary floor plan is an excellent starting point. Knowing the direction in which you want your ideas to progress will greatly assist the designer in creating a vision that aligns with your expectations. Moreover, providing photos and images of what you envision your project to look like can significantly save time and money during the design process. If you have taken the time to thoroughly vet your designer by asking the right questions and have conducted your own project research, while also being willing to volunteer your own time to the process, you could potentially save a substantial amount on the overall design of your project. This proactive approach fosters a collaborative relationship between you and your designer, ultimately leading to a more successful and cost-effective outcome.