How do architects charge in Pune? Taking our own case as an example here.

Percentage based: Our charges are typically based on a percentage model. Our architecture
fees will be 7% of the total project cost incurred by the client.This percentage is applied because
an architect is involved in all aspects of design right from planning, vastu, light, ventilation,
structure, byelaws,contractors, materials, costs, budgets, finishes, client requirements,
aesthetics, details, interiors etc.Hence a percentage based fee ensures that the involvement is
throughout just like any other profession like doctor, or lawyer.

For a client to budget for a project becomes difficult when his architect is yet to produce a
design and is talking of percentages. A thumbrule cost of construction, taking here for example:
Rs.2000 /sqft of proposed built up area.So lets say a 2000 sqft house is proposed, the project
cost will be 40,00,000/-
Architects fee at 7 percent will be 40,00,000 x .07= 2,80,000/-
50 to 60 percent of an architect's work responsibility is completed before actual work starts at
site. This is because the entire projects is envisaged, approved by clients, estimated, designed
for structure, drawings are given out for all stages and only when everything is thought about,
does work start on site. Once work at site kicks off, the architects role is to supervise and
ensure that all instructions are followed, bills are checked, and all problems at site are resolved.
So 60 percent of 2,80,000 is 2,80,000 x 0.6=1,68,000/- which should be paid to the architect
before start of work at site.

Lumpsum based: Often some clients have their own set of familiar construction teams, or they
themselves are in the realty business. At such times most of the work is done by them. Hence
architects are not called for supervision .Thus they seek only part involvement from the
architect. For such clients we often quote a lumpsum fee which includes only this first stage
described above.( 60 percent work) In such a case the architect does not take responsibility of
the site. The client has to ask the architect to carry out supervision visits and pay for them
separately. My personal experience is that such an involvement puts the architect on a
backfoot. Its like asking a doctor to give good medicine for 2 months, but to not be concerned
with the patient's future health.

Square foot based:There are some senior architects who have a fixed style of design and
hence know the materials that they would be using, and can project a precise cost of house. At
such times they quote a fee based on per square foot area of the built up. So lets say an
architect charges Rs.300/sqft, for a proposed built up of 2000 sqft, Architects fee will be
6,00,000/-