Fees
How we charge.
Clarity here makes the whole project easier. No hidden numbers, no vague retainers — and no interest in your project beyond the fee you pay us.
Whose side we're on.
How a studio is paid tells you whose side it's on. The only money we make on your project is the fee you pay us. No commissions from suppliers, no margin on your build, no markup hidden in a contractor's number.
That independence is the whole reason to appoint a representative: when we tell you a quote is high or a material isn't worth it, we have nothing to gain either way.
As a guide
15–20% of your project's value.
Budget 15–20% of your project's value for design, documentation and site supervision. The exact figure is set by the scale and complexity of the works — we quote one number, in writing, after an initial conversation.
Every figure is banded, exclusive of VAT, and valid for sixty days. We take on a small number of substantial projects at a time.
How it works
The fee structure
Our fees reflect the scope of the engagement — not a blanket rate applied before we know anything about your project.
01
Design & Documentation Fee
Covers concept through to issued drawings. Includes spatial planning, material selection, design intent documentation, and full drawing set. Quoted per project based on scope, complexity, and number of spaces.
02
Site Delivery Fee
Covers the construction supervision period — site visits, RFIs, shop drawing reviews, inspections, and quality control. Structured as a monthly retainer for the duration of the build programme.
03
Procurement Support
Where we assist with specification management, substitution decisions, and lead-time tracking, this is quoted separately. Not every project requires the same level of involvement.
04
Additional Services
Things like FF&E coordination, specialist consultant briefs, or extended handover support fall outside the core scope and are agreed in writing before proceeding.
Payment schedule
How payments are structured
We don't ask for everything upfront. Payments are tied to delivery milestones — so you pay as work is done, not as a leap of faith.
| Milestone | What triggers it | Typical % |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement | Signed letter of appointment. Work begins. | Retainer on signing |
| Concept Approval | Client sign-off on concept direction and spatial plan. | Stage completion |
| Design Development | Completion of material selections and coordinated design set. | Stage completion |
| Drawing Issue | Full tender/construction set issued. | Stage completion |
| Site Delivery | Monthly, throughout the construction period. | Monthly retainer |
| Handover | Snagging complete, close-out pack issued. | Final balance |
Scope changes
When scope changes, here's what happens
Scope change is normal. How it's handled is what matters.
What counts as a scope change
- Adding spaces or areas not in the original brief
- Significant design reversals after a stage is approved
- Programme extensions beyond the agreed build period
- New workstreams not contemplated at appointment
What we do when it happens
- We flag it in writing before absorbing the additional work
- A variation is agreed and signed before proceeding
- If a change is minor, we say so — not everything triggers a fee
- You will never receive a surprise invoice after the fact
Our commitment
Nothing added without your sign-off
Every variation is documented in writing and agreed before it's actioned. If you don't sign it, it doesn't happen.
What helps
Decisions made early cost less
Design changes are cheap on paper and expensive on site. The further into delivery a change happens, the wider its impact. We tell you this plainly before it becomes a problem.
The clearest way to understand your number.
The consultation — you leave with a written brief and an indicative cost band, whoever you build with.