Multi-stage fees for small architecture practices

Where architects differ

A residential architecture fee is often framed as stages such as concept design, schematic design, design development and contract documentation, sometimes followed by contract administration. Each stage may involve a different mix of engineers, landscape designers, energy assessors and planners.

Architects are registered under state and territory architects legislation (for example the Architects Act 2004 in Western Australia and the ACT). In NSW, class 2 apartment work also involves registered design practitioners; see New South Wales.

How the schedule is planned to work

• Percentage or fixed stages. Set stages as fixed amounts or as a share of your total fee.
• Consultants per stage. Attach each consultant to the stage where their work is delivered, so the client sees why each payment is the size it is.
• Variations. Extra design rounds or scope changes become client-approved variations on the stage they affect (planned).

Workflow example: an alterations and additions job

Is it right for a larger practice?

Probably not yet. The pilot is aimed at small residential practices. Everything described here is planned or in development: DrafterShare is pre-launch, and payments will run through a regulated payments provider once live. You can try the workflow now in the live demo with sample data.