Architecture Fee
Calculator
Apply a fee percentage from your own proposal or agreed compensation basis to a construction-cost amount with aligned scope, currency, and base date.
Who it's for: architects, firm principals, and owners reconciling an already established fee basis at any phase from schematic design through construction administration.
Published benchmarks
Published fee curves and phase splits. Fees are negotiated; these are the public schedules that exist, not a recommendation.
| Benchmark | Value | Unit | Edition | Scope | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal cap on A/E design fee | 6 | % of estimated construction cost | FAR 15.404-4(b)(4)(i)(B) | US federal contracts | Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.404-4 | |
| Basic services fee, $1M construction cost, Level A (most complex) | 12.09 | % of construction cost | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Basic services fee, $1M construction cost, Level B | 10.65 | % of construction cost | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Basic services fee, $1M construction cost, Level C (least complex) | 9.21 | % of construction cost | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Basic services fee, $5M construction cost, Level A | 10.65 | % of construction cost | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Basic services fee, $10M construction cost, Level A | 9.88 | % of construction cost | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Phase split: schematic design | 18 | % of basic services fee | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Phase split: design development | 20 | % of basic services fee | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Phase split: construction documents | 31 | % of basic services fee | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Phase split: bidding | 2 | % of basic services fee | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Phase split: construction administration | 27 | % of basic services fee | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines | |
| Phase split: project closeout | 2 | % of basic services fee | Effective 1 July 2025 | Washington State public projects, design-bid-build | Washington State OFM, Capital Budget Instructions 2025-27, Ch. 9 A/E Fee Guidelines |
Figures are as published on the linked page; check edition, scope and what the rate includes before using one.
How to use this calculator
The formula
No fee rate, phase allocation, service scope, or commercial term is inferred.
Worked example
When this estimate will be off
- The fee is calculated on construction cost, not total project cost. Including land, FF&E, contingency, or the design fee itself in the input will inflate the result.
- No phase allocation or service adequacy is calculated.
- Reimbursable expenses and additional services (renderings, feasibility studies, as-builts, specialty-consultant coordination) are billed separately and are not included here.
Frequently asked questions
A common mistake: The fee is calculated on construction cost, not total project cost. Including land, FF&E, contingency, or the design fee itself in the input will inflate the result.
Use the percentage supported by the actual proposal, scope, staffing model, procurement route, consultant responsibility, risk, and commercial agreement. This tool does not supply a market rate.
On construction cost — the cost of the building work itself, excluding land, financing, furniture, and the design fee. State which basis you are using in your proposal so the percentage is not misread.
No. AIA B101 defines scope and compensation terms but does not supply a fee percentage. Use the actual proposal or agreement as the input source.
This tool does not allocate the fee. Phase allocation must follow the actual service scope, delivery model, staffing plan, and agreement.
Sources
- AIA B101-2017 Owner–Architect Agreement — defines five basic-service phases and the basis of compensation; does not mandate a fee percentage — antitrust law prohibits published rate schedules
This free Architecture Fee Calculator is built and maintained by DataDrivenAEC, using the relevant codes and standards. It does not substitute for professional judgment.