Architecture Fees by State: 2026 Comprehensive Report
Average Architect Hourly Rates by State
Our research team analyzed over 230 architectural firms across all 50 states to compile one of the most comprehensive datasets on architecture fees by state heading into 2026. This report aggregates data from construction cost indices, architectural fee disclosures, regional market studies, and state-level regulatory requirements to provide updated, real-world insights into architectural service pricing across the United States.
The data continues to show wide regional variation in architectural fees, with hourly rates ranging from $145–$210 in lower-cost states to $275–$425 in premium metropolitan markets. These differences are driven by construction cost escalation, regulatory complexity, labor availability, insurance requirements, and local economic conditions, all of which directly shape how architects price their services in 2026.
In this report you will find:
1. Average Architect Fees by State (2026)
The table below presents an updated state-by-state breakdown of architectural fees across the United States. California and New York continue to lead in pricing, reflecting increasing regulatory complexity, higher liability exposure, and premium construction markets. Overall, coastal states command 65–85% higher fees than Midwest and value-oriented Southern markets.
The percentage-of-construction-cost model remains the dominant fee structure, with typical ranges spanning 4–9% in value markets and 10–18% in premium states. Hourly billing remains more common for renovations, additions, feasibility studies, and limited-scope engagements.
| State | Avg Hourly Rate | % of Construction Cost | Avg Project Fee Range | Market Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $300–$400 | 10–18% | $25,000–$120,000 | Premium |
| New York | $275–$375 | 9–17% | $22,000–$110,000 | Premium |
| Massachusetts | $250–$325 | 8–16% | $20,000–$95,000 | High |
| Washington | $225–$300 | 8–15% | $18,000–$85,000 | High |
| Connecticut | $225–$300 | 8–15% | $18,000–$85,000 | High |
| New Jersey | $200–$275 | 8–14% | $16,000–$75,000 | High |
| Colorado | $200–$275 | 7–14% | $15,000–$70,000 | Medium-High |
| Illinois | $200–$250 | 7–13% | $14,000–$65,000 | Medium-High |
| Florida | $190–$240 | 7–13% | $13,000–$60,000 | Medium |
| Texas | $175–$225 | 6–12% | $12,000–$55,000 | Medium |
| North Carolina | $170–$220 | 6–12% | $11,000–$50,000 | Medium |
| Georgia | $165–$215 | 6–11% | $10,000–$48,000 | Medium |
| Virginia | $165–$210 | 6–11% | $10,000–$45,000 | Medium |
| Arizona | $160–$205 | 6–11% | $9,500–$42,000 | Medium |
| Tennessee | $155–$200 | 5–10% | $9,000–$40,000 | Standard |
| Ohio | $150–$195 | 5–10% | $8,500–$38,000 | Standard |
| Michigan | $150–$190 | 5–10% | $8,000–$35,000 | Standard |
| Indiana | $145–$185 | 5–9% | $7,500–$32,000 | Standard |
| Kentucky | $140–$180 | 5–9% | $7,000–$30,000 | Value |
| Alabama | $135–$175 | 4–9% | $6,500–$28,000 | Value |
Data reflects residential architectural services for custom homes ranging from 2,000–4,000 square feet. Commercial and institutional rates are typically 15–25% lower on an hourly basis but higher in total project value.
2.Construction Cost by Region 2026 (Impacting Architect Fee Calculations)
Regional construction costs continue to exert a multiplier effect on architectural fees, as most firms price services as a percentage of total project value. In 2026, construction costs in the Northeast and West Coast remain 110–160% higher than many Midwest markets, driving proportionally higher architectural fees even when percentage rates remain similar.
Construction costs include materials, labor, permitting, site preparation, and code compliance, with architect fees calculated at an 8–15% baseline.
| Region | State | Average Cost per Sq Ft | Typical Home Cost (2,500 sq ft) | Architect Fee Range | Economic Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | New York | $300–$400 | $750,000–$1,000,000 | $67,500–$170,000 | Unionized labor, strict zoning |
| Northeast | Massachusetts | $275–$350 | $687,500–$875,000 | $55,000–$140,000 | High density, complex regulations |
| Northeast | Connecticut | $250–$325 | $625,000–$812,500 | $50,000–$130,000 | Affluent markets, skilled labor |
| West Coast | California | $350–$450+ | $875,000–$1,125,000+ | $87,500–$202,500 | Seismic codes, high labor costs |
| West Coast | Washington | $275–$350 | $687,500–$875,000 | $55,000–$131,000 | Environmental regulations |
| West Coast | Oregon | $200–$275 | $500,000–$687,500 | $40,000–$103,000 | Green building requirements |
| South | Florida | $200–$275 | $500,000–$687,500 | $35,000–$89,000 | Hurricane codes, tourism impact |
| South | Texas | $175–$250 | $437,500–$625,000 | $26,000–$75,000 | Large labor pool, oil economy |
| South | North Carolina | $160–$220 | $400,000–$550,000 | $24,000–$66,000 | Growing tech sector |
| South | Georgia | $155–$210 | $387,500–$525,000 | $23,000–$63,000 | Business-friendly policies |
| Midwest | Illinois | $180–$240 | $450,000–$600,000 | $31,500–$72,000 | Chicago premium, rural discounts |
| Midwest | Ohio | $140–$190 | $350,000–$475,000 | $17,500–$47,500 | Affordable markets |
| Midwest | Michigan | $135–$185 | $337,500–$462,500 | $16,875–$46,250 | Manufacturing economy |
| Midwest | Indiana | $130–$175 | $325,000–$437,500 | $16,250–$39,375 | Value-oriented market |
3. Architectural Service Fee Structure by Project Type and State Tier (2026)
While percentage allocation across design phases remains consistent nationwide, absolute fee values continue to diverge significantly by market tier. Premium states command 150–200% higher fees for identical scopes compared to standard markets.
Specialized services such as 3D visualization, interiors, and sustainability consulting show even wider variation, reflecting client sophistication and willingness to invest in design quality.
| Service Type | Premium States (CA, NY, MA) |
High-Cost States (WA, CT, NJ) |
Medium States (TX, FL, CO) |
Standard States (OH, IN, TN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | $500–$1,000 | $400–$800 | $300–$600 | $200–$400 |
| Schematic Design | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee |
| Design Development | 15% of total fee | 15% of total fee | 15% of total fee | 15% of total fee |
| Construction Documents | 40% of total fee | 40% of total fee | 40% of total fee | 40% of total fee |
| Bidding Assistance | 5% of total fee | 5% of total fee | 5% of total fee | 5% of total fee |
| Construction Administration | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee |
| Custom Home (3,000 sq ft) | $45,000–$135,000 | $35,000–$105,000 | $25,000–$75,000 | $18,000–$54,000 |
| Home Addition | $15,000–$45,000 | $12,000–$35,000 | $8,000–$24,000 | $6,000–$18,000 |
| Kitchen Remodel | $8,000–$20,000 | $6,000–$15,000 | $4,000–$10,000 | $3,000–$7,500 |
| 3D Renderings | $800–$1,500 per image | $600–$1,200 per image | $400–$800 per image | $300–$600 per image |
| Interior Design Services | $150–$300 per hour | $125–$250 per hour | $100–$200 per hour | $75–$150 per hour |
Boutique and award-winning firms typically charge a 15–30% premium over regional averages.
4. Regional Market Analysis and Trends
Premium markets continue to reflect high demand, regulatory friction, and design-savvy clients, while medium-tier states like Texas, Florida, and Colorado offer balanced fee environments with strong growth potential.
Value-oriented Midwest and Southern markets remain attractive for cost-conscious clients, delivering high service depth at competitive price points, particularly for residential and light commercial work.
5. Cost Optimization Strategies
In high-cost states, clients often achieve better value by bundling services under a single contract rather than hourly billing. In medium-tier markets, phased engagement models allow flexibility while maintaining design quality.
For multi-state projects, working with firms experienced in regional code differences and construction economics can materially reduce total project cost while preserving compliance and design integrity.
Request Your Custom Architecture Fee Analysis
Understanding architectural fees in your specific state and market is critical for accurate budgeting and project success. Our team evaluates regional cost drivers, regulatory environments, and market positioning to deliver tailored architectural fee insights.
If you’d like to request a PDF copy of this report or learn more about optimizing your architecture and construction marketing strategy, you can reach out here.
Further Reading
If you are interested in reading further on this topic, we recommend the following articles:
Sources
Architectural Fees Database, "Architect Hourly Fee Rates," Accessed October 2025
