Investing in Architecture

Building a home or commercial building is often one of the largest investments you will ever make. Choosing the right architect is not simply about comparing fees—it's about selecting a professional who will add value to your project through thoughtful design, technical expertise and careful attention to detail.

At Mennie Architects, we generally work on a percentage fee basis, with our Full Architectural Service typically ranging between 5% and 14% of the construction cost.

The percentage reflects the level of service and time required for each individual project. No two buildings are alike, and it would be impossible—and ultimately unfair—to apply a single fee to every project.

Why do architects use percentage fees?

Architecture is not a product that can be priced from a standard catalogue. Every project has different challenges, opportunities and client expectations.

The amount of time required can vary significantly depending on factors such as:

• Site complexity and topography

• Bushfire, flood or planning overlays

• Heritage requirements

• Rural or remote locations

• Size and complexity of the building

• Interior design and custom detailing

• Sustainable design objectives

• Number of design options explored

• Consultant coordination

• Planning permit requirements

• Construction detailing

• Builder procurement and contract administration

• Level of client collaboration and involvement throughout the project

A percentage-based fee allows the architectural service to remain proportional to the scale and complexity of the project. Larger or more technically demanding buildings naturally require considerably more design, documentation and coordination than simpler projects.

What does an architect actually do?

Many people think architects simply produce plans. In reality, drawing plans represents only a small part of the architectural process.

A successful project requires months—and often years—of design development, research, meetings, consultant coordination, planning approvals, technical documentation, specification writing, contract administration and ongoing communication with clients, builders and authorities.

At Mennie Architects, we remain involved from the first conversation through to construction, helping clients navigate every stage of the process while protecting the integrity of the design.

Why choose an architect?

While there are different professionals who can prepare drawings for buildings, architects undertake extensive university education, practical training and professional registration to develop expertise in design, construction, planning legislation and contract administration.

More importantly, architects focus on the complete experience of a building—not simply obtaining a building permit.

At Mennie Architects we carefully consider:

• The quality of internal spaces

• Natural light and passive solar performance

• Energy efficiency and sustainability

• Interior planning and functionality

• Material selection and detailing

• Long-term durability

• Relationship to the landscape

• Buildability and construction quality

• The overall value the building will provide over decades of use

We believe these aspects are what transform a building into architecture.

A more personal approach

As a boutique architectural practice, we deliberately limit the number of projects we undertake each year. This allows us to dedicate more time to every client and every design.

Rather than treating projects as production work, we invest ourselves in understanding how you live, work and use your building. We spend more time refining layouts, resolving details, selecting materials and communicating throughout the project because these decisions have a lasting impact on the finished result.

Our clients work directly with Director Rohan Mennie throughout the project, ensuring continuity from concept design to construction completion.

Architecture is an investment

Good architecture rarely costs more over the life of a building—it often costs less.

Thoughtful planning can improve construction efficiency, reduce energy consumption, minimise maintenance, increase property value and create spaces that continue to enrich everyday life for generations.

Our aim is not simply to design a building, but to create places that are timeless, functional and deeply connected to their environment. We believe that investment delivers value far beyond the construction phase.

The success of a project comes down to a precise brief, trust, making concise decisions and choosing the right Architect.

Mennie Architects believe we can value add to your project with thoughtful timeless designs which will enhance capital gains exceeding any fees charged.

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