Unless you engage an architect frequently you may not be aware of all the tasks that we undertake or how our fees are calculated.
We are members of the Royal Institute of British Architects and follow their plan of work which sets out all the steps that may be involved in smaller projects. This covers everything from an initial appraisal to final inspections. It is important from the outset to agree the areas in which you want your architect to act. You can see the project steps here
The fees that you pay your architect will obviously be a matter of negotiation. We work to the RIBA guidelines which give a number of options for arriving at a clear and equitable fee which reflects the complexity of the project, the resources required and the contribution that the architect makes to your project. You can see the options here.
We do not normally charge for an initial appraisal which will determine the feasibility and scope of your project.