Quick price summary: Architects in Singapore (2026)
- Low end: SGD 8,000 – SGD 20,000 (small residential projects, basic scope)
- Mid-range: SGD 20,000 – SGD 80,000 (landed house design, full documentation)
- High end / enterprise: SGD 80,000 – SGD 300,000+ (large landed homes, commercial or complex projects)
Prices in SGD. Last updated 2026.
Hiring an architect in Singapore covers a broad range of services: schematic design, construction drawings, authority submissions to URA, BCA and SCDF, contract administration, and project management through to completion. For landed house owners in particular, an architect is not optional — the law requires a Registered Architect to endorse plans before the Building and Construction Authority will grant approval. That legal requirement alone shapes how fees are structured across the industry.
Costs vary widely because no two projects share the same scope, site constraints, or regulatory complexity. A simple single-storey extension in a standard residential zone sits at a very different price point from a multi-storey landed house with basement construction, structural engineering coordination, and fire safety submissions. Experience, firm size, the fee model used, and the level of design ambition all pull the final number in different directions.
What Do Architects Cost in Singapore?
Most architectural firms in Singapore charge either a percentage of the construction cost or a lump sum fixed fee. Percentage-based fees typically fall between 5% and 12% of the construction cost for residential landed projects. On a landed house with a construction cost of SGD 600,000, that translates to a fee range of SGD 30,000 to SGD 72,000 for full architectural services. Lump sum fees are more common for straightforward projects or where the scope is clearly defined from the outset, and these can start from around SGD 8,000 for basic extension or renovation submissions.
For larger or more complex projects — including good class bungalows, properties with heritage overlays, or commercial structures — fees above SGD 150,000 are not unusual. Some high-reputation firms with strong design track records charge at the upper end of the percentage scale and will not take on projects below a minimum fee threshold, often set at SGD 50,000 or more. It is worth noting that the architect’s fee generally does not include structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, or quantity surveying, which are separate professional costs.
Price Breakdown by Service Level
| Service Level | What You Get | Typical Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Schematic drawings, authority submission only (BCA/URA), no site supervision | SGD 8,000 – SGD 18,000 | Small additions, single-room extensions, minor works requiring regulatory sign-off |
| Standard | Full design documentation, authority submissions, basic contract administration, site visits | SGD 20,000 – SGD 55,000 | Landed house A&A works, terrace or semi-detached home renovations with structural changes |
| Premium | Complete design service, detailed construction drawings, full authority submissions including SCDF, regular site supervision, material specification | SGD 55,000 – SGD 130,000 | New landed house construction (terrace, semi-D, detached), bungalow rebuilds, design-focused homes |
| Enterprise / Custom | Full professional team, design development, all authority approvals, project management, specialist consultants coordinated, interior design integration | SGD 130,000 – SGD 300,000+ | Good class bungalows, large commercial projects, complex mixed-use developments, heritage properties |
What Affects the Cost of Architects in Singapore?
Project scope and construction cost
Where a percentage fee model applies, the construction cost is the base figure. A landed house costing SGD 400,000 to build will generate a lower architectural fee than one costing SGD 900,000, even if the design effort is comparable. Larger floor areas, additional storeys, basements, and high-end finishes all increase the construction cost and, by extension, a percentage-based fee.
Type of project and regulatory complexity
Landed houses in Singapore sit within a web of planning controls. Properties in designated conservation areas, those near watercourses, or sites requiring SCDF fire safety submissions add layers of professional work. A straightforward terrace house in a standard residential zone involves far less regulatory navigation than a bungalow in a Good Class Bungalow Area or a property subject to specific URA height controls.
Firm size and reputation
A sole practitioner or small firm will typically charge less than a mid-size or large practice. Experience and reputation command a premium because they reduce risk: an architect who has handled dozens of similar projects is less likely to encounter costly surprises with BCA or URA submissions. Award-winning or widely published firms often set higher minimum fees and are selective about the projects they take on.
Fee structure: percentage versus lump sum
A percentage fee aligns the architect’s compensation with the scale of the project, which works well for larger builds. A lump sum fee gives homeowners cost certainty but may include scope exclusions that lead to additional charges if the brief expands. It is worth asking any firm to clarify exactly what is and is not included in their quoted fee before signing an appointment letter.
Level of service included
Some firms quote only for design and authority submissions, leaving contract administration and site supervision as separate line items. Others bundle everything. Supervision during construction is time-intensive and adds meaningfully to the total fee, but it reduces the risk of contractors deviating from the approved drawings. Homeowners who opt out of supervision to save money sometimes find that the savings are outweighed by construction errors that require rectification.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
- Prepare a clear project brief before approaching firms. Include the site address, current plot size, existing built area, number of proposed storeys, indicative budget, and timeline. Architects cannot price a project accurately from a vague description.
- Request an itemised fee proposal, not just a total number. Ask specifically whether authority submission fees, structural engineering coordination, site supervision, and as-built drawings are included.
- Approach at least three firms at different price points. A sole practitioner, a mid-size residential firm, and a design-focused studio will each give you different perspectives on scope and cost.
- Ask each firm to confirm their experience with your specific project type. An architect who has completed multiple BCA and URA submissions for similar landed house projects will process approvals more efficiently than one doing it for the first time.
- Clarify what triggers additional fees. Scope changes, additional consultations requested by authorities, or design revisions beyond an agreed number of rounds are common sources of cost variation. Get these terms in writing before proceeding.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- A quote with no itemised breakdown. If a firm cannot explain what is included in their fee, assume important services are excluded.
- Fees significantly below SGD 8,000 for a project requiring full BCA submission and construction drawings. Below this level, the work is either incomplete or the person quoting is not a Registered Architect, which creates legal and compliance risks.
- No mention of authority submissions. Every landed house project in Singapore requires URA and BCA approval. An architect who does not raise this in their initial consultation may lack the experience needed for your project.
- Verbal-only agreements. Architectural services should always be covered by a written appointment letter specifying scope, fee, payment schedule, and conditions for additional charges.
- Promises of unusually fast approval timelines. BCA, URA, and SCDF have their own processing times and requisition processes. No architect can guarantee approval by a specific date, and anyone who does so is either misinformed or misrepresenting their service.
- No clarity on who will actually work on your project. Some firms win work on the strength of a senior partner’s reputation, then hand the project to junior staff with limited experience. Ask directly who will be your day-to-day contact and who will sign off on submission documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do architects cost in Singapore on average?
For a standard landed house project in Singapore, total architectural fees typically fall between SGD 30,000 and SGD 80,000, depending on the construction cost, scope of services, and the firm engaged. Smaller projects such as additions and alterations (A&A works) can come in below SGD 20,000, while large custom homes or commercial projects regularly exceed SGD 100,000.
Why are some architects prices so much cheaper?
Lower fees usually reflect a reduced scope of service, less experienced practitioners, or firms that price competitively to build their portfolio. In some cases, very low quotes cover only drawing production and authority submission, with no site supervision, contract administration, or professional indemnity cover included. It is worth checking that anyone you engage holds a valid Registered Architect licence with the Board of Architects Singapore, as this is a legal requirement for signing off on building plans.
Is it worth paying more for architects in Singapore?
For a project as significant as a landed home — which represents one of the largest financial investments most Singaporean homeowners will make — the difference between a SGD 40,000 fee and a SGD 70,000 fee is small relative to the total construction cost. A more experienced architect is likely to produce construction drawings that reduce on-site errors, manage authority submissions with fewer rounds of requisitions, and identify compliance issues before they become expensive problems. The additional fee often pays for itself before construction is complete.
Architectural fees in Singapore are a relatively small proportion of the total investment in a landed property project, but the quality of the service affects everything from regulatory approval timelines to the buildability of the final design. Getting multiple quotes, checking credentials with the Board of Architects Singapore, and asking detailed questions about what each fee includes will give you a reliable basis for comparison and a much clearer picture of what you are actually paying for.
For a curated list of top-rated providers, see our guide: Best Architects in Singapore (2026).
