TL;DR In a survey of 800+ architects in Brazil, the average rate charged is 72% of the CAU table value for a residential project. The South charges higher (84%), the North lower (58%). Architects with 8+ years in the market charge on average 18% more than recent graduates, a much smaller gap than it should be.

Survey methodology

Data consolidated from 812 responses to an online form between Jul-Oct/2026, distributed across a base of architects registered on quoting platforms, professional networks and forums. Cross-referenced with the updated 2026 CAU table for the same region and project type.

Limitations: self-reported sample, bias toward digitally connected respondents, under-representation of small firms without a system. Use it as a reference, not as absolute truth.

Results by region (% of the CAU table)

Region% of the CAU tableMedian R$/m²
South84%R$ 155
Southeast76%R$ 135
Central-West68%R$ 120
Northeast62%R$ 105
North58%R$ 95

The South pulls upward due to a concentration of premium firms in Florianópolis, Curitiba and Porto Alegre. The North/Northeast struggle with a more price-sensitive market.

Results by project type

Project type% of the CAU table
Single-family residential72%
Apartment (interiors)88%
Commercial76%
Retrofit68%
Multifamily (developer)54%

Residential interiors pull upward: a market of decided clients, projects with high perceived value. Multifamily pulls downward: scale drags R$/m² down even with volume.

By years in the market

Experience% of the CAU table
0–2 years58%
3–7 years71%
8–15 years78%
15+ years86%

The gap between a recent graduate and a veteran is only 28 percentage points, meaning that over 15+ years of career the professional rises ~50% above the starting point. That is little. In any mature liberal profession (medicine, law, consulting), the curve is much steeper.

3 unavoidable conclusions

  1. The real market charges on average 28% below CAU. Whoever charges by the table is above the curve, not "charging the normal rate".
  2. The experience curve is too flat. Years in the market should be worth more. If you have 8+ years and charge like you have 3, you are leaving money on the table.
  3. The South and interiors are opportunities. The market pays above the Brazilian average.
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Keep reading: Why architects charge less than they are worth.