Architectural Design Services Proposal

Proposal

Architectural Design Services Proposal

Contract Date

October 17, 2026

Prepared By

Your Company

Presented To

Your Client

123 Street Name, Ste 987

Sampletown, XY 50001

Thank you for the opportunity to propose architectural services for your project. This proposal sets out our understanding of the project, the services we'll provide in each phase, our fees, and the terms of our engagement.

 

Project Understanding

Your Client plans to [describe the project, for example: renovate and add a 1,200 square foot second story to an existing single-family residence at the address above]. The project goals are:

  • [Goal, for example: add two bedrooms and a bathroom]
  • [Goal, for example: improve natural light in the main living spaces]
  • [Goal, for example: stay within a construction budget of $X]

 

Our services are based on the program, site information, and budget you've shared with us. If the scope changes, we'll confirm any change in fees with you in writing before proceeding.

Scope of Services

We'll provide our services in five phases. Each phase ends with your review and approval before the next begins.

 

1. Schematic Design. We confirm the program, review zoning and site constraints, and develop two or three design options with floor plans and massing. We meet with you to choose a direction.

 

2. Design Development. We refine the chosen design, coordinate structural and MEP systems with consultants, and define materials, finishes, and major fixtures.

 

3. Construction Documents. We prepare the drawings and specifications needed for permitting, bidding, and construction.

 

4. Permitting and Bidding. We submit for permits and respond to plan check comments, and help you solicit and compare contractor bids.

 

5. Construction Administration. We answer contractor questions, review submittals, and visit the site at key milestones to check that work follows the design intent.

Fee options

Choose the scope that fits your project. Fees are fixed per phase and billed monthly by the percentage of each phase completed. Construction administration is billed hourly as used, up to the estimate shown.

Design through permit

Phases 1 to 4

Description Units Unit Price Total Price

Schematic Design

1 $6,500.00 $6,500.00

Design Development

1 $9,500.00 $9,500.00

Construction Documents

1 $14,000.00 $14,000.00

Permitting and Bidding

1 $3,500.00 $3,500.00
Total USD $33,500.00

Full services

Phases 1 to 5

Description Units Unit Price Total Price

Schematic Design

1 $6,500.00 $6,500.00

Design Development

1 $9,500.00 $9,500.00

Construction Documents

1 $14,000.00 $14,000.00

Permitting and Bidding

1 $3,500.00 $3,500.00
Construction Administration (estimate)

Site visits and contractor support (hours)

40 $150.00 $6,000.00
Total USD $39,500.00

Exclusions and Reimbursable Expenses

Unless added in writing, our fees do not include:

  • Permit, plan check, and impact fees charged by the jurisdiction
  • Surveys, geotechnical reports, and other specialist consultants you engage directly
  • Structural or MEP engineering beyond coordination, unless listed above
  • Interior design, furniture selection, or landscape design
  • Changes to approved drawings requested after each phase is approved

 

Printing, delivery, and travel beyond 50 miles are billed at cost.

 

Additional Services

Work beyond this scope, including design changes after approval, is billed hourly at $150 for a principal architect and $110 for project staff, with your approval before we begin.

Schedule

We expect to complete schematic design within [4] weeks of your signed approval and deposit. Later phases are scheduled once the design direction is approved, and depend on timely decisions and permit review times.

 

Payment Terms

A deposit of 10% of the selected fee is due on signing and credited to the final phase invoice. Invoices are due within 30 days.

 

Terms

  • Ownership of documents. Drawings and specifications are instruments of our service. You may use them to construct this project once our fees are paid in full.
  • Standard of care. We'll perform our services with the care and skill ordinarily used by architects practicing in this area.
  • Termination. Either party may end this agreement with 14 days' written notice. You'll pay for services performed and expenses incurred to that date.
  • Limitation of liability. Our liability for any claim related to this project is limited to the fees paid under this agreement, to the extent permitted by law.

 

Acceptance

By signing below, Your Client accepts this proposal and authorizes Your Company to begin work on the selected scope.

Signatures

You
Your Company
You