The Truth Behind the Assumption That 'Hiring an Architect Equals Expensive'

What People Who Don't Lose Out on Home Building Do, Vol. 3

"If I hire an architect, won't it be expensive?"

Whenever I talk about building a home with an architect, this question almost always comes up. That is how deeply rooted this assumption is.

However, please stop and think for a moment. When you say it is "expensive," what are you comparing it to?

It feels expensive because the design fee is "visible"

When you hire an architect, there is a clear design fee. It is typically around 10-15% of the construction cost and is presented upfront as a specific amount.

On the other hand, house builders and contractors are, of course, also doing design work. However, that cost is "included in the base price" and does not appear on the surface. In other words, you are not failing to pay for it; it is just invisible.

People are sensitive to "visible things." Even for the same amount of money, it feels expensive when it is written on an itemized list. This is one of the truths behind the impression that "architects are expensive."

Try thinking of the design fee as an "editing fee"

What is the architect's design fee a payment for?

Reading the site, organizing regulations, coordinating with the structure, cost control, selecting materials, spatial composition—and above all, "designing the life of that family." It is, so to speak, an "editing fee" that includes all of these.

A house that has been thoroughly thought out during the design stage has fewer uncertainties on-site and is less likely to incur additional construction costs. Conversely, a house with a thin design leads to hesitation on-site, hesitation with additional construction, and continued hesitation even after moving in. It is usually this pattern where costs gradually inflate later on.

Looking at the total, there are cases where it is actually cheaper

You might find it surprising, but there are many cases where an architect-designed house is more cost-effective than a house builder's when looking at the total.

The reason is simple: architects are not selling a "fixed product."

While house builder packages lead to stable quality and peace of mind, they sometimes include unnecessary specifications. It is like a meal that assumes a "full course." In contrast, architects design only what is necessary, in the amount that is necessary. They do not include what is not needed. They spend firmly where it is needed. They think thoroughly about that allocation.

Also, there is ingenuity in how materials are used. Lauan plywood, structural plywood, mortar—even materials generally considered inexpensive can become the star of a space depending on how they are used. The power of design, which asks "how can we make cheap materials look rich," solves both cost and quality at the same time.

It cannot be measured by "cost per tsubo"

When talking about the market price of home building, the term "cost per tsubo" is often used. However, this number is a rather crude indicator.

Even with the same tsubo area, the quality of the space is completely different. It also changes depending on whether exterior work and design fees are included. Above all, cost per tsubo is nothing more than an "average value."

Architect-designed homes are built on the premise of deviating from this average. Costs are kept down in some areas and invested heavily in others. It is precisely this balance that creates richness in a space.

Uniformly finished homes and homes with intentional balance cannot be measured by the same yardstick.

Rather than 'expensive,' ask 'is it convincing?'

Ultimately, the value of a home is not determined by price alone.

How convinced were you when you made your choices? How well does it fit your lifestyle? The accumulation of these factors creates satisfaction in a home.

Architect-designed homes certainly do not market themselves on being cheap. However, there is a reason for every single decision, and the process moves forward while sharing that background. If you consider the price to include that process, perhaps your perspective will change a little.

Before jumping to the assumption that it is 'expensive,' I believe the first step to building a home without regrets is to re-examine these three things: 'Compared to what?', 'What does it include?', and 'What will the satisfaction level be years from now?'