Architect invoice template
A worked example for architects in the professional services category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A architect invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Architects typically allow 30 days to pay. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example architect invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with 30 day terms. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
L. Khan
Architect
Unit 9, Orchard Business Park
Nottingham
NG7 5FG
Bill to
Hilltop Farm Shop
Hilltop Lane
Ludlow
SY8 2EJ
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- 31 October 2026
- Terms
- 30 days
- Reference
- Architect work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIBA Stage 2 concept design, rear and loft extension, fixed fee | 1 stage | £2,800.00 | 20% | £2,800.00 |
| RIBA Stage 3 planning application drawings and submission | 1 stage | £2,400.00 | 20% | £2,400.00 |
| Planning application fee paid to council (disbursement) | 1 item | £258.00 | 0% | £258.00 |
| Measured survey of existing property | 1 fixed | £650.00 | 20% | £650.00 |
- Subtotal
- £6,108.00
- VAT at 20%
- £1,170.00
- VAT at 0%
- £0.00
- Total
- £7,278.00
Typical rates for architects
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £70 to £160 |
| Typical day rate | £500 to £1,100 |
| Payment terms | 30 days |
| Deposit | Not usually taken |
| VAT flat rate sector | Architect, civil and structural engineer or surveyor (14.5%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do architects usually invoice?
Architects invoice by RIBA work stage, either as a fixed fee per stage or as a percentage of the construction cost split across stages, with the stage named on each invoice and payment due on 30 day terms. Planning and building control fees paid to the council are passed on as disbursements without VAT. Hourly rates cover additional services such as extra planning submissions or site visits beyond the agreed number.
Architects in this example give the customer 30 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £70 to £160. A full day is typically £500 to £1,100.
What should a architect put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, architects should:
- Name the RIBA stage and the deliverable (concept design, planning drawings) on each invoice.
- Show council fees as disbursements with no VAT and the council's receipt reference.
- State the number of site visits or revisions included in the stage fee and charge extras hourly.
- Reference the appointment letter and the percentage or fixed fee basis.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do architects charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, these services are standard rated at 20% for UK clients; services to business clients outside the UK are generally outside the scope of UK VAT.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for architects is usually “Architect, civil and structural engineer or surveyor” at 14.5% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How do architects charge for a house extension?
- Either a percentage of construction cost, typically 8% to 15% in 2026 for full service on domestic work, or fixed fees per stage, commonly £2,000 to £5,000 for concept and planning drawings on a standard extension. Hourly rates of £70 to £160 cover extras. Fees are invoiced stage by stage.
- Is VAT charged on planning application fees?
- Not when the architect pays the council's fee on the client's behalf and passes it on as a disbursement: the fee is outside the scope of VAT and is shown separately without VAT. The architect's own fee for preparing the application is standard rated at 20%.
- Do architects charge VAT?
- Yes at 20% once registered, which most practices are because fees pass £90,000. Design fees are standard rated even when the building work itself will be zero rated, such as a new house. The flat rate sector for architects is 14.5%.
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Cite this page: “Architect invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/architect