Blog 4//How Much Does an Architect Cost in the UK? (2025 Guide for Homeowners)
Thinking about hiring an architect for your home renovation or new build in the UK? One of the first questions most people ask is:
"How much does an architect actually cost?"
In this guide, we’ll break down how architects charge, what you can expect to pay in 2025, and how to make the most of your investment.
How Do Architects Charge?
In the UK, architects typically charge in one of three ways:
1. Percentage of Construction Cost
Most common method.
Ranges from 7% to 12% of the total build cost.
Depends on complexity, size of the project, and services provided.
Example:
If your extension costs £100,000 to build, your architect may charge £7,000–£12,000.
2. Fixed Fee
Often used for smaller or clearly defined jobs (e.g. planning drawings).
Popular for feasibility studies, planning submissions, or extensions.
Example:
A fixed fee for a house extension design might be £2,500 – £5,000 depending on scope.
3. Hourly Rate
Less common, but used for consultation or ad-hoc design work.
Rates typically range from £70–£150 per hour.
Average Architect Fees in the UK (2025 Estimates)
Project TypeTypical Architect FeeLoft conversion£2,500 – £5,000Rear house extension£3,500 – £7,000Full home renovation£6,000 – £15,000+New build (self-build)8–12% of build costConcept design only£1,000 – £3,000
Do Architect Fees Vary by Location?
Yes. Fees in London and the South East tend to be higher due to:
Greater demand,
Higher construction costs,
Planning complexity.
Meanwhile, fees may be more competitive in the North, Midlands, and rural areas — but always check the level of service provided.
What’s Included in an Architect’s Fee?
A full-service architect in the UK will typically offer:
Concept & planning drawings
Planning application management
Building regulations
Tendering & contractor selection
Site visits and project oversight
You don’t have to use every stage — many homeowners stop at planning or building regs stage.
Is Hiring an Architect Worth It?
In most cases, yes — and here’s why:
They help unlock the maximum value from your property.
A good architect can save you money by preventing design errors.
Their experience with planning policy can speed up approvals.
“A well-designed space can add more value than it costs — both in liveability and resale.”
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Architect
Be clear about your budget and goals early on.
Ask for a detailed fee breakdown before signing a contract.
Get a written scope of services — so expectations are aligned.
Use RIBA-registered architects where possible for professionalism and accountability
🔗 Useful Resources:
Blog 3//Redefining Living: Contemporary Architecture in the South UK
The architectural landscape of the South UK is undergoing a quiet transformation. From coastal towns to countryside retreats and urban edges, clients are increasingly seeking homes that embrace modern living while connecting to the unique character of their setting. At ArchM, we specialise in creating contemporary architecture in South UK that blends innovation with a deep respect for place.
What Defines Contemporary Architecture Today?
Contemporary design is about more than clean lines and open spaces—it’s about designing for how people live now. In the South UK, that means homes that are light-filled, energy-efficient, and connected to the landscape.
Key elements of contemporary architecture in our work include:
Open-plan layouts that promote fluid, flexible living
Sustainable materials and systems, from timber cladding to heat pumps and green roofs
Large-format glazing to bring in natural light and frame views of the surrounding environment
Minimalist detailing with a strong focus on craftsmanship and material honesty
Smart spatial planning that adapts to modern family life
Whether in the rolling hills of Hampshire, along the Jurassic Coast, or within one of the South’s thriving market towns, contemporary design can elevate both lifestyle and property value when it’s tailored to context.
Designing Contemporary Homes Across the South UK
At ArchM, we take a site-specific, client-focused approach. Our contemporary projects throughout the South—from the New Forest and Lymington to coastal Dorset and beyond—are designed to be as functional as they are beautiful.
We design homes that:
Respond to local character without imitating the past
Maximise passive solar gain and natural ventilation
Minimise visual impact through sensitive form, materiality, and landscaping
Integrate seamlessly with nature, often using indoor-outdoor connections such as courtyards, terraces, and sliding glass walls
The ArchM Philosophy
Contemporary architecture, when done well, doesn’t feel trendy—it feels timeless. Our goal is to create architecture that looks effortless but is deeply considered, balancing modern aesthetics with performance, comfort, and durability.
Clients who come to us for contemporary architecture in South UK are often looking for something bold, but not brash. Elegant, but livable. Distinctive, but grounded. That’s exactly what we deliver.
Thinking about a contemporary project in the South UK?
We’d love to hear your ideas. Get in touch with ArchM to explore how contemporary architecture can transform your space and lifestyle.
#ContemporaryArchitecture #SouthUKDesign #ModernLiving #ArchM #ArchitectureSouthUK #SustainableDesign #ModernHomesUK
Blog 2 // Designing with Purpose: Exploring Architecture in Lymington
It all begins with an idea.
Nestled on the southern edge of the New Forest and facing the Solent, Lymington is a town defined by natural beauty, rich history, and a strong sense of place. As architects working in and around this coastal haven, we’re continually inspired by the unique blend of heritage and modern living that Lymington offers.
Architecture in Lymington: Where Heritage Meets Contemporary Living
Lymington’s architectural landscape is a compelling mix of Georgian elegance, Victorian character, and clean-lined contemporary homes. From historic harbourside cottages to bold new builds overlooking the water, the town offers an exciting canvas for thoughtful, context-sensitive design.
At ArchM, we believe the best architecture responds to both its surroundings and the lifestyle of those who live in it. In Lymington, this means designing spaces that balance coastal resilience with light-filled interiors, open-plan living with privacy, and tradition with innovation.
Designing for the Lymington Lifestyle
Lymington’s location presents both opportunities and challenges. The changing light over the Solent, the salty air, and the ever-present relationship with water shape how we approach material selection, layout, and detailing.
Whether it’s a new coastal home or a sensitive renovation in the town centre, we focus on:
Maximising natural views through smart orientation and glazing
Creating flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, ideal for both entertaining and relaxation
Respecting heritage while introducing modern interventions
Incorporating sustainability, from energy efficiency to locally sourced materials
The ArchM Approach in Lymington
Every project we take on in Lymington starts with a conversation—about your lifestyle, your goals, and how your home can reflect both. We bring local insight, creative thinking, and meticulous attention to detail to every design.
Whether you’re dreaming of a modern coastal retreat or updating a period property, our experience with Lymington architecture ensures a design that fits seamlessly into the setting while standing out for all the right reasons.
Thinking of building or renovating in Lymington?
We’d love to hear about your project. Contact us to start a conversation about what’s possible.
#LymingtonArchitecture #HampshireDesign #CoastalHomes #ArchitectureLymington #ArchM
Blog 1// Designing with Nature: Architecture in the New Forest
It all begins with an idea.
The New Forest is more than just a national park—it’s a place where architecture meets landscape in deeply meaningful ways. With its ancient woodlands, open heathlands, and charming villages, the New Forest offers a unique setting for homes that are both contemporary and timeless.
At ArchM, we believe great design grows from its surroundings. Working in the New Forest means embracing its natural beauty, respecting its heritage, and crafting spaces that feel like they’ve always belonged.
Architecture in the New Forest: A Balancing Act
Designing in the New Forest requires a thoughtful approach. Whether it’s a new build in a rural setting or a renovation in one of the area's picturesque towns, projects must balance modern needs with conservation guidelines and environmental sensitivity.
Key design considerations include:
Blending with the landscape using natural materials and low-impact design
Navigating planning regulations, particularly in conservation areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Creating energy-efficient homes that respond to the natural rhythms of light, views, and weather
Preserving local character while introducing modern living solutions
The ArchM Approach to New Forest Design
Every project begins with a deep understanding of the site—its topography, vegetation, access to light, and relationship to the surrounding environment. From there, we collaborate closely with clients to create homes that reflect their lifestyle, while honouring the distinct qualities of the New Forest.
Our designs often incorporate:
Open-plan interiors that connect with outdoor spaces
Timber, stone, and other locally sourced materials
Subtle detailing that nods to traditional forms while embracing modern functionality
Sustainable strategies such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and air-source heat pumps
A Legacy of Living Lightly
To design in the New Forest is to understand stewardship. We don’t just build homes—we shape environments that respect the past, enrich the present, and contribute to a sustainable future.
Whether you're looking to create a forest retreat, restore a period cottage, or design a contemporary country home, our experience in New Forest architecture ensures a result that’s both grounded and inspiring.
Have a project in the New Forest?
Let’s explore what’s possible—get in touch to start your architectural journey with ArchM.
#NewForestArchitecture #SustainableDesign #CountryHomes #ArchitectureNewForest #ArchMDesign #ForestLiving