An architect’s charges usually include all project related design costs such as:
• Architectural designs and specifications
• Building engineering designs including structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• The site civil design including building placement on the site, grading and drainage plans, utility plans, handicap accessibility plans, pavement, and landscaping.
• The costs of these designs vary dramatically depending upon the size of the building and the related engineering (particularly the civil designs) that must be completed. A total design charge of 8-15% of the project cost is fairly typical.