Freelance Architecture Rates in India

Architecture is a profession that includes the design, planning, and construction of several structures and buildings. This field is like a broad umbrella that covers several options, like planners, designers, consultants, and engineers, all running from micro to macro levels.

If we look back down the historical lane, we can witness how architecture has played a significant role in identifying the style of a particular era. Back in that time, architecture focused more on huge structures and buildings like palaces, worship temples, churches, masjids, and so on. 

In the 20th century, architecture has also evolved with the sands of time. If we notice clearly, architecture focuses on every realm, say residences, offices, stadiums, commercial spaces, planning, conservation, and many more. This has provided several options for individuals after completing their bachelor’s in architecture. One of these roles is that of a freelance architect. With blooming urbanization and a need to design spaces in a given land or area, freelance architects came into view. The individuals practicing freelance work take on the construction and planning of several places. 

Skills Required

Thus, in freelancing, the skills required for an individual are:

1. DESIGNING:  The foremost skill required to become a freelance architect is to be able to design spaces. An architect should know how to design spaces in a building or any other structure. One should have a clear idea about the whole process of solving a design problem and reaching a specific goal by following a workflow. 

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   DRAWING: Being an architect, one should have well-acquired drawing skills, either manual or non-manual. One should also be well-skilled in working with software like AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and many more as per requirements. Living in the 20th century, where technology plays quite an important part, an architect should not be dependent on software for drawings. One should also have hand-drafting tools to provide hand-drafted sheets if required. 

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   MODEL MAKING: Model-making is one of the most important elements of any design process. This process lets the client practically analyze the spaces and zones as planned by the architect. Clients can add their input and gain a practical understanding of the spaces through the models. Nowadays, computerized model making is in motion, but if we look clearly, manual or physical models pose a much better option than computerized ones.

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   COMMUNICATION: The architecture field is also about communication, whether with clients or contractors, workers or consultants, and many more. One should be well-equipped with good communication skills. One should have an idea of how to converse with different people, from professionals to labourers. Good communication in the field is an essential key to success, as one will be dealing with so many clients throughout the process. 

Rates in India

Architects in India charge differently as per the size of the project, and the input provided by them individually. The major services provided by the architects are: PLanning the site as pe the laws, Drafting floor plans according to the norms, Cutting sections of the building to provided a better understanding of the materials and spaces, Providing aesthetic and attractive elevations, Drafting the working drawing of the project including electrical plan, plumbing pla, and so on. Also the architects keep in check to keep regular inspection of the project in process. There are various ways in which the architects charge in India, either flat fees, or a percentage cost. In smaller towns and cities in India the architects usually charge  a fixed fee for example for:

1. Simple floor plan rate – Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000 per floor
2. Elevation design rates – Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000 per floor
3. Working drawing rates – Rs. 8000 to Rs 9000 per floor
4. Electrical/Plumbing drawing rates – Rs. 6000 to Rs.7500 per floor
5. Site visit and supervision – Rs 1500 to Rs. 2000 per visit

When architects talk about charging percentage of the project cost, it can vary between 4% – 6% of the total project cost. But in some cases, the architects also charge, 8% – 10% of the construction cost. 

Negotiation

So, with this skill set, an individual will be ready to set foot in freelance architecture. But is this enough? Is there anything else one might require to be in this rigorous field? The answer is yes. One can easily step into this field, but the process afterward is not smooth. especially when it comes to dealing with the client. When dealing with the client, the foremost hurdle is negotiation and bringing the client to one’s terms. But how will this be done? The answer might lie in the following points.

1. PREPARE BEFOREHAND: The very first step in any freelance business is to prepare oneself thoroughly before interacting with the client or the other concerned beneficiaries. One should set their goals crystal clear concerning the given project. Also, the views and ideas of the architect to reach the specified goal should be justified and in consideration of the requirements as put forward by the client. Also, one needs to set their rates either for the clients or for the other consultants. Setting a constant rate, one will feel confident about their work. One should also look for the issues that arose in past projects and not let those issues affect the current project.
2. USE EVIDENCES: Sometimes during the client meetings, if the parties do not seem to arrive at a common ground, one must be ready to present evidence. For instance, while going through the material selection, if a client is not willing to accept a given solution, one can present certain past shreds of evidence or a practical example justifying their reason to choose the particular process. These types of indifferences, if not solved, can lead to the failure of a certain project. Thus, as an architect, one must be equipped with the required shreds of evidence. 
3. KEEP EVERYTHING IN WRITING:  When in a meeting, as an architect, one should keep everything in written format to keep one’s ideas clear and transparent to the client. In all the meetings, one should keep a record of every suggestion and correction made by the client. Also, before the initiation of any project, an architect should send a freelance contract to the client, which should comprise the following points:
4. The contract should include an introduction to the project, site details, and the analysis done to assist in the process.
5. The workflow followed from the initiation of a project to its end.
6. The scope of the project should be stated clearly by the architect in the contract. 
7. There should be a clear description of the payment and other funds in the contract.
8. The work should be original and should have a copyright issued to assist to prove the originality of the work. 
9. The termination of the project and its terms should be specified in the contract.

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   TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME: When negotiating with the client one should keep in mind to move forward one step at a time. One should not just jump to conclusions without discussing the whole process. Go through the prepared list one-by-one and be ready with alternatives too to have a stronghold at a negotiation. 

Conclusion

Freelance architecture can be a slow process, yet when one learns to follow a particular workflow and has good negotiation skills with clients, one can experience success in this field. Nowadays, many freelance architects are blooming all across the world, which simultaneously increases the competition among them. Thus, one should try their best to outshine others and come up with a unique and different approach. 

References:

1. Indeed Editorial Team (9 July 2022) Indeed, Available at: https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/architecture-scope (Accessed: 20 July, 2023)
2. My story (11 July, 2022) Yourstory, Available at: https://yourstory.com/mystory/essential-skills-needed-architect (Accessed: 20 july, 2023)
3. Megan Tylor (11 December, 2022) Hellobonsai, Available at: https://www.hellobonsai.com/blog/how-to-negotiate-a-contract (Accessed: 21 July, 2023)
4. Shreyoshi Dhali (16 March, 2023) The archspace, Available at:

https://architizer.com/blog/practice/details/young-architect-guide-negotiating-tips/ (Accessed: 21 July, 2023)

1. Editorial Team (19 June, 2021) House Yog, Available at: https://www.houseyog.com/blog/architect-fees-charges-for-house-designing-in-india/ (Accessed: 22 July, 2023)