How Much Does an Architect Cost in France?

There is a common stereotype that hiring an architect is extremely expensive. Many people think, “If I can manage without an architect, why bother?” (For more on this, see our article: Do I Need to Hire an Architect to Build a Villa in France?).

At DN Architectes, we believe this is not true. In this article, we explain transparently how we calculate our fees and what factors influence the cost of hiring an architect in France.

Factors That Define an Architect’s Fees

Architect fees are not fixed—they depend on multiple factors.

Construction Cost

In France, architects’ fees are most often proportional to the total construction cost. Typically, the larger the project, the lower the percentage rate. This makes sense because a small house and a large luxury villa require similar attention in terms of design and planning, but the construction cost differs greatly.

For example, at DN Architectes, we give the same level of care to a 90-square-meter house as to an 800-square-meter villa. The smaller project may take almost the same time to design, but the construction cost is obviously lower. Therefore, the percentage of the architect’s fee is higher for smaller projects.

What if you don’t know the construction cost yet?

This is common. In such cases, the architect’s fees are based on the estimated construction cost and adjusted once the actual cost of works is known.

Typical range: As a rough guide, fees usually start around 10% of the construction cost, but

Project Complexity

The complexity of a project is another key factor in determining the architect’s fees. More complex projects require more time, coordination, and specialized expertise.

Examples of complex projects:

·       Construction in a heritage-protected area (e.g., city center, near a classified historical monument)

·       Location within a sensitive environmental zone

·       Projects requiring variances from the local urban plan

·       Projects involving advanced or uncommon engineering techniques

·       Renovation or extension of an existing building

Each of these situations makes the design and approval process longer and more involved, which is reflected in the architect’s fee.

Why an Architect Is a Smart Investment

Money spent on an architect is not wasted:

– You receive a project that fully reflects your needs, lifestyle, and long-term vision.

– You save money during construction, as the architect helps you select the contractor offering the best balance between quality and price (see our article Architect, Maître d’Œuvre, Interior Designer, Builder… Who Does What in France?).

Architect Cost in France: How Are Fees Calculated?

In general, for a full architectural service—including design phases and full construction supervision (DET), from initial concept through to project completion and handover—a fee of around 10% of the construction cost is considered a standard benchmark. Depending on the project’s complexity, scope, and specific requirements, fees may range from approximately 5% to 15% or more.

Exceptions: For very small or very large projects, we can agree on a lump-sum price to simplify the process.

No matter the size of your project or your budget, contact DN Architectes. We adapt our services to your needs and ensure you get the best possible value for your investment.

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