How To Reduce Architectural Costs, And Why I'm An Expensive Architect

Cut your FEE, increase your COST.

Cutting your architect’s FEE to reduce project COST might seem logical—but it’s the most expensive mistake most developers and other property owners make. A lower fee feels like a savings, but the consequence is much higher total costs during the later design stage and during construction. In this article, I’ll show exactly what my slightly higher fee covers—and how that up-front investment results in a smoother process, better coordination, fewer change orders, and ultimately, a far lower total cost to build.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of how detailed architectural coordination can reduce total construction costs. By investing slightly more in professional services, you protect yourself from cost overruns, avoid costly rework, and reduce the friction that slows down builds and erodes profit.

I estimate that 95% of developers try to reduce project costs by cutting consultant fees. But this nearly always leads to incomplete coordination—not just within the architecture, but with structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems. When these aren’t aligned, the builder faces uncertainty on site and is forced to improvise. That means unexpected box-outs, expensive workarounds, redesigning layouts mid-build, and time-consuming approval delays. Every gap in coordination becomes a cost you didn’t budget for. Ironically, cutting consultant fees early tends to raise the final construction cost and extend the timeline.

If you’re a small-scale developer, your project budget is tight and your timeline is critical. Every delay, every change order, and every subtrade miscommunication eats into your margin. You need certainty, not just design flair. That’s what you get when the architectural work is done thoroughly and strategically from the start.

 

What I Do Differently

I Model What Matters

Many architects use 3D modeling primarily to establish massing and layout. I take it further—not to the level of fabrication drawings, but far enough that the 3D model helps confirm how the building will actually go together. It’s detailed enough to catch problems early and make sure we’re designing something that can be built efficiently—without surprises, delays, or rework later. It also helps ensure that any major changes don't trigger a costly re-approval process with the city.

I Model the Systems, Too

I model building systems early to make sure everything fits together properly—pipes don’t interfere with beams, ducts don’t block windows, and equipment fits in the space it’s supposed to. This prevents last-minute changes like unexpected bulkheads or walls that need to shift after framing has started. It also prevents time-consuming permit amendments if those changes would affect your building permit or trigger a development review.

I Stay Involved to Protect Your Investment

As an architect, I’m professionally required to remain involved during construction—not just as a courtesy, but as part of my licensed responsibility. I conduct regular site reviews to confirm that the work being built aligns with the approved documents and meets code. While I don’t manage the trades, I provide oversight that helps catch costly mistakes and reduce risk for the owner. Without this, multiplex and other small-scale housing developers are often left navigating technical conflicts on their own.

I Review Submittals Thoroughly

Some architects focus primarily on design intent in their submittal review—assuming the builder will manage the finer technical details. I take a more involved approach. Many tradespeople aren’t fully versed in product compatibility or code standards, and small oversights can lead to major issues like warranty conflicts or water damage. My detailed reviews catch these risks early—before they get built in.

On one project, a subtrade installed the wrong waterproofing product—different from what was specified—behind a block wall. The product was incompatible and would have led to mold within a few years. The error was caught in time only because someone was paying close attention.

Why Construction Costs Really Go Up

One of the biggest drivers of high construction cost isn’t material price or labour—it’s incomplete design. Developers often reduce consultant hours early to “get started” quickly, but that shortcut usually means design changes later, approval delays, and rework on-site. If the mechanical engineer isn’t brought in early, for example, duct routing might interfere with your layout or require revisions to the structure. Surprises of that kind can trigger rework, added fees, and permit delays. It’s not just the “main” consultants that matter—every discipline on your team needs to be engaged from the outset to ensure the project fits together seamlessly.  What looks like early savings ends up being the costliest decision of the project.

More Isn’t Always More

Maximizing your building’s potential—more square footage or more rentable space—only works if the design is fully coordinated. Without complete integration across disciplines, pushing the limits can backfire: triggering delays, hidden construction costs, and awkward compromises that hurt the finished product and its value. More space or more units often results in more headaches, not more profit.

My Fee Reflects the Work Required

I charge a fee that reflects the level of work required to do the job properly—not just to get a permit, but to deliver a buildable, resilient, coordinated design. Many consultants charge too little and are forced to cut corners to stay profitable. I encourage owners to ask what’s included for the price—not just how low the fee can go. With the right fee, I can spend the time needed to ensure quality, reduce risk, and protect your investment.

Imagine your project running smoothly—your builder has clear, coordinated drawings, subtrades stay on schedule, and construction progresses without delays or unexpected costs. Whether your goal is a family home or a profitable multiplex, the outcome is the same: a high-performing, resilient, and elegant building delivered on time and with less stress. You get full value for your investment—and a final product you’re proud of.

Now picture the alternative: construction starts with unclear drawings, and as trades begin their work, problems emerge. A duct won’t fit where it was supposed to. A window needs to move. The builder pauses work to call you—again—and you’re left choosing between costly redesigns or patchwork fixes. Each compromise chips away at your original vision and your profit margin. Weeks slip by. Costs mount. And by the end, you’ve spent more than you planned for a result that feels like a series of trade-offs. All because the wrong people were asked to do too little, too soon. With the right approach, your SSMUH project can get off the ground and deliver a terrific building.

Download my SAPPHR Strategy guide using the link below. Inside, you'll find the overview of the methodical procedure I use for projects.

>>>>> DOWNLOAD STRATEGY GUIDE <<<<<

If you feel ready to move ahead with a multiplex project and want to see this process at work, please contact me for a free 30-minute Diagnostic Session using the button below.

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DISCLAIMER:

The information included in this article is to an extent generic and intended for educational and informational purposes only; it does not constitute legal or professional advice. Thorough efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the article, but having read this article, you understand and agree that Daniel Clarke Architect Inc. disclaims any legal liability for actions that may arise from reliance on the information provided in this article. I am an architect in BC, but readers are recommended to consult with their own architect on their specific situations before making any decisions or exercising judgement base on information in the article.

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