The full template
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Thank you for the opportunity to propose architectural services for your project. This proposal sets out our understanding of the project, the services we'll provide in each phase, our fees, and the terms of our engagement.
Project Understanding
[Client Name] plans to [describe the project, for example: renovate and add a 1,200 square foot second story to an existing single-family residence at the address above]. The project goals are:
- [Goal, for example: add two bedrooms and a bathroom]
- [Goal, for example: improve natural light in the main living spaces]
- [Goal, for example: stay within a construction budget of $X]
Our services are based on the program, site information, and budget you've shared with us. If the scope changes, we'll confirm any change in fees with you in writing before proceeding.
Scope of Services
We'll provide our services in five phases. Each phase ends with your review and approval before the next begins.
1. Schematic Design. We confirm the program, review zoning and site constraints, and develop two or three design options with floor plans and massing. We meet with you to choose a direction.
2. Design Development. We refine the chosen design, coordinate structural and MEP systems with consultants, and define materials, finishes, and major fixtures.
3. Construction Documents. We prepare the drawings and specifications needed for permitting, bidding, and construction.
4. Permitting and Bidding. We submit for permits and respond to plan check comments, and help you solicit and compare contractor bids.
5. Construction Administration. We answer contractor questions, review submittals, and visit the site at key milestones to check that work follows the design intent.
Fee options
Choose the scope that fits your project. Fees are fixed per phase and billed monthly by the percentage of each phase completed. Construction administration is billed hourly as used, up to the estimate shown.
| Schematic Design | $6,500.00 |
| Design Development | $9,500.00 |
| Construction Documents | $14,000.00 |
| Permitting and Bidding | $3,500.00 |
| Total | $33,500.00 |
| Schematic Design | $6,500.00 |
| Design Development | $9,500.00 |
| Construction Documents | $14,000.00 |
| Permitting and Bidding | $3,500.00 |
| Construction Administration (estimate) | |
|---|---|
| Site visits and contractor support (hours) (40) | $6,000.00 |
| Total | $39,500.00 |
Exclusions and Reimbursable Expenses
Unless added in writing, our fees do not include:
- Permit, plan check, and impact fees charged by the jurisdiction
- Surveys, geotechnical reports, and other specialist consultants you engage directly
- Structural or MEP engineering beyond coordination, unless listed above
- Interior design, furniture selection, or landscape design
- Changes to approved drawings requested after each phase is approved
Printing, delivery, and travel beyond 50 miles are billed at cost.
Additional Services
Work beyond this scope, including design changes after approval, is billed hourly at $150 for a principal architect and $110 for project staff, with your approval before we begin.
Schedule
We expect to complete schematic design within [4] weeks of your signed approval and deposit. Later phases are scheduled once the design direction is approved, and depend on timely decisions and permit review times.
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% of the selected fee is due on signing and credited to the final phase invoice. Invoices are due within 30 days.
Terms
- Ownership of documents. Drawings and specifications are instruments of our service. You may use them to construct this project once our fees are paid in full.
- Standard of care. We'll perform our services with the care and skill ordinarily used by architects practicing in this area.
- Termination. Either party may end this agreement with 14 days' written notice. You'll pay for services performed and expenses incurred to that date.
- Limitation of liability. Our liability for any claim related to this project is limited to the fees paid under this agreement, to the extent permitted by law.
Acceptance
By signing below, [Client Name] accepts this proposal and authorizes [Company Name] to begin work on the selected scope.
How to use this template in Clientary
- Edit it online. Change any section, add your own, and add a fee table with packages the client can choose from. No account needed.
- Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
- Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your proposal is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
- Send it to be signed. Your client reviews, chooses a package, and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.
Learn more about proposal software in Clientary.
