Architect stages for your commercial property project
Please note that these stages are for guidance only. To get a clear, stage-by-stage cost breakdown of your project, simply post your commercial property project and get up to 5 free quotes from specialists in your area.
Preparation, Brief & Feasibility
Defining your business goals and assessing project potential
Concept Design & Planning Strategy
Turning your vision into a compliant, design-led proposal
Technical Design & Compliance
Transforming design intent into a buildable, regulation-approved package
Procurement & Construction
Delivering your commercial space from contract to completion
Commercial Property Project – Roles & Responsibilities
(Architect • Structural Engineer • Builder)
A commercial project — whether it's an office, shop, restaurant, or mixed-use development — requires precise coordination between design, structure, and construction. Here's how your Architect, Structural Engineer, and Builder work together from the first idea to the completed building.
Preparation, Brief & Feasibility
Define the project's purpose, assess the site/building, and confirm feasibility from both design and structural perspectives.
Concept Design & Planning
Develop the chosen concept into a planning-ready design that expresses brand identity, efficiency, and compliance.
Technical Design & Tendering
Translate the design into a fully detailed, regulation-compliant construction package for pricing and approval.
Construction & Fit-Out
Build and deliver a compliant, high-quality commercial space ready for occupation or business use.
How They Work Together
Architect
Leads the design process, ensuring functionality, visual appeal, and compliance.
- •Manages planning, Building Regulations, and contract administration.
- •Oversees progress, quality, and communication between all parties.
Structural Engineer
Ensures the building's structure is safe, efficient, and fully compliant.
- •Provides calculations, structural drawings, and on-site support during construction.
- •Supports both architect and builder during site works.
Builder
Brings the design to life, coordinating all trades and maintaining quality.
- •Delivers the construction to specification, budget, and schedule.
- •Finalises and hands over the completed building to the client.
Together, they ensure your commercial property is well-designed, structurally sound, and built to perform — ready for business from day one.
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Architect step-by-step cost guide for your commercial property project
Please note: All figures provided are rough guides only. To receive a clear, stage-by-stage cost breakdown tailored to your project, simply post your project today and get up to 5 free quotes from local specialists.
Every commercial project is unique — whether you're creating a new office, retail unit, restaurant, or mixed-use space, your architect helps ensure it's functional, compliant, and cost-effective. Below is a simple guide to how fees typically work and what's included at each stage.
How Architects Usually Charge for Commercial Work
Commercial projects can vary widely in size and complexity, so fees are usually calculated in one of three ways:
- 1.Percentage of the total construction cost — typically 6–10% depending on project scale and service level.
- 2.Fixed fee per stage — agreed once the scope and budget are clear.
- 3.Hourly rate or day rate — used for smaller projects or feasibility-only studies.
Additional consultants such as structural engineers, mechanical & electrical (M&E) designers, and building control specialists are appointed separately.
Typical Stage Breakdown (Approximate Split of Architect's Fee)
| Stage | Description | % of Architect's Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Feasibility, Site Analysis & Brief Development | 10–15% |
| Stage 2 | Concept & Planning Design | 25–30% |
| Stage 3 | Technical Design & Tender Documentation | 35–40% |
| Stage 4 | Construction & Contract Administration | 15–20% |
Stage 1
Feasibility, Site Analysis & Brief Development
10–15%
Stage 2
Concept & Planning Design
25–30%
Stage 3
Technical Design & Tender Documentation
35–40%
Stage 4
Construction & Contract Administration
15–20%
Example of Fees (based on an 8% architect fee)
| Estimated Build Cost | Total Architect Fee (9%) | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £500,000 | £40,000 | £4,000 – £6,000 | £10,000 – £12,000 | £14,000 – £16,000 | £6,000 – £8,000 |
| £1,000,000 | £80,000 | £8,000 – £10,000 | £20,000 – £24,000 | £28,000 – £32,000 | £12,000 – £14,000 |
| £2,000,000 | £160,000 | £16,000 – £20,000 | £40,000 – £48,000 | £56,000 – £64,000 | £24,000 – £28,000 |
Build Cost: £500,000
Total Fee: £40,000
Stage 1: £4,000 – £6,000
Stage 2: £10,000 – £12,000
Stage 3: £14,000 – £16,000
Stage 4: £6,000 – £8,000
Build Cost: £1,000,000
Total Fee: £80,000
Stage 1: £8,000 – £10,000
Stage 2: £20,000 – £24,000
Stage 3: £28,000 – £32,000
Stage 4: £12,000 – £14,000
Build Cost: £2,000,000
Total Fee: £160,000
Stage 1: £16,000 – £20,000
Stage 2: £40,000 – £48,000
Stage 3: £56,000 – £64,000
Stage 4: £24,000 – £28,000
(Figures vary depending on complexity, services required, and site conditions.)
Feasibility, Site Analysis & Brief
Concept & Planning Design
Technical Design & Tender Documentation
Construction & Contract Administration
(Optional but highly recommended for commercial builds and fit-outs.)
Typical Additional Costs (Not Included in Architect's Fee)
| Item | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Measured / Topographic Survey | £1,000–£3,000 |
| Structural Engineer | £3,000–£8,000 |
| M&E Engineer (Mechanical & Electrical Design) | £2,500–£10,000 |
| Planning / Change of Use Application Fee | £500–£1,200 |
| Building Control Fees | £1,000–£3,000 |
| Fire Strategy Report | £600–£1,500 |
| Acoustic / Environmental Assessments | £1,000–£3,000 |
| Principal Designer (CDM 2015) | £500–£1,500 |
Measured / Topographic Survey
£1,000–£3,000
Structural Engineer
£3,000–£8,000
M&E Engineer (Mechanical & Electrical Design)
£2,500–£10,000
Planning / Change of Use Application Fee
£500–£1,200
Building Control Fees
£1,000–£3,000
Fire Strategy Report
£600–£1,500
Acoustic / Environmental Assessments
£1,000–£3,000
Principal Designer (CDM 2015)
£500–£1,500
How Payments Are Typically Structured
| Stage | Payment Timing |
|---|---|
| Appointment Deposit | On agreement of services |
| Stage 1 Invoice | After feasibility completion |
| Stage 2 Invoice | After planning submission or approval |
| Stage 3 Invoice | After issue of tender package |
| Stage 4 Invoice | Monthly or at construction milestones |
Appointment Deposit
On agreement of services
Stage 1 Invoice
After feasibility completion
Stage 2 Invoice
After planning submission or approval
Stage 3 Invoice
After issue of tender package
Stage 4 Invoice
Monthly or at construction milestones
Tips for Commercial Clients
- •Clarify your business needs early — number of staff, customer flow, or equipment requirements shape the design.
- •Allow time for statutory approvals — change of use and fire compliance can add weeks.
- •Invest in early feasibility studies — they prevent costly surprises later.
- •Use an architect-led tender process to ensure accurate and competitive quotes.
- •Maintain design oversight during construction — it safeguards quality and compliance.
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