Practical guides
What to know before hiring an architect in France: budget, rules, permits and choosing a practice.
Budget and fees
What an architect costs, and how to estimate it.
Architect fee calculator for FranceChoose the type of project, the mission and the planned cost of the works: the calculator gives a fee range excluding and including VAT, based on prices published in 2026.Example: new house, €250,000 of works excl. VAT€22,500 – €30,000 excl. VATGet my estimate →8–12%of the works, full missionArchitect fees in France in 2026: percentages and fixed feesHow much does an architect cost in France? Fees are not regulated: typical percentages of the works, fixed fees for a building…Read the guide →4 min read
Rules and permits
When an architect is required, and which authorisation to apply for.
150 m²of floor areaWhen is an architect required in France? The 150 m² ruleWhen must you use an architect in France? The 150 m² floor-area threshold, extensions, companies and SCIs, farm buildings and…Read the guide →4 min read2 monthsfor a house permitBuilding permit or prior declaration in France: thresholds, delays, appealsDéclaration préalable or permis de construire? The 20 m² and 40 m² thresholds, processing times, validity, site posting and…Read the guide →4 min read40 m²with a prior declaration, zone UExtending a house in France: permits, architect and budgetExtension, extra storey or conservatory in France: which authorisation for which size, when an architect becomes compulsory (150…Read the guide →3 min read
Choosing and working with an architect
Choosing, signing, building: the steps with an architect.
6 stepsfrom brief to keysBuilding a house in France with an architect: steps, timing and budgetFrom brief to handover: the steps of building a house in France with an architect, permit timings, the fee budget, compulsory…Read the guide →3 min read8 checksbefore you signHow to choose an architect in France: 8 checksRegistration with the Ordre des architectes, insurance, references, a written mission and fees: the 8 things to check before…Read the guide →3 min read8 stagesfrom sketch to handoverThe architect contract in France: missions, stages and clausesA compulsory written contract, the Ordre's model contracts, the stages of a mission (sketch, APS, APD, permit, tender, works…Read the guide →3 min read3 routesarchitect, maître d'œuvre, CCMIArchitect, maître d'œuvre or house builder in France: which to choose?Architect, maître d'œuvre or house builder under a CCMI contract: differences in title, guarantees, price and design freedom in…Read the guide →3 min read€0free adviceThe CAUE: free advice from an architect in FranceThe CAUE (conseil d'architecture, d'urbanisme et de l'environnement) gives free advice to people who want to build or renovate…Read the guide →2 min read
Interior architecture
Refitting an interior with a professional.
7–15%of the worksInterior architects in France: role, fees and how they differ from architectsWhat does an interior architect do in France, what do they charge (percentage, price per m², hourly rate) and how do they differ…Read the guide →3 min read
1,500studios in France
Interior architects directory
Interior architecture and design studios, town by town.
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