connectCost guide

What does architectural design cost?

NZ, incl. GST · updated 2 November 2026

Typical concept to consent drawings

$15,000

Most jobs land between $1,500 and $70,000.

BallparkNZ 2026 ballpark. Real Connect quotes take over once there are enough.

An estimate for planning, not a quote.

Estimate your job

Type the size and see an installed price range for it, incl. GST. More jobs on the estimator.

Architectural Design

Plans and consent drawings

Estimated installed price

$16,500

Most jobs like this land between $9,800 and $29,000, incl. GST, supply and labour.

$9,000–$26,000 each

Extension or major renovation, 1$9,000–$26,000 each$9,000–$26,000
Site measure and existing plans$800–$3,200
NZ 2026 ballparkAn estimate for planning, not a quote.

Includes: Meetings, drawings, and the documentation set for the stage you choose.

Not included: Council consent fees, engineering, surveying, and specialist reports.

People use Connect for architectural design jobs big and small.

What drives the price

Size and complexity of the project, how far the drawings go, how much site measuring is needed, and whether they lodge the consent and deal with council questions.

Example jobs

Deck or garage, consent drawings$2,500–$7,000
Extension or major renovation$9,000–$26,000
New house$22,000–$70,000

Example totals are typical NZ ranges incl. GST.

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Got quotes already? Read how to compare tradie quotes before you pick one.

Questions

How much does architectural design cost in NZ?

A typical concept to consent drawings is around $15,000 incl. GST, with most jobs between $1,500 and $70,000. Size and complexity of the project, how far the drawings go, how much site measuring is needed, and whether they lodge the consent and deal with council questions.

Is this a quote?

No. It is an estimate based on NZ ballparks to help you plan. Post the job on Connect and vetted local tradies will quote your actual job, free.

Why do quotes for the same job vary so much?

Because tradies often quote slightly different jobs. Connect writes one scope with you first so every quote is for the same work and you can compare them properly.

Prices on this page are estimates incl. GST for a typical residential job in NZ and will vary by site, access, materials and season. They are not a quote.

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