Starting Point
Design fees at RT Studio are straightforward — and always begin with the Modern Vision Assessment (MVA).
This ensures you understand the architectural potential of your home, the zoning constraints, and the realistic investment required before committing to a full design contract.
Every project begins with a $1,500 Modern Vision Assessment (MVA) — a 10–14 day deep dive into:
zoning + site constraints
architectural opportunities
budget alignment
feasibility
multiple conceptual directions
The full MVA fee is credited toward your design contract, no matter which tier you choose.
This ensures you begin with clarity — not guesswork.
Project investment
| Service & Value | Essential Clarity | Full Project Confidence (Recommended) | Signature Oversight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite: Project Clarity Assessment Fee Credited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| — Core Deliverables — | |||
| Preliminary Evaluation of Existing Conditions | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Exterior Design & Core Interior Layout | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Structural Engineering Services | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Code & Permit Submission & Management | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| — Visualization & Detailing — | |||
| Interactive 3D Model Access | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Realistic 3D Renderings | — | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shareable 3D Model (Mobile/VR) | — | ✅ | ✅ |
| Full Interior Design & Millwork | — | ✅ | ✅ |
| — Risk Mitigation & Oversight — | |||
| Lighting Design & Selections | Basic Layout | Basic Layout | ✅ |
| Bidding Management & Value Engineering | — | — | ✅ |
| Full Construction Administration | — | — | ✅ |
| SERVICE PACKAGE COST | 7% | 9% | 11% |
| of Estimated Construction | of Estimated Construction | of Estimated Construction | |
Once the Modern Vision Assessment establishes feasibility, direction, and budget alignment, we move into the full architectural design phase.
Your design investment is based on the level of visualization, detail, and construction‑phase involvement you want for your project. This ensures your fee is proportional to the scale and complexity of the work — and that you receive the right level of support from concept through permit.
RT Studio offers three service tiers, ranging from essential architectural clarity to full construction oversight.
To help you understand how the design fee translates into real numbers, here’s what the three tiers typically look like for major additions and renovations in the DMV.
Most projects we design fall between $350,000 and $800,000+ in construction cost. Based on that range, design fees generally fall into:
Essential Clarity — 7% Approximately $25,000 – $40,000
Full Project Confidence — 9% Approximately $35,000 – $55,000
Signature Oversight — 11% Approximately $45,000 – $70,000
These ranges ensure your design investment stays proportional to the scale and complexity of your project — and that you receive the right level of visualization, detailing, and construction‑phase support.
Estimating the investment
What tier is right for you?
Essential Clarity — 7%
Ideal for straightforward projects with a clear direction. You’ll receive complete architectural design and permit‑ready drawings, while managing interior selections and contractor coordination on your own.
Full Project Confidence — 9% (most common service)
Our most common tier. Perfect if you want deeper visualization, cohesive interior design, lighting plans, and a shareable 3D model — all handled by a modern specialist.
Signature Oversight — 11%
Best for homeowners who want full advocacy from concept through construction. Includes bidding support, value engineering, site visits, and full construction administration until the day you move in.
Fixed Fee projects
Most projects fit cleanly into one of the three service tiers. However, some homes require deeper exploration before a single design direction becomes clear — especially:
architecturally significant homes
complex additions with multiple expansion paths
projects where several design options must be tested
homes with unusual zoning or structural constraints
In these cases, a tiered percentage doesn’t accurately reflect the design effort required. For these projects, RT Studio provides a fixed‑fee proposal tailored to the unique scope and complexity.
What’s Included in a Fixed‑Fee Project
A fixed‑fee proposal includes everything in the Full Project Confidence tier, plus additional exploration time and design iterations needed for complex homes:
multiple conceptual design directions
expanded 3D modeling and visualization
deeper zoning + code analysis
additional structural coordination
iterative refinement until a clear direction is established
full interior design + lighting design
permit‑ready construction documents
contractor coordination during pre‑construction
How It Compares to Tiered Pricing
Same level of deliverables as the 9% tier
More design exploration than any tier includes
Predictable total cost for complex projects
Not tied to construction cost, which avoids over‑ or under‑charging when the scope is unusual
If your project qualifies for a fixed‑fee proposal, we’ll identify that during the Modern Vision Assessment.
A Clear Path Forward
You don’t need to know which tier or structure fits your project right now. The Modern Vision Assessment will clarify your home’s potential, your investment range, and whether a tiered or fixed‑fee approach is the best fit.
If you’d like to talk through your ideas first, you can also schedule a free discovery call — a quick, no‑pressure conversation to help you understand the best next step for your project.