How Much Do Residential Architects Charge in Hawaii? (2025/2026 Update)

When homeowners begin planning a remodel, addition, ADU, or new home anywhere in Hawaii, one of the first questions they ask is:

“How much does architectural design cost?”

Before we dive in, it's important to note something:

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Why Architectural Costs in Honolulu Are Different

Even though this article is titled “Hawaii,” the most accurate fee data comes from Oʻahu, where most of the state’s construction and residential permitting activity occurs.

The City & County of Honolulu has more complex permitting requirements than the outer islands, including:

• More detailed drawing standards
• More specific zoning layers
• Flood zones, shoreline setbacks, and SMA restrictions
• Older housing stock requiring structural evaluation
• A permitting process (DPP) that demands a large number of sheets

All of this increases the number of drawings and the amount of coordination required — which is why architectural fees tend to be higher on Oʻahu than in other parts of the state.

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Who Is Doing the Work? (Architect vs. Drafting Company)

In Hawaii, both residential architects and drafting companies are often sole proprietors. Their overhead conditions vary, and that can influence pricing from one company to another.

Licensed Architects

• Are required by state licensing laws to oversee and remain involved in the project.
• Take professional responsibility for the drawings they stamp and sign.
• Coordinate with structural engineers, surveyors, civil engineers, planners, and others as needed.
• Must remain engaged beyond permit submittal and throughout the project.

Drafting Companies

• Prepare drawings but are not licensed to oversee the project.
• After the permit submittal, they have no legal responsibility to the project.
• The owner is relying solely on the ethics and willingness of the drafter if questions or problems arise later.
• An outside licensed architect or structural engineer must be hired to provide the required stamp and signature.

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The 4 Ways Architectural Design Fees Are Charged in Hawaii

Across Hawaii, architectural design companies typically use one of four pricing models.

1. Square-Foot Pricing (Rarely Used Today)

This method used to be popular but is rarely used anymore. Because DPP requires a large number of drawings even for small projects, square-foot pricing does not accurately reflect workload.

2. Per Sheet Pricing ($800–$1,000 per Sheet)

This model charges based on the number of drawing sheets.

Typical range: $800–$1,000 per sheet

A small project can still require:

• Site plan
• Floor plans
• Elevations
• Sections
• Roof plan
• Foundation plan
• Construction details

3. Percentage of Construction Cost (5%–10%)

This is the most common way architectural fees are calculated in Honolulu.

A typical residential home can cost between $250–$300 per square foot.

Architectural fees are generally 5% to 10% of the construction cost, depending on:

• Project size
• Complexity
• Lot conditions
• Zoning requirements
• Number of required drawings

Smaller projects often fall on the higher end of the range because the number of drawings required by DPP does not scale down very much with project size.

4. Flat Rate Pricing

Some companies use a fixed-fee approach based on expected workload. Flat rates vary widely depending on:

• Experience of the provider
• Scope of work
• Engineering requirements
• Permitting complexity

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Additional Fees You May See

In addition to the base design fee, many Hawaii projects require additional consultants or documentation. These fees depend on the site, project size, and required permits.

We’ll group these into three categories for clarity:

• Group 1: Common Additional Fees
• Group 2: Project-Specific Fees
• Group 3: Special-Case Fees

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Group 1: Common Additional Fees (Most Projects)

Architectural and/or Structural Stamp & Signature

Drafting companies usually quote only design work and provide separate quotes for a licensed architect or structural engineer to stamp and sign the drawings.

Typical range: $1,500–$2,500

Erosion & Sediment Control (ESC) Plan + Inspections

Required on many Oʻahu projects.

Typical range: $1,000–$2,000

Structural Engineering Fees

If outside structural engineering is needed:

Typical range: $1,500 to over $7,000

Surveyor Fees

Surveys are extremely common.

Typical range: $3,000–$10,000+

Survey types include:

• ALTA survey
• Topographic survey
• Flood survey
• Certified shoreline determination
• Easement location survey

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Group 2: Project-Specific Fees (Depending on Lot or Scope)

Civil Engineering Fees

Often required for sewer laterals, septics, or floodway approvals.

Typical range: $3,000–$5,000

Fire Sprinkler Design Fees

Required if triggered by BWS or HFD.

Typical range: $2,500–$6,000

Geotechnical Engineer (Soils Report)

Required for certain soils or slope conditions.

Typical starting cost: around $7,000

Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Fees

Rare for typical residential projects, except for 300–400 amp service upgrades or central AC layouts.

Trenching Permits

Required if doing work in the City & County right-of-way. Costs vary.

Zoning Adjustment Submittals

• Surface encroachment
• Parking adjustments
• Street tree removals

Costs vary depending on the case.

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Group 3: Special-Case Fees (Less Common, But Important)

SMA Permits & Planner Fees

There are two main SMA Permit types for the City & County of Honolulu. Neighbor islands have different criteria, and property owners should check with the appropriate planning department.

• SMA Minor: Construction costs under $500,000
• SMA Major: Construction costs over $500,000

Typical planner fee range: $15,000 to over $30,000

Total SMA-related permitting costs can reach $80,000–$100,000+ before the building permit process even begins.

Archaeologist Fees

Triggered when a property lies in a historically sensitive area flagged by SHPD or has known historic significance.

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How DPP Requirements Affect Design Cost

The Department of Planning & Permitting requires a large number of drawings and detailed documentation for residential projects. Even small projects must provide:

• Multiple plan sheets
• Detailed elevations
• Sections and construction details
• Engineering documents
• Site-specific information

Almost every project undergoes a correction cycle, which adds coordination time between architects, engineers, surveyors, and planners.

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Why “Cheap Plans” Often Cost More in the End

Many owners try to save money by choosing the lowest design bid. But incomplete drawings often lead to:

• DPP delays and multiple correction rounds
• Construction mistakes
• Change orders
• Unexpected engineering and survey fees
• Permit re-submittals

A strong set of drawings can save time and money by reducing surprises later.

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How to Budget Smartly for a Residential Project in Hawaii

Base Design Fees

Depending on your project, architectural fees may be calculated as:

• 5%–10% of construction cost
• $800–$1,000 per sheet
• a flat rate based on complexity

Additional Fees

Depending on your site and project, it’s wise to prepare for costs such as:

• Stamps & signatures
• ESC plans
• Structural engineering
• Surveying
• Civil engineering
• Soils reports

On complex lots, or in SMA areas, the total pre-construction fees can be significantly higher.

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FAQ: Common Questions From Hawaii Homeowners

Do I need all these additional fees?

No. Only the ones triggered by your property, zoning, or scope of work.

Why don’t architects just publish a price list?

Because requirements vary dramatically from lot to lot and island to island. Oʻahu projects often require more drawings and consultants.

Are drafting companies always cheaper?

They may charge less for the drawings, but once you add stamp fees, engineering, and revisions, total costs can be closer than they first appear.

What is the biggest “surprise” cost?

For shoreline or SMA areas: permit and planner fees. For sloped or loose-soil lots: geotechnical reports and structural work.

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Get an Instant Estimate for Your Project

If you’re planning a residential project in Hawaii, you can get a quick ballpark estimate based on your scope and project type here:

Try the Instant Online Estimator

Or talk with someone directly:

📞 (808) 978-9028

We’re here to help you understand the process clearly and confidently.

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