TL;DR Fees = the architect's compensation for the technical service. Budget = document with itemized amounts. Proposal = complete commercial document (scope + budget + terms + timelines). The proposal encompasses the budget, which can include the fees.

Fees

It is the payment the architect receives for their technical service. It is the "price of your work". It can be charged per m², per % of construction, per technical hour, or as a fixed contract.

Budget

It is a document that details how much a service will cost. It includes the fees, but it can also include direct costs (renders, fees, travel), taxes, and payment terms.

Proposal

It is the complete commercial document. It has:

  • Who the firm is (introduction)
  • Diagnosis of the project/client
  • Detailed scope (what is in, what is out)
  • Budget (with the fees)
  • Schedule
  • Commercial terms and contract

How to use each one

  • Initial conversation: "our fees run around X per m²"
  • Formal email: "please find the budget for the project"
  • Presentation meeting: "we prepared a complete proposal"

In a well-structured firm, the sequence is: briefing → budget → proposal → contract. Mixing up the 4 disorganizes the sale.

Limify

A digital proposal with everything in place

Limify generates a proposal with scope, budget, schedule and contract, in a single link. The client sees everything organized.

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