HOW MUCH DOES A PROJECT COST?

Cost vs Value

Typically, project costs can be divided into three categories:

A) Professional fees and pre-construction costs
B) Construction costs
C) Lifetime costs

Most budgets focus only on A and B, but as a contemporary architecture studio specialising in bespoke projects, we believe the real value lies in lifetime costs and long-term benefits.

Some of these costs are measurable—for example, we can design a home with exceptionally low energy consumption or specify durable, low-maintenance materials. However, many are intangible, such as enjoyment, wellbeing, comfort, or health, which are difficult to quantify but central to the value of a home.

Our clients are typically looking to build a home for the long term and understand these values. A unique, one-off design with bespoke detailing may cost more to design and construct than standard online estimates suggest, but this investment pays back over time through comfort, enjoyment, aesthetic quality, and reduced running costs. This is where we create value and justify our fees.

Construction Cost

All projects are site-specific, meaning each is unique. Construction costs vary depending on site access, topography, existing structures, and availability of services. For example, costs for a new build on a clear site are not directly comparable to a conversion of a listed building on a challenging site.

Costs also vary depending on the specification of finishes and fixed fittings, but high-quality architecture doesn’t necessarily require expensive materials. We have experience managing budgets across a range of projects and can balance quality with cost constraints.

As of autumn 2025, construction costs on KHA projects typically start at:

• £3,000–4,000/m² for conversions

• £4,000–5,000/m² for new builds

These figures exclude VAT, professional fees, and surveys. They generally cover a fully finished home, including contemporary glazing, kitchens, bathrooms, environmentally efficient heating and ventilation systems, and basic landscaping or making good post-construction. Detailed landscaping, planting, fixed furnishings, or soft interior design are usually additional.

From the outset, we insist on a cost exercise during the concept design stage. Working with cost consultants or contractors, we align the concept design with a budget estimate, forming the basis for the RIBA Stage 2 Project Brief Report. This report sets the project parameters, establishes expectations early, and provides a framework for subsequent design stages.