How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Architect in San Diego?

Written By Your Admin Co.
 
 
 
 

Table of Contents

  • Introduction: Why Architect Costs Matter

  • Average Cost to Hire an Architect in San Diego

  • How Architects in San Diego Charge for Their Services

    • Hourly Rates

    • Fixed Fees

    • Percentage of Construction Cost

  • Key Factors Influencing Architect Fees

  • What’s Included in Architectural Services?

    • Design and Planning

    • Construction Documents

    • Project Management and Coordination

  • Choosing the Right Architect for Your Project

  • Conclusion: Transparent, Tailored Design with LittleBig

 

Why Architect Costs Matter

Embarking on a construction project, whether you're designing a custom home, adding an ADU, or planning a remodel, requires thoughtful budgeting and clear expectations. One of the most important pieces of that puzzle is understanding the cost to hire an architect in San Diego.

Architectural fees vary widely based on experience, design complexity, and the scope of services. Because architectural services go far beyond sketching plans, knowing how architects charge and what their services include helps you plan confidently and avoid surprises.

At LittleBig Design, we believe architectural design should be transparent, accessible, and tailored to your vision, with clear communication, honest pricing, and collaboration from start to finish.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Architect in San Diego?

The cost to hire an architect in San Diego typically depends on project size, design complexity, and the level of service. Here are the most common price ranges:

Average Architect Costs in San Diego

 
 

  • Full-service residential architecture: 8% - 15% of total construction cost

  • Design-only services: 5% - 10% of construction cost

  • Hourly rates: $150 - $250 per hour

Cost of Custom Home Architecture in San Diego

For a custom home in the $800,000 - $2 Million construction cost range, homeowners usually spend between $80,000 - $180,000 on architectural services.

Costs are lower for:

  • Remodels and additions to existing homes

  • Projects that require simple structural and systems engineering

  • Scopes that require basic permitting and consultant coordination

Costs are higher for:

  • Coastal or hillside properties

  • Modern or highly customized homes

  • Lots in densely developed neighborhoods

  • Projects requiring additional engineering, permitting, or complex coordination

What Affects the Price?

Architect fees in San Diego vary based on:

  • Square footage and layout

  • Site conditions (flat, sloped, coastal, hillside)

  • Level of design detail

  • Required consultants and approvals

  • Scope of involvement (design-only vs. full-service)

How LittleBig Design Provides Accurate Estimates

We develop precise, project-specific pricing by reviewing your goals, site details, and required scope of work. This ensures estimates reflect actual project needs, whether you’re planning a modern home, ADU, or high-end remodel.

 

How Architects in San Diego Charge for Their Services

 
 

Architects may use different fee structures depending on the project and the client's needs. Here are a few of the most common ways architects charge for their services:

1. Hourly Rates

Hourly pricing works well for smaller, not yet defined projects or early-phase work like consultations and feasibility studies.
San Diego architects typically charge $150 - $250 per hour, depending on experience and specialization.

2. Fixed Fees

A fixed fee provides clear cost predictability.
Clients choose this option when they want a single, agreed-upon cost covering specific phases, such as:

  • Schematic Design

  • Design Development

  • Construction Documents

Fixed fees are especially common for remodels or projects with well-defined boundaries.

3. Percentage of Construction Cost

For larger or more intricate projects, architects may charge 8% - 15% of the total construction cost. This model is less common in residential design because the amount of work required doesn’t always align with the cost of construction. Residential projects tend to be highly customized and service-heavy, making the work-to-cost ratio inconsistent from one home to the next.

 

Key Factors Influencing Architect Fees

Several variables affect how much an architect charges in San Diego:

  • Project Size & Square Footage
    Larger homes require more drawings, more coordination, and more design time.

  • Design Complexity
    A modern home with custom details or a luxury build demands more detailed planning than a simple remodel.

  • Scope of Services
    Designs that include interior layouts, 3D modeling, or full project management naturally increase fees.

  • Site Conditions & Permits
    Coastal, hillside, or environmentally sensitive lots require additional engineering and documentation.

  • Experience & Reputation
    Higher-demand firms or architects with distinctive experience may charge premium rates.

Understanding these factors helps ensure that cost estimates align with your expectations and the unique requirements of your project.

 

What’s Included in Architectural Services?

Architectural work involves far more than producing drawings. At LittleBig Design, our services support every stage of planning and execution so your vision can become a reality, smoothly and efficiently.

Predesign

The predesign phase establishes the foundation for a successful customized project. During this phase, the architect works closely with the client to define goals, priorities, budget parameters, and lifestyle needs, while also evaluating site conditions, zoning constraints, and existing structures. This early analysis aligns expectations and identifies opportunities and constraints before design begins. Investing in predesign ensures the project is informed by the client’s routines and values, resulting in a more thoughtful, efficient design that genuinely supports how the client lives.

Design and Planning

This stage covers concept development, schematic drawings, early 3D visuals, and functional layouts that illustrate how your home will look and feel. A major advantage of working with LittleBig Design is that we partner with interior design firms to offer both architecture and interior design in-house. These disciplines are often separated across different firms, but combining them allows us to create spaces that are visually beautiful, holistic, and tailored to how you want to live. This integrated approach minimizes miscommunication, shortens timelines, and leads to a more seamless outcome.

Construction Documents

Construction documents are detailed, highly technical drawings that regulatory bodies require for permits and contractors rely on for construction. These documents often account for 30% - 40% of total architectural costs and include:

  • Drawings and documents to obtain regulatory permits.

  • Drawings and documents that give a General Contractor direction on how to build the design. 

  • Specifications, typically in narrative format, that describe to the builder the required quality level of work, and selected materials and products. 

LittleBig Design delivers a fully coordinated and highly detailed set of drawings and specifications that translate the approved design into a clear, buildable scope of work. We resolve technical, code, and constructability requirements to reduce ambiguity, support accurate pricing, and minimize changes during construction. The resulting documents streamline permitting and protect our client’s time, budget, and design intent.

Project Management and Coordination

Architectural projects involve many moving parts, builders, consultants, and multiple permitting agencies. When these pieces aren’t aligned, it can lead to delays, miscommunication, and expensive construction changes. Many homeowners choose to have their architect manage this coordination to keep the project running smoothly.

At LittleBig Design, we provide full-service project management that ensures every team member is working from the same vision. This includes communicating with structural, civil, and Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing engineers, reviewing contractor bids, tracking design submittals and timelines, and guiding you through San Diego’s permitting requirements.

For clients who want a fully managed experience, we act as your single point of contact from concept to construction. We oversee communication, anticipate issues before they become problems, and help maintain quality, budget alignment, and design integrity throughout the build. 

 

Choosing the Right Architect for Your Project

Selecting an architect is about more than comparing price points. You want someone whose communication style, design philosophy, and project approach align with your goals.

When researching San Diego architects, consider asking:

  • Do they offer both design and construction oversight?

  • Do they specialize in your type of project (residential, ADU, coastal, or modern design)?

  • Is their pricing structure clear and transparent?

  • Do they provide examples of work similar to yours?

  • What is their communication process and frequency? Can they provide references that attest to the effectiveness?

At LittleBig, we prioritize collaboration, clarity, and responsiveness, ensuring your project reflects your lifestyle, budget, and long-term vision. By choosing an architect who aligns with your goals, you set the stage for a smoother process and a result that truly matches your vision.

 

Transparent, Tailored Design with LittleBig

 
 

Understanding how much it costs to hire an architect in San Diego empowers you to plan your project with confidence. With a clear view of fee structures, service levels, and influencing factors, you can choose an architect who truly fits your needs.

At LittleBig Design, we deliver transparent pricing, innovative design solutions, and personalized support from concept to completion.

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Contact LittleBig Design today for a consultation and discover what’s possible when creativity meets precision in San Diego architecture.

 
Your Admin Co.