Shop around locally to see what other firms charge. They may not have the same fee structure, but at least they will not be opinions.

Thanks @Mark Bischak, Architect ! May I ask what you charge?

I am a sole practitioner practicing in Michigan, mainly northern Michigan. Comparing my fee to their's would be comparing apples (grown in northern Michigan) to oranges (grown in California).

Ha ha, you are completely correct @Mark Bischak, Architect !

I always am.

(I hope people have not hurt themselves falling on the floor laughing at that one)

What someone charges per hour is often times not equal to the value they offer and vice versa. Hiring someone because of their hourly rate often times will be a fools errand. It is about managing expectations and understanding that you do not know what you do not know.

You seem to want to build a custom house based only on dollars you can save. That will not be the best way for you to create a house that will live well for you.

The only reason for an architect to charge on an hourly basis is if you can't make up your mind, and keep wanting changes. Or if a reasonable and mutually acceptable scope of work cannot be defined.

I’m surprised that someone has not pointed out that you seem to freely interchange the words ”designer” and ”architect.” They are definitely not the same.

It is my understanding that architects are more highly credentialed than designers and thusly are preferred and, of course, more expensive.

Your total fee structure and services provided is what really matters. But if you are only doing piecemeal schematic design, that could be charged hourly, though I suspect a substantial project would be a percentage on cost of construction. For the contracts I submit, even on lump sum contracts, hourly rates are still listed as that could apply for additional services, which when they occur has opportunity to be negotiated hourly vs lump sum. I don't see a problem with the rates you have been given.

My lawyer charges me $450.00 per hour; mine are somewhat less. The rates you've been quoted are quite reasonable.

Only local comparisons will matter. DD needs to walk the project at least one time.

Office personnel rates are typically 2-3x hourly rates after figuring out holidays, productive work hours, overheads, etc.

Based on that the top two can afford to live near the office, the others must share an apartment.