● Updated March 2026 · 15 min read · By Arch. Vincent Abuya
- 01 · What Do Architects Charge in Kenya?
- 02 · The BORAQS Fee Scale Explained
- 03 · Percentage vs Fixed Fee vs Hourly
- 04 · Architect Fee Table — 2026
- 05 · What Is Included in Architect Fees?
- 06 · Service Stages & Fee Distribution
- 07 · Other Professional Fees to Budget For
- 08 · Is Hiring an Architect Worth the Fee?
- 09 · Tips for Getting Value from Your Architect
- 10 · Frequently Asked Questions
Architect fees in Kenya in 2026 typically range from 6% to 12% of construction cost for a full residential service, or KSh 80,000 to KSh 400,000+ as a fixed fee on a standard residential project. Understanding exactly what you are paying for — and what the BORAQS fee scale requires — is essential before engaging any architect. This guide explains it plainly, from a registered architect's perspective. For context on construction costs that architect fees apply to, see our complete guide to building costs in Kenya.
What Do Architects Charge in Kenya?
Architect fees in Kenya are governed by the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), which publishes a recommended minimum fee scale for all registered practitioners. In practice, fees vary based on project size, complexity, location, and the scope of services provided.
For most residential projects in 2026, the total professional fees for a full architectural service — from concept to county approval — fall between KSh 100,000 and KSh 500,000. This represents a small fraction of the total project cost, and the right architect typically saves multiples of their fee through improved structural efficiency, avoided errors, and disciplined cost management during construction.
- ✓ Floor plans, elevations, sections
- ✓ BORAQS-certified drawings
- ✓ County approval submission
- ✓ NCA project registration
- ✓ Concept & schematic design
- ✓ Full architectural drawings
- ✓ 3D renders & walkthrough
- ✓ Structural drawings coordination
- ✓ County approval & NCA
- ✓ Bill of Quantities coordination
- ✓ Everything in Full Design Package
- ✓ Regular site visits & supervision
- ✓ Contractor management
- ✓ Stage payment certification
- ✓ Defects inspection & snagging
The BORAQS Fee Scale Explained
BORAQS — the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors — is the statutory body that regulates architectural practice in Kenya under the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act (Cap 525). As part of its regulatory role, BORAQS publishes a recommended minimum fee scale that all registered architects are expected to follow.
The BORAQS fee scale for residential buildings is structured as a percentage of the estimated or actual construction cost. For a standard full architectural service on a residential project, the recommended minimum is in the range of 6% to 8% of construction cost. This covers all professional services from concept design through to project completion, including county approval, structural coordination, and contract administration.
What "Construction Cost" Means for Fee Calculation
When an architect calculates their fee as a percentage of construction cost, the base is the total cost of the building structure and finishes — not including land, external works, or furniture. For a 4 bedroom maisonette with a construction cost of KSh 14 million, an 8% full-service fee would be approximately KSh 1,120,000, covering everything from first sketch to final inspection.
Key point: The BORAQS fee scale sets a minimum, not a maximum. An architect may charge more for complex projects, unusual sites, or additional services like interior design and 3D visualisation. They may not legally charge less than the BORAQS minimum for a BORAQS-certified service.
A completed luxury residential project by AALIS Studios — full architectural service from concept through site supervision and landscape coordination
Percentage vs Fixed Fee vs Hourly Rate
Kenyan architects typically charge using one of three fee structures. Understanding each helps you choose the right engagement model for your project.
Percentage of Construction Cost
The percentage fee model is the BORAQS default for full-service architectural engagements. The architect's total fee is calculated as a fixed percentage of the project's construction cost, agreed at the outset. This model aligns the architect's income with the scope of work and is most appropriate for large residential projects (above KSh 10M), commercial buildings, and multi-unit developments.
Fixed Fee (Lump Sum)
A fixed fee is agreed at the start and does not change based on the final construction cost. This is the most popular model for standard residential projects in Kenya — it gives the client cost certainty and the architect a clear brief. Fixed fees work best when the scope of services is clearly defined upfront, most commonly for design-and-approval packages.
Hourly Rate
Hourly fees are typically used for consultations, feasibility studies, design reviews, or advisory services. Registered architects in Kenya typically charge KSh 5,000–15,000 per hour for consultancy time, depending on seniority and project type. At AALIS Studios, our paid consultations are KSh 5,000 for 60 minutes — designed to give prospective clients actionable guidance before committing to a full engagement.
Architectural site plan for a luxury villa project in Kenya — site planning is a key deliverable in a full architectural service, showing how the building, pool, and landscape relate to the plot
Architect Fee Table — Residential Projects Kenya 2026
The table below gives realistic fee ranges for BORAQS-registered architectural services on residential projects in Kenya at 2026 rates. The BORAQS minimum fee scale is set under Legal Notice No. 133 of 2023 at 6% of construction cost for a full service. Fees vary based on scope, project complexity, and the individual practice.
| Project Type | Construction Cost | Service Scope | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Bedroom Bungalow | KSh 3M–5M | Drawings & Approval | KSh 80K–150K |
| 3 Bedroom Bungalow | KSh 5M–8M | Drawings & Approval | KSh 120K–220K |
| 3 Bedroom Bungalow | KSh 5M–8M | Full Design + 3D + BOQ | KSh 200K–380K |
| 4 Bedroom Maisonette | KSh 10M–18M | Full Design + 3D + BOQ | KSh 280K–550K |
| 4 Bedroom Maisonette | KSh 10M–18M | Full Service incl. Supervision | KSh 600K–1.4M (6–8%) |
| Luxury Villa | KSh 25M–60M | Full Service incl. Supervision | KSh 1.5M–4.8M (6–8%) |
| Commercial Building | KSh 30M+ | Full Service | 5%–8% of construction cost |
| Initial paid consultation (60 min — credited if you proceed) | KSh 5,000 | ||
Our complete building cost guide shows construction costs for all house types in Kenya — so you can see what professional fees represent as a share of your total project budget.
Our complete building cost guide shows construction costs for all house types in Kenya — so you can see what professional fees represent as a share of your total project budget.
Interactive Architect Fee Calculator — Kenya 2026
Enter your estimated construction cost and select your service scope to get an instant architect fee estimate. This is a planning guide only — your actual fee will be confirmed in writing at consultation.
What Is Included in Architect Fees in Kenya?
The scope of work covered by an architect's fee in Kenya varies between practices and engagement types. Here is what a full BORAQS architectural service typically includes, and what is commonly charged separately.
A multi-unit residential development by AALIS Studios — commercial and multi-unit projects typically attract architectural fees of 5–8% of construction cost
What is NOT typically included: County approval fees (paid to the county government directly), NCA registration levies, soil investigation, specialist engineering fees (MEP, civil, landscape), building materials, contractor payments, or furniture. Always confirm with your architect exactly what their fee covers and what will be billed separately.
Architect Service Stages & Fee Distribution
Architectural fees in Kenya are typically structured across the main service stages, with payments triggered by deliverables. Here is how AALIS Studios structures a full residential design service.
Interior architecture and specification — when included in an architectural package, interior design services add 2–4% to the base fee and cover finishes, joinery, lighting design, and furniture specification
Other Professional Fees to Budget For
Architect fees are just one element of the professional fees budget for a construction project in Kenya. The table below shows the typical additional professional costs for a standard residential project.
| Professional / Authority | Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Engineer | Foundation & structural drawings | KSh 40,000–150,000 |
| Quantity Surveyor (QS) | Bill of Quantities & cost control | KSh 50,000–120,000 |
| County Government | Planning approval fees | KSh 20,000–80,000 |
| National Construction Authority | Project registration levy | 0.05–0.15% of construction cost |
| Geotechnical Engineer | Soil investigation & trial pits | KSh 25,000–80,000 |
| MEP Engineer | Mechanical & electrical drawings | KSh 50,000–200,000 |
| Approximate total professional & statutory fees (residential) | 8–15% of construction cost | |
AALIS Studios packages include structural engineering coordination and BOQ coordination as part of our design service — reducing the number of separate professional engagements our residential clients need to manage. See our full service packages here.
Is Hiring an Architect Worth the Fee?
For any permanent residential or commercial construction project in Kenya, a professional architect is not optional — it is a legal requirement and a financial necessity.
Legal Requirement
Under the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act (Cap 525), any building requiring county planning approval must be designed and certified by a BORAQS-registered architect. Drawings prepared by unregistered individuals will be rejected by county planning departments. Building without approved drawings exposes you to demolition orders, stop-notices, and insurance voidance.
Financial Return
A well-designed building achieves the required accommodation in a smaller, more efficient footprint. On a 3 bedroom bungalow, eliminating unnecessary circulation space and rationalising the roof design typically saves KSh 400,000–900,000 — more than the architect's design fee in many cases. Structural coordination prevents over-specification that wastes money on excessive concrete and steel. And full drawing sets prevent mid-project changes that cost 3–5 times more than design-stage changes.
Quality and Resale Value
Architecturally designed homes consistently achieve higher resale values in Kenya's property market. A well-designed home with good proportions, natural light, and considered finishes is perceived differently by buyers than a contractor-built house without professional design input. The resale premium over a 10-year period typically far exceeds the professional fee invested.
"Clients who build without an architect don't save the fee — they spend it three times over in structural waste, contractor disputes, and remedial work. The fee is not a cost to be avoided. It is the cheapest insurance available in any construction project." — Arch. Vincent Abuya, AALIS Studios
A high-specification villa completed by AALIS Studios — the resale premium of architecturally designed homes in Kenya consistently exceeds the professional fees invested in their design
Tips for Getting Maximum Value from Your Architect
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Discuss Your Project & Our Fees?
Book a KSh 5,000 paid consultation with Arch. Vincent Abuya at AALIS Studios — in-person in Nairobi or via video call for diaspora clients. You will receive a clear construction cost estimate, design direction, and a full explanation of our fee packages. The consultation fee is credited in full if you proceed.
Ready to Discuss Your Project & Our Fees?
Book a KSh 5,000 paid consultation with Arch. Vincent Abuya at AALIS Studios — in-person in Nairobi or via video call for diaspora clients. You will receive a clear construction cost estimate, design direction, and a full explanation of our fee packages. The consultation fee is credited in full if you proceed.
