Due to the complexity of design and construction, most projects are broken down into steps or Phases. Smaller projects may involve combining some phases and larger projects may require additional phases. Each phase, when complete, is approved by the Client before proceeding to the next phase. This step by step process insures strong communication and understanding of the elements in the design. Each phase also provides a chance for a "reality check" with all team members and a chance to compare the design with initial expectations and budget. The phases below are listed chronologically and include the portion of fee used in each.
(10-20% of the fee) Includes initial sketches, models, plans, etc.. to illustrate the client's needs transforming into a design concept.
(10-20% of the fee) Includes refined plans, sections elevations, materials research and the start of mechanical, electrical and structural systems.
(40-50% of the fee) Includes final dimensioned and noted plans, sections, elevations, details and specifications for bidding, permitting and construction. These documents become part of the construction contract.
(10-20% of the fee) Includes representing the Owner and insuring that the Construction Documents are being followed. This involves site visits to observe* and report on the Contractor's progress, submittal approvals, substitution requests, and Contractor payment request approvals.
* The Contractor is solely responsible for construction methods, techniques, schedules and procedures.
Each project is evaluated in terms of schedule, budget and scope of work to determine the most cost effective method of estimating a design fee. DMTA can provide a fee estimate based on a percentage of the budget for construction, a fixed fee, or work on a time and materials basis at our regular billing rates. For Tenant Improvements we can work on a cost per square footage basis. Our design fees typically include all our Sub-Consultant’s fees unless requested otherwise by the Client.
The American Institute of Architects has collected data on design fees which outlines a range of 10 -17 percent of construction cost as the industry standard. This depends highly on the complexity of the project and the scope of services involved. Complex projects such as remodels can be higher than the industry standard while simple projects can be lower. The following table is reprinted from the 1996 Means Construction Cost Index, page 452.
"Tabulated below are the typical percentage fees by projectg size, for good professional architectural service. Fees may vary from those listed depending upon degree of design difficulty and economic conditions in any particular area. Rates can be interpolated horizotally and vertically.
Various portions of the same project requiring differnet rates should be adjusted porportionately. For alterations, and 50% to the fee for the first $500,000 of project costs, and add 25% to the fee for project costs over $500,000. Architectual fees tabulated below include engineering fees."
|
|
(Expressed in Thousands of Dollars) |
| $100 |
$250 |
$500 |
$1,000 |
$5,000 |
$10,000 |
$50,000 |
| Factories, garages, warehouses and repetitive housing |
9.0% |
8.0% |
7.0% |
6.2% |
5.3% |
4.9% |
4.5% |
| Apartments, banks, schools, libraries, offices and municipal buildings |
11.2% |
10.8% |
8.5% |
7.3% |
6.4% |
6.0% |
5.6% |
| Churches, hospitals, homes, labratories, museums and research |
14.0% |
12.8% |
11.9% |
10.9% |
8.5% |
7.8% |
7.2% |
| Memorials, monumental work, and decorative funishings |
-- |
16.0% |
14.5% |
13.1% |
10.0% |
9.0% |
8.3% |
