Architect’s fee calculator on the Council of Architecture scale
The Council of Architecture minimum for an individual house is 7.5% of the cost of works, so 50 lakh rupees of works is a 3.75 lakh fee.
Applies the COA minimum percentage for the project type to the cost of works and adds GST, so clients and architects start from the same number.
How it is worked out: fee = cost of works x COA percentage; payable = fee x 1.18 with GST
Figures reviewed 10 September 2026 by 256 Grays. Checked each quarter and after every Finance Act.
Questions people ask
What is the architect's fee for an individual house?
The Council of Architecture minimum is 7.5% of the cost of works for comprehensive services on an individual house. Interior architecture and landscape are also 7.5%.
Is the COA scale binding?
It is the prescribed minimum for registered architects. Fees are negotiable for works costing up to 14 lakh rupees, and stage-wise payment follows the COA conditions of engagement.
What are reimbursable expenses?
Travel, printing, models, statutory fees and site supervision staff, billed at actuals over and above the percentage fee. The COA conditions of engagement list them.
Common values
| Project type | COA minimum | Fee on 50 lakh of works |
|---|---|---|
| Individual house | 7.5% | 3,75,000 |
| Interior architecture | 7.5% | 3,75,000 |
| Conservation or alterations | 7.5% | 3,75,000 |
| Non-housing project | 5% | 2,50,000 |
| Housing, site up to 0.5 ha | 5% | 2,50,000 |
| Housing, site 0.5 to 2.5 ha | 3.5% | 1,75,000 |
| Site development | 2.5% | 1,25,000 |
| Urban design | 1% | 50,000 |
Built by 256 GRAYS, an interior architecture and 3D visualisation studio in Mumbai.