How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Architect on the Isle of Wight?

If you’re planning a home extension, loft conversion, or even a new build, one of the first

questions you’ll probably ask is:

“How much does it cost to hire an Architect?”

The truth is, there isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all answer, but I’ll break down the typical costs,

what influences them, and how working with a local Architectural Practice (like us at Hollis

Design in Cowes) can actually save you money in the long run.

How do Architects/Designers Charge?

Typically, they charge in one of three ways:

1. Percentage of the project cost:

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) tells us this is usually 5%-12% of the

project costs, depending on the complexity.

Pro - It is simple for the Architect to price/bill.

Con - If the build cost goes up, so does the design cost.

.

2. Fixed Fee:

A fixed amount agreed upfront for specific services e.g. planning drawings, building

regulations. This how Hollis Design works, and we publish an average fixed fee for

the most common project on our website.

Pro - Homeowners can budget knowing a fixed cost

Cons - I can’t think of one…

3. Hourly Rate:

The amount an individual designer or practice charges will vary depending on their

experience and location. A local village draftsman may charge as little as £40/hr,

whereas a city based practice could be upwards of £300/hr. Typically for a an

experience professional practice a rate of £60 - £130 per hour is common.

Pro - You only pay for the time that gets dedicated to your project

Con - The meter is always running…

What About the Isle of Wight?

On the Isle of Wight, costs are often a little more competitive compared to larger cities like

London, but not a low as some northern towns. For example:

● Planning drawings for a small extension might start around £2,000 - £3,000.

● Full service (design through to completion) on a medium-sized extension could

range £4,500 - £8,000+, depending on complexity.

What Affects the Cost?

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for an Architect/Designer:

● Size and complexity of the project.

● Whether you need planning permission or just permitted development.

● Level of service - do you just need drawings, or full project management?

● Specialist requirements like eco-friendly design, listed building consent, or coastal

considerations.

Why Hiring a Professional is Worth It

While it’s tempting to see architectural fees as just another cost, a good designer can:

● Help you gain Council Consents (Planning Permission, Building Regulations) without

the setbacks.

● Spot design opportunities you might miss (better light, layout, storage).

● Save you money by avoiding costly mistakes during the build.

● Increase the long-term value of your property.

How Hollis Design Helps You Save Money

At Hollis Design, we understand that every project has a budget. Because Ben has

experience both as a contractor and as an architectural consultant, we know how design

decisions affect build costs in the real world.

That means we can:

● Recommend cost-effective design choices without compromising on style.

● Spot potential build issues early, saving you from unexpected expenses on site.

● Advise on materials and methods that balance durability, sustainability, and

affordability.

● Help keep projects on track so you avoid costly delays.

By combining design expertise with practical site knowledge, we make sure your money

goes further -not just during the build, but in the long-term value of your home.

Next Steps

If you’re planning a project on the Isle of Wight - whether it’s a loft conversion, extension, or

a brand new home - we’d be happy to give you a clear, no-obligation quote.

Learn more about our Architectural Design Services and how we can help bring your project

to life.