/3/ - 3DCG

>>682094
An architect usually has a set percentage of the total project budget (~11-14% for a professional firm) serve as the fee for the design as well as administrating the bidding process, filing the necessary paperwork such as permits, organizing the consultants and writing the contracts. Before a formal agreement is initiated, though, most offices have a set price like $2000 (again, depends on the type of project) as a "down payment" which the architects actually use to design the building to a phase where the client is completely informed about the design in order to enter into a formal agreement for construction.
>How much does it cost to commission plans for a ~1600 sqft home?
Specifically, it depends entirely on how fast you are wanting it, how detailed the plans need to be (schematic vs complete construction documents ready for permitting), how the designer perceives the working relationship to go once meeting you, and probably most importantly how much creative freedom you allow the architect/designer. I've made $8000 from a set of plans before, and I've done complete designs for free because I really like the client and the idea. There's no hard rule for it.