Architectural Fees and the Cost of an Architect in Portugal

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Architect?

When planning a renovation or a new construction project, one of the first questions that arises is: how much does it cost to hire an architect in Portugal?
Understanding how architectural fees are calculated is essential to define your budget and determine the ideal time to move forward with your project.

Fees vary depending on the size, use, and complexity of the building, as well as the desired quality and level of detail.
Choosing an experienced architecture practice is crucial to ensure that your project meets your expectations — while staying within the financial parameters established.

How Architectural Fees Are Structured

An architect’s fees are generally divided into different stages, ranging from the initial concept and preliminary design brief to the execution and coordination of technical specialties.

Preliminary Design Brief

This stage is essential to fully understand the client’s objectives, needs, and financial constraints.
The document defines the functional and spatial characteristics, priorities, and budgetary conditions of the project, allowing the preparation of an estimated cost of design and construction.

The overall construction cost is calculated based on the projected areas and a cost per square metre (€/m²) in line with current market values. This estimate helps confirm the financial feasibility of the investment.

Strategy and Methodology

Each architect or studio has its own cost structure, team, and methodology, which naturally leads to variations in fees between professionals.

At MJARC, we adopt an approach that prioritises:

Full compliance with technical and legal standards;

Careful selection of materials and construction solutions;

Integration of sustainability and energy efficiency principles, following recognised frameworks such as LEED Certification;

Adaptation of the design to the client’s financial and programmatic constraints.

With a Quality Management System certified under ISO 9001, MJARC ensures rigour, transparency, and excellence throughout every stage of the project.

Share your vision with us — let’s bring your architectural project to life.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and clarify any questions you may have.

How Much Does an Architect Cost in Portugal?

There is no fixed answer, as there is no official fee scale for architectural services in Portugal — only public projects refer to standardised guidelines.
In the private sector, architectural fees are freely established in accordance with European competition regulations.

Typically, fees are calculated in one of two ways:

As a percentage of the estimated construction cost; or

Based on an hourly rate, depending on project complexity and time required.

Factors Influencing the Cost of an Architect

The main criteria determining architectural fees include:

Size and complexity of the project;

Time and dedication required;

Experience and specialisation of the architect;

Number of technical disciplines involved.

The more detailed the client brief, the more accurate the cost estimate will be.
Defining clear budgetary limits from the outset allows the architect to develop solutions that are both creative and financially balanced.

Starting Your Architecture Project

Once you understand the factors that influence architectural fees, you are ready to start your project — and MJARC Arquitectos is here to help.

We are a team of architects in Portugal committed to contemporary design, energy efficiency, and the optimisation of the construction process, ensuring projects that combine aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

MJARC has been recognised nationally and internationally for the quality and innovation of its architectural work.
Among our distinguished projects:

Wood House
— winner at the Loop Design Awards 2025;

Riverside — awarded at the Loop Design Awards 2024 and Muse Design Awards 2024;

Cicioso Boutique Hotel — honoured by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2024.

Several other MJARC projects — including Casa Saramagayo, the Douro Wine Hotel, and Casa Vale do Douro — have also been finalists at the World Architecture Festival, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and international recognition.

Request a personalised quote and discover how we can transform your ideas into architectural excellence.
Contact us today to schedule a meeting with our team.