Understanding architecture fees for your Kenyan project
If you’re planning to build or renovate property in Nairobi, one of your first questions is likely: “How much will the architect cost?”
It’s a fair question. Yet the answer isn’t simple—because good architecture isn’t a commodity. It’s an investment that protects your larger construction budget, prevents costly mistakes, and delivers a building that truly works for you.
This guide breaks down exactly what architects in Nairobi charge in 2026, what influences those fees, and how to budget realistically for professional design services.
Quick Answer: What You’ll Typically Pay
| Project Type | Typical Fee Range | Average Cost (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Small residential (single house) | 8-12% of construction cost | KES 400,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Large residential (mansion) | 6-10% of construction cost | KES 1,500,000 – 4,000,000+ |
| Commercial (offices, retail) | 5-8% of construction cost | KES 2,000,000 – 10,000,000+ |
| Interior design only | KES 8,000 – 25,000 per sqm | Varies by scope |
| Feasibility study only | Fixed fee | KES 150,000 – 500,000 |
Note: These are estimates. Actual fees depend on project complexity, architect experience, and scope of services.
How Architects Structure Their Fees
Nairobi architects typically charge using one of four models:
1. Percentage of Construction Cost (Most Common)
The architect’s fee is calculated as a percentage of the final construction cost.
Typical ranges:
- Simple residential: 8-12%
- Complex residential: 10-15%
- Commercial projects: 5-10%
- Renovations: 12-15% (more complex than new builds)
Example: If your house costs KES 15 million to build, at 10% your architect’s fee would be KES 1.5 million.
Pros: Scales with project value; aligns architect’s incentive with your budget.
Cons: Final fee unknown until construction ends; can feel uncertain.
2. Fixed Fee (Lump Sum)
The architect quotes a single price for the entire scope of work.
Typical ranges:
- Small house (full service): KES 600,000 – 1,200,000
- Medium commercial (full service): KES 1,500,000 – 3,500,000
- Feasibility study only: KES 150,000 – 400,000
Pros: Certainty from day one; easy to budget.
Cons: May not account for unexpected complexity; architect may limit scope to protect profit.
3. Hourly or Daily Rate
The architect charges for time spent on your project.
Typical rates (2026):
- Graduate architect: KES 3,000 – 6,000 per hour
- Registered architect: KES 8,000 – 15,000 per hour
- Principal architect: KES 15,000 – 25,000 per hour
Best for: Small consultations, feasibility studies, or advisory roles.
4. Per Square Metre
The architect charges based on the floor area of your building.
Typical rates: KES 3,500 – 8,000 per square metre of built area.
Common for: Commercial projects with repetitive elements (apartment blocks, office floors).
What’s Included in a Full Architectural Service?
When you hire an architect for “full services,” here’s what you should expect:
| Phase | What They Deliver | % of Total Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Brief & Feasibility | Site analysis, client brief development, feasibility study, budget estimate | 10-15% |
| Stage 2: Concept Design | Initial sketches, mood boards, spatial diagrams, preliminary client approval | 15% |
| Stage 3: Detailed Design | Floor plans, elevations, sections, material selection, 3D visuals | 20% |
| Stage 4: Technical Drawings | Construction details, specifications, tender documentation | 25-30% |
| Stage 5: Tendering | Contractor selection, tender analysis, contract preparation | 5-10% |
| Stage 6: Construction Supervision | Site visits, progress monitoring, payment certificates, snagging | 15-20% |
Total Full Service: 100%
*Some architects offer “design-only” services stopping at Stage 4, typically at 70-80% of full fee.*
What Influences Architect Fees in Nairobi?
1. Project Complexity
A simple rectangular house costs less to design than a complex, multi-level building with curved walls, special finishes, or challenging site conditions.
2. Architect Experience & Reputation
BORAQS-registered architects with 10+ years experience command higher fees—and deliver better value through fewer mistakes and smoother processes.
3. Project Location
Nairobi sites with difficult topography, restricted access, or complex zoning require more design work.
4. Scope of Services
Full service including construction supervision costs more than design-only. Site visit frequency matters—weekly visits cost more than monthly.
5. Project Size
Very small projects may have higher percentage fees because the fixed overhead of design work doesn’t shrink proportionally.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the architect’s fee, budget for:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Structural engineer fees | 1-2% of construction cost |
| MEP engineer fees | 1-2% of construction cost |
| Quantity surveyor fees | 1-2.5% of construction cost |
| NCA registration fees | KES 15,000 – 50,000 |
| County permit fees | 1-2% of construction value |
| Geotechnical site investigation | KES 80,000 – 200,000 |
| Topographical survey | KES 50,000 – 150,000 |
Total consultant fees typically add 4-8% to your professional costs.
The Integrated Advantage: How AFRIK DESIGN & ENGINEERING Saves You Money
Traditional projects require you to hire separately:
- Architect
- Structural engineer
- MEP engineer
- Project manager
- Contractor
Each appointment means separate fees, separate contracts, and—critically—communication gaps that lead to costly site variations.
Our integrated model includes all disciplines in one team:
| Traditional Model | AFRIK DESIGN Model |
|---|---|
| Multiple consultant fees (7-12% total) | Single integrated fee (8-12% total) |
| Separate contracts | One contract, one team |
| Coordination by client | Coordination by us |
| Change orders from design conflicts | Resolved before site |
| Client manages the gaps | Client enjoys the result |
Result: You pay similar professional fees overall, but eliminate the hidden costs of delays, variations, and miscommunication.
Red Flags: When to Be Cautious
Be wary of architects quoting:
- Fees below 5% for full residential service (quality will suffer)
- Vague scope of services (get it in writing)
- No BORAQS registration (illegal and risky)
- Unwilling to provide references (ask for past clients)
Sample Budget: 4-Bedroom Home in Nairobi
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Construction budget (quality finishes) | KES 18,000,000 |
| Architect fee (10%) | KES 1,800,000 |
| Structural engineer (included in integrated fee) | Included |
| MEP engineer (included) | Included |
| Quantity surveyor (included) | Included |
| Geotechnical report | KES 120,000 |
| County permit fees | KES 270,000 |
| Total professional & regulatory costs | KES 2,190,000 |
Value delivered: A fully coordinated, properly detailed, professionally supervised home with no surprises.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- What exactly is included in your fee?
- How do you handle variations or changes?
- How many site visits are included?
- Who will do the actual design work (principal vs junior)?
- Can you provide recent client references?
- Are you registered with BORAQS?
- How do you coordinate with engineers?
Why Pay for Architecture?
Good architecture doesn’t cost—it pays.
| Without Architect | With Architect |
|---|---|
| Design by contractor (functional at best) | Thoughtful, tailored design |
| No coordinated drawings | Fully detailed construction docs |
| Variations and delays | Clear process, fewer surprises |
| Resale value compromised | Higher property value |
| You manage everything | One accountable partner |
The few percent you invest in professional design is the best insurance policy for your construction budget.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Every project is unique. The only way to know exactly what your architecture will cost is to have a conversation about your specific needs, site, and vision.
We offer initial consultations to understand your project and provide a detailed, transparent fee proposal.
AFRIK DESIGN & ENGINEERING
📞 +254 708 155 714 | +254 731 783 091
📧 info@afrikdesignengineering.com
📍 Limuru Rd, Peak Villa, Ruaka, Kenya