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Architecture Proposal Template

Architecture proposals are evaluated on technical depth and process clarity. Clients want to see your methodology phase by phase, with deliverables and approvals locked in. This template mirrors AIA/RIBA stage breakdowns so it works for any project size.

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What to include in your architecture proposal template

  • Pre-design (programming, site analysis, zoning)
  • Schematic design (15% ā€” concept, massing)
  • Design development (50% ā€” refined plans, materials)
  • Construction documents (100% ā€” fully detailed for permit)
  • Permitting and code coordination
  • Bidding and contractor coordination
  • Construction administration (RFIs, site visits)
  • Stamped/sealed deliverables and liability scope

How to price it

Architecture fees: lump-sum ($150-$500/sqm for residential) or 8-15% of construction cost. Smaller projects favor lump-sum. Commercial >$5M projects favor percentage. Always exclude consultant fees (structural, MEP).

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Vague schematic scope (clients keep changing direction)
  • No revision limits per phase
  • Including consultant fees in your fee
  • Underestimating construction administration hours
  • Missing E&O insurance disclosure

Sample template content

Here's an example of what a complete proposal looks like for this niche. Use it as a starting point ā€” you'll fill in your own details when you create one.

Scope of Work

Architectural design for [Project Type] at [Site]: ā€¢ Schematic design (4 weeks): site plan, floor plans, elevations, conceptual materials ā€¢ Design development (6 weeks): refined plans, sections, finish schedule, structural coord ā€¢ Construction documents (8 weeks): permit-ready drawings, specifications ā€¢ Permit support (responses to plan-review) ā€¢ Construction administration (8 site visits, RFI responses)

Sample Line Items

DescriptionQtyTotal
Schematic design1$8,000.00
Design development1$14,000.00
Construction documents1$22,000.00
Permit support1$4,500.00
Construction administration1$9,000.00
Total$57,500.00

Sample timeline: 18 weeks design + 12 weeks construction admin

Terms & Conditions

Lump-sum fee billed monthly based on % complete. Reimbursable expenses (printing, filing fees, travel >50 miles) at cost + 10%. Professional liability limited to fees paid for this project. E&O insurance maintained at $2M. Deliverables released upon final payment of design phase.

Frequently asked questions

ā–ø Lump-sum or percentage of construction?

Lump-sum for well-defined scope. Percentage (8-15%) for design-build or fluid budgets. Mix often works: lump-sum for design phases, hourly for construction admin.

ā–ø Should I include the structural engineer?

No. List sub-consultants separately as 'allowance' or 'pass-through'. Otherwise their increases eat your margin.

ā–ø How many revisions in schematic?

1 round per phase. After schematic approval, going back to change direction triggers a Change Order with new fee.

Ready to send a winning architecture proposal template?

Use this template to create and send your proposal in under 2 minutes. Free to start.

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