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Bali is famous as the island of art, and many talented architects here can bring creative, unique designs to life. But to avoid overpaying, you need to know how much does an architect cost in Bali.
Before building your dream home or villa, it’s important to understand the role of an architect and the value they bring. An architect doesn’t just create a design. They also help plan materials, structure, and budget so your project runs smoothly and efficiently.
So, having a good design made by professional Bali architect is important since it ensures comfort, safety, and a healthy living space here. In this guide, we’ll break down the real Bali architect fee so you can plan your building project properly.
Key Takeaways
- Architect fees in Bali are usually based on either building type or total floor area, following Indonesian Architects Association (IAI) guidelines.
- Building complexity matters: simple houses, villas, and large projects (like hotels) fall into different categories with different percentage fees (around 8–12% of construction cost).
- Extra costs apply for authentic Balinese design, eco-friendly features, or smart home systems, which can increase fees by 5–15%.
- Standard architect services cover design and some site supervision, but specialized works (like MEP or detailed interior design) may cost more.
- Consulting an architect helps avoid hidden surprises.
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Cost of Architectural Services in Bali
In Indonesia, the cost of architectural services is generally set according to the guidelines of the Indonesian Architects Association (IAI). The architect’s service rate depends on two main factors: the total construction cost and the building type (1, 2, and 3) expected to be build.
What can you expect from an architect firm? Clients usually receive complete architectural services, starting with planning, continuing through development, and including periodic site monitoring.
Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Villa in Bali?
1. Bali Architectural Design Fees Based on Building Type
Most architects determine their fees by referring to the project’s construction budget plan. It’s also important to know the building category, as this will directly affect the applicable rate.
In Bali, Indonesia, there are at least 3 main building types:
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Low complexity | Single-story house, hostel, boarding house, workshop, warehouse, non multi-story building |
| Type 2 | Medium complexity | Villa, multi-story landed house, apartment, landed housing, restaurant, school, sports facilities, multifunction buildings |
| Type 3 | High complexity | Hotel, airport, museum, hospital, government facilities |
Here’s an example of the price range for each building type:
Type 1 Building:
- Building Floor Area: 200 sqm
- Swimming Pool: Standard (10 sqm)
- Price: Total Rp 51,502,000 (USD 3,077)
Type 2 Building:
- Building Floor Area: 200 sqm
- Swimming Pool: Standard (10 sqm)
- Price: Total Rp 131,502,000 (USD 7,857)
Type 3 Building:
- Building Floor Area: 200 sqm
- Swimming Pool: Standard (10 sqm)
- Price: Total Rp 141,502,000 (USD 8,454)
Note: The examples above are calculated using the architecture design fee calculator. The prices are estimated costs covering full-service architectural design, including architecture, structure, and MEP.
For the actual design fee, please contact us.
2. Bali Architectural Design Fees Based on Square Area
Another method is to calculate fees per square meter of the building. Architect service rates typically range from Rp 150 to Rp 800,000 (USD 0,0090 – USD 47,78) per m².
However, actual fees may be higher or lower than these standard rates. This often depends on the architect’s experience, skill level, and portfolio quality.
For example, if the building is classified as a private residence (category 3) with a budget plan of Rp 200 million, then the architect’s fee would be calculated as:
8% (architect rate for category 3) × Rp 200,000,000 = Rp 16,000,000.
Read More: Find Your Dream Architect for Your Bali Villa: A Simple Guide
The Cost of “True” Balinese Design
Looking for more than just a plain modern villa? Adding authentic Balinese elements, like the sanga mandala (a nine-chamber spatial layout) or a central courtyard (natah), requires specialized expertise.
Experts estimate this can add 5–10% to the architect’s fee due to the extra complexity and detailed planning involved.
Read More: Building Your Dream Villa in Bali? Get Design Inspiration with These 5 Easy Steps!
Bali Eco-Friendly and Smart Villas Design Fee
Villas with sustainable features such as reclaimed wood, bamboo structures, and solar power systems are increasingly popular.
While these can raise your initial Balinese architecture cost by 10–15%, they often deliver higher rental income and stronger returns in the long run.
The same applies to smart homes with automated lighting, security systems, and climate control (which is now a “must-have” in the luxury rental market).
What’s Included in an Architect Fee (And What’s Not)?
A standard Bali architect’s fee typically covers the main design stages: conceptual design, design development, and detailed construction drawings.
It usually includes some site supervision to ensure the builders follow the plan.
However, specialized drawings for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems or extensive interior design may come at an additional cost. Always clarify this upfront to avoid confusion.
Read More: Top 6 Bali Villa Design Styles 2025: Inspo for Your Dream Home
FAQ
1. Can you negotiate architect fees?
Some company may open for negotiation. However, if you lower the fees, the architect should also reduce their scope of work accordingly. It’s better to negotiate each stage based on what matters most to you.
2. What is a fixed fee for an architect?
A fixed fee is calculated as a percentage of the estimated construction cost, typically ranging from 8% to 12% for a complete architectural service.
3. How long does it take for an architect to draw up plans?
The timeline varies depending on the project, but for smaller residential works like renovations or extensions, it usually takes around 3 to 6 months.
Conclusion: Get Free Consultation with Our Award-Winning Bali Architect
There are different ways to calculate Bali architect fee, some are based on building type, while others depend on the total floor area. Since every villa has its own size, style, and unique features, design costs can vary.
That’s why it’s wise to consult with an architect before moving forward. This way, you’ll get a clear budget plan and avoid unexpected expenses or costly mistakes.
If you need guidance or simply want an initial chat, our team is here for you.
Our award-winning architecture team will help you with everything—from designing a villa that reflects your personal style and values, calculating costs that fit your budget, to creating a building plan that delivers the best returns.
Click the button below to claim your free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s make your dream villa a reality together.
