Whether an architect charges for an initial consultation depends on the individual architect and the way they usually work. Some architects may offer a free initial consultation to potential clients as a way to introduce their services and explore the client’s needs and project goals on a broader level. Others may charge a fee for the first consultation, which could be an hourly rate or a flat fee.
Architects may charge for initial consultations because they consider this time to be part of their professional services. We might invest considerable time and resources providing advice, sharing ideas, and drawing up preliminary design sketches during this initial consultation. From our point of view, the initial consultation can also help us work out if clients are serious about working with us and are willing to invest time and resources on their project.
Before scheduling an initial consultation with your chosen architect, it’s a good idea to ask about their fee structure and any costs associated with the first meeting. This will help you to understand what to expect and to budget appropriately for your project, right from the very beginning.
