David:
Fixed fee vs fee based on percentage of building cost estimate?
My experience suggests that architects are generally expected to provide a fixed fee…or when a fee is based on cost estimates, architects tend not to claim a fee adjustment when building costs are accurately established – or have increased significantly due to scope “creep”.

Linda:
How to check current residential design fees in Los Angeles/Orange County?

Ben:
We recently submitted proposals for a mid-rise apartment building and learned that we were the most expensive of the four, even more expensive than the large corporation from the City two hours away. Two years ago we designed a similar project and the same fee was in the middle of the pack and we were selected. The effort for us to do a quality job has not changed, how do we remain price competitive without compromising our work?

Robert:
I do 99% residential projects.

I have been using a proposal and splitting my options into 3 service options and sometimes 4 options depending on the project.

Option A will be basic service for Programming, Schematic Design, Design Development, & Construction Drawings. (includes permitting with-in city limits, not required outside of)

Option B will include above plus Studies that include: Solar Impact Study, Internal Solar Study, Ventilation Study, Thermal Comfort Study, & Energy Study

Option C includes B plus Bidding, Construction Admin, Post Construction.

I also list under expenses additional Services that include the following:
Color Illustrations
3D Color Rendering
1/8” Model Construction
3D Fly-Around
3D Walk-Through
Is this the best way to approach residential projects?

Richard:
Do you find that proposals are more successful if they are issued in smaller scopes or comprehensive?

Elliott:
Percentage fees are based on the premise that higher cost projects are more complex, i.e., require more time and fee. What if part way thru project we switch from gold faucets to chrome after bids came in. There is cost required to make change, but now fee would drop. Thus, I agree with fixed fee as you advise.

Alora:
Isn’t outsourcing staff also a race to the bottom? Intern architects and technologists need office experience.

Dean:
Our work is predominantly residential. We provide 3 options for initial design phase (feasibility / sketch design) Following this, we then provide our clients with probable total project budget based on the sketch design option they select.

Charles:
What is a proper finder’s fee? Say you sign a client through a business colleague that refers you.