Architecture Proposal Template

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Prepared by Your Company Name

Professional Services Proposal

For Client Name

Created on October 27, 2025Valid for 30 days

Introduction

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this proposal for your architectural project. Our firm is committed to creating thoughtful, innovative designs that respond to your programmatic needs, site context, and aesthetic vision. We bring together technical expertise, creative design thinking, and collaborative process to deliver architecture that enhances how people live, work, and interact with their environment. This proposal outlines our understanding of the project, our design approach, project timeline, and fee structure. We look forward to the possibility of working together to bring your vision to life.

01

Services & Deliverables

Schematic Design Package

Initial design concepts, site analysis, program development, preliminary drawings, and 3D visualization to establish project direction

Design Development Package

Refinement of approved concept, coordination with engineers, material selections, and detailed drawings showing all building systems

Construction Documents

Complete construction drawings and specifications for permit submission and contractor bidding, including all architectural details

Permit Coordination Services

Management of permit submission process, plan review coordination, and response to building department comments

Construction Administration

Site visits, RFI responses, submittal review, and coordination with contractor during construction phase

Interior Design & FF&E

Interior space planning, finishes selection, custom millwork design, furniture specification, and procurement coordination

02

Project Timeline

1
Programming & Site Analysis
2-3 weeks

Client interviews, site investigation, code research, and program development to establish project requirements

2
Schematic Design
4-6 weeks

Conceptual design exploration, 3D modeling, client presentations, and refinement to approved concept direction

3
Design Development
6-8 weeks

Detailed design refinement, engineering coordination, material selection, and comprehensive documentation of all systems

4
Construction Documents
8-12 weeks

Complete construction drawings, specifications, details, and permit application preparation with all consultant coordination

5
Permitting & Bidding
4-8 weeks

Permit submission and review, contractor bidding assistance, and construction contract negotiation support

03

Investment

Schematic Design Package$15,000
Design Development Package$22,000
Construction Documents$35,000
Permit Coordination Services$8,000
Construction Administration$18,000
Interior Design & FF&E$12,000
Total Investment$110,000
04

Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms
  • • 50% deposit required to initiate the project
  • • Remaining balance due upon project completion
  • • All invoices are payable within 14 days of receipt
Project Timeline
  • • Timeline begins upon receipt of deposit and required materials
  • • Delays in providing feedback or materials may impact delivery dates
Intellectual Property
  • • Client retains ownership of all final deliverables upon full payment
  • • Service provider retains ownership of pre-existing materials and methodologies

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1. Understanding Architecture Proposal Fundamentals

Architecture proposals serve as the critical bridge between initial client consultation and project execution. A well-structured proposal demonstrates your design philosophy, technical expertise, and understanding of the client''s vision while establishing clear expectations for scope, timeline, and investment. For architecture firms, the proposal is often the first tangible representation of your approach to solving the client''s spatial and functional challenges.

2. Defining Project Scope and Design Parameters

Clearly articulating the project scope prevents misunderstandings and scope creep. Define what phases are included (schematic design, design development, construction documents, construction administration), specify deliverables for each phase, outline the number of design revisions included, and establish boundaries for site analysis, permit coordination, and consultant coordination. Include details about building type, square footage, site constraints, and any special requirements like sustainability certifications or historic preservation considerations.

3. Design Process and Methodology

Clients want to understand how you work. Outline your design process from initial programming and site analysis through conceptual design, design development, and construction documentation. Explain your collaborative approach, how you incorporate client feedback, your use of technology (BIM, 3D modeling, virtual reality), and how you coordinate with engineers, consultants, and contractors. This section demonstrates your professionalism and helps clients understand what to expect at each stage.

4. Team Composition and Qualifications

Introduce the key team members who will work on the project, including the principal architect, project architect, designers, and technical staff. Highlight relevant experience, licensure, certifications (LEED AP, NCARB), and similar projects completed. If you will be coordinating with structural, MEP, or civil engineers, introduce those consultants as well. Clients need confidence that your team has the expertise to execute their vision.

5. Timeline and Project Phasing

Provide a realistic timeline broken down by design phases. Include milestones for client presentations, submission deadlines for permits and approvals, consultant coordination points, and decision-making moments. Factor in review periods by planning departments, historic commissions, or other regulatory bodies. A detailed timeline helps clients plan their own schedules and budgets while demonstrating your understanding of the full project lifecycle.

6. Fee Structure and Payment Terms

Architectural fees can be structured as a percentage of construction cost, hourly rates, fixed fees, or a combination. Clearly explain your fee structure, what services are included in the base fee versus additional services, and payment schedule tied to project milestones. Include provisions for reimbursable expenses like travel, printing, or specialty consultants. Transparency in pricing builds trust and prevents disputes later.

7. Deliverables and Documentation

Specify exactly what the client will receive at each phase: presentation boards, 3D renderings, physical models, construction drawings, specifications, material selections, and digital files. Clarify the format, quantity, and ownership of these deliverables. Include information about how revisions are handled and what additional services might be needed during construction, such as responding to RFIs or reviewing submittals.

8. Code Compliance and Regulatory Coordination

Address how you will handle building codes, zoning requirements, accessibility standards, and other regulatory considerations. Explain your process for coordinating with building departments, obtaining permits, and addressing plan review comments. If the project involves historic properties, landmarks commissions, or environmental review, outline your experience and approach. This demonstrates your competency in navigating the regulatory landscape.

9. Sustainability and Performance Goals

Many clients today have sustainability objectives. Discuss your approach to energy efficiency, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable site development. If pursuing certifications like LEED, WELL, or Passive House, explain the process, additional documentation required, and impact on fees and timeline. Even without formal certification, outline how you integrate sustainable design principles into your work.

10. Contract Terms and Professional Standards

Reference the contract agreement that will govern the relationship, typically an AIA standard form or custom agreement. Address professional liability insurance, ownership of documents, termination provisions, and dispute resolution. Explain your adherence to professional standards and ethical obligations. This final section provides legal clarity and demonstrates your professionalism, giving clients confidence in entering into a formal agreement with your firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this proposal template

How much do architecture services typically cost?+
Architectural fees typically range from 8-15% of construction cost, depending on project complexity, size, and scope of services. For smaller projects or renovations, architects may charge hourly rates ($150-$300/hour) or fixed fees. A typical residential project might range from $15,000-$50,000 for design services, while commercial projects vary widely. Fees include schematic design, design development, construction documents, and often some level of construction administration.
What is included in a basic architecture proposal?+
A comprehensive architecture proposal includes project understanding and scope definition, design approach and methodology, team qualifications and relevant experience, detailed timeline with project phases, fee structure and payment terms, deliverables at each phase, assumptions and exclusions, contract terms, and sample work or portfolio examples. It should clearly articulate what is included in base services versus additional services that may incur extra fees.
How long does the architecture design process take?+
Timeline varies significantly by project type and complexity. A typical residential project might take 4-6 months from initial consultation to construction-ready documents, while commercial projects can take 6-12 months or longer. Schematic design typically takes 4-8 weeks, design development 6-10 weeks, and construction documents 8-16 weeks. Permitting adds another 4-12 weeks depending on jurisdiction. Complex projects with multiple consultants or regulatory approvals may take substantially longer.
What is the difference between schematic design and design development?+
Schematic design is the conceptual phase where architects explore design options, develop the overall approach, and create preliminary drawings and 3D models to communicate the design vision. Design development refines the approved concept with detailed dimensions, materials, structural and MEP systems coordination, and more comprehensive drawings. Schematic design is about the big idea; design development is about how it all works together technically.
Do I need an architect for a renovation project?+
While not always legally required, an architect adds significant value to renovations by assessing structural implications, navigating code requirements, optimizing space planning, coordinating with contractors and engineers, and ensuring the renovation integrates seamlessly with existing conditions. Many jurisdictions require architectural plans for permits when structural changes are involved. Even for smaller renovations, architects can prevent costly mistakes and create better design solutions.
What are reimbursable expenses in an architecture contract?+
Reimbursable expenses are costs incurred on behalf of the client that are billed separately from design fees. Common reimbursables include printing and reproduction costs, travel expenses for site visits, specialty consultants (like acoustic or lighting designers), 3D renderings or physical models beyond those included in base services, permit and application fees, and shipping or courier costs. These are typically billed at cost plus a small administrative markup (10-15%).
How does Growlio help with architecture proposals?+
Growlio streamlines your proposal process with professional templates tailored for architecture firms, customizable service packages for different project types, integrated project timelines and milestones, digital signature and approval workflow, proposal tracking and follow-up reminders, and client portal for document sharing. You can create polished, comprehensive proposals in minutes rather than hours, ensuring consistency while maintaining the flexibility to customize for each unique project.
What should be excluded from an architecture proposal?+
Clearly state what is not included in your scope: additional design revisions beyond specified number, consultant services not explicitly listed, specialty testing or analysis (like geotechnical studies), expediting services for accelerated review, construction management or owner representative services, interior design or FF&E unless specifically included, LEED or other certification coordination unless specified, and extensive 3D rendering or animations beyond included presentations. Clear exclusions prevent scope creep and fee disputes.
How do architects charge for construction administration?+
Construction administration (CA) can be charged as a percentage of construction cost (typically 3-5%), hourly rates for time spent, or a fixed monthly fee during construction. CA services typically include regular site visits, review of contractor submittals and shop drawings, responses to RFIs (requests for information), review of payment applications, and punch list inspection. Clearly define the frequency of site visits and level of involvement included in your CA fee.
Should I include a portfolio with my architecture proposal?+
Yes, including relevant portfolio examples strengthens your proposal significantly. Select 3-5 projects similar in type, scale, or style to the proposed project. For each example, include high-quality photographs, brief project description, your role and scope of services, challenges solved, and client outcomes. Digital proposals can include links to more extensive portfolio content. Relevant precedents demonstrate your capability and help clients visualize what you can create for them.