Why Architects Cost So Much

What does a $47,000 architectural fee actually buy? Tim Derrington breaks down a proposal for a 17,000-square-foot gym in an existing strip center: $7,000 for design and code-compliance work, and $40,000 for coordination and documentation. The example explains why the initial concept can account for a small part of the work required to deliver a buildable project. Tim joins Eugene Gershman to examine what owners should expect from an architect, how to evaluate a design team's construction knowledge, and why a convincing rendering leaves important questions unanswered. They discuss the responsibilities behind a complete set of plans, the limits of early cost estimates, and the money owners must spend to reduce uncertainty before construction. The conversation moves through real project problems, including an engineering handoff that delayed construction and unexpected conditions beneath an existing building. Tim and Eugene examine how architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, and builders need to coordinate, and why the professional who leads the team should depend on the project. They also discuss defining the development program before design, balancing function with the experience of a space, and the benefits and frustrations of building information modeling. Tim explains where he currently finds AI useful and closes with questions owners can ask to compare architectural proposals, understand exclusions, and choose a team they can trust. Guest Bio Tim Derrington is the founding principal of Derrington Building Studio — https://www.derrington.co/about/, an Austin-based architecture practice he founded in 2011. He trained at the University of Houston and is licensed to practice architecture in Texas. The studio designs commercial interiors, adaptive reuse projects, and places for gathering, fitness, and recreation across Texas. In the conversation, Tim describes the firm's work in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, including climbing destinations, retail spaces, and wedding venues. His perspective connects design intent with the coordination and construction details needed to carry it through. Episode Highlights and Chapters 00:00 Episode preview 00:58 Land to Legacy intro 01:09 Meet Tim Derrington 01:35 What makes a good architect 05:21 Why early construction estimates remain uncertain 08:38 Check an architect’s work with builders and clients 09:55 Knowing how the design will be built 14:01 Construction mistakes and hidden site conditions 25:23 Which professional should lead the team 28:22 Define feasibility and the program before design 30:06 Designing for function and experience 36:46 Architectural software and documentation 41:06 Where AI helps in Tim’s practice 45:19 What an architect’s fee actually covers 49:11 Compare scope before comparing fees 51:54 Tim’s practice and closing thanks 52:39 Land to Legacy outro Contact Information Connect with Tim Derrington Derrington Building Studio: https://www.derrington.co/ Contact Tim through the studio: https://www.derrington.co/contact/ About Tim and the studio: https://www.derrington.co/about/ Derrington Building Studio on Instagram:   / derrington.building.studio   Episode lessons Lessons from Why Architects Cost So Much brings together six practical lessons from the conversation, each with an episode example and what it means for your project. Get the episode lessons — https://egershman.com/podcast/why-arc... Considering development? Before you spend on design, use GIS's free Feasibility Study Checklist to organize the basic property facts, identify questions that still need answers, and prepare for a more useful conversation with your development team. Get the free GIS Feasibility Study Checklist — https://giscompanies.co/development/f... Eugene Gershman and Land to Legacy Eugene Gershman: https://egershman.com/ Land to Legacy episodes: https://egershman.com/podcast/ Eugene Gershman on LinkedIn:   / eugenegershman   GIS Companies: https://giscompanies.co/ Apply to be a guest on Land to Legacy: https://egershman.com/podcast/guest/