Are My Architects’ Fees Too Low?

I continue my focus on small practices in the UK….

This week, I sit down with Dale Whitfield, founder of Fields of Architecture for a candid, practical and empowering conversation on one of the biggest challenges architects face — FEES 💸

In This Episode:

- Why so many architects undervalue themselves

- The danger of “race to the bottom” pricing

- Practical steps to recalibrate your fees

- What happens when you charge what you’re really worth

Dale brings honesty, experience and a fresh perspective to the table, this episode is essential listening for any architect trying to run a sustainable practice without selling themselves short.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hahn Plastics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design.

Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects.

Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

In Part 2 of this two-part series, you will hear from thought-provoking ⁠John Kellett ⁠⁠, an ARB-registered, RIBA Chartered Architect, and founder of ⁠KR.eativ: Architects Ltd⁠. Based in Northamptonshire, John has built his career designing sustainable, functional, and beautiful spaces across healthcare, heritage, residential, and hospitality sectors.

His work combines modern construction methods with advanced BIM tools, underpinned by a passion for solving complex design challenges.

John continues to discuss how he is often without work and yet is ready and willing to design any building type and has the skills and computing power to deliver projects such as hospitals, but he can't get the insurance cover to do this! We discuss many topics which currently have a real impact on the profession.

From his childhood fascination with buildings to his insights on the failures of design-and-build contracts, building safety legislation, and the undervaluing of architects, this conversation pulls no punches.

In This Episode:

✅ The current education system ✅ Where Grenfell went wrong ✅ The role of Principal Designer and who is best to do this role ✅ How the media misrepresents architects in the press as murderers in the UK ✅ Protection of Title and Function ✅ Are Non architects' mistakes driving up PII? ✅ Big City architects stealing the work of provincial architects

Key Quote:🗨️ "I will never retire, I'm a fu*cking architect, it's who I am"

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hahn Plastics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design.

Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects.

Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.

In Part 1 of this two-part series you will hear from thought-provoking John Kellett ⁠, an ARB-registered, RIBA Chartered Architect, and founder of KR.eativ: Architects Ltd. Based in Northamptonshire, John has built his career designing sustainable, functional, and beautiful spaces across healthcare, heritage, residential, and hospitality sectors.

His work combines modern construction methods with advanced BIM tools, underpinned by a passion for solving complex design challenges.

John opens up about his journey through architecture, his neurodivergent perspective, and his bold views on how the profession and the regulation around it must evolve to meet today’s challenges.

From his childhood fascination with buildings to his insights on the failures of design-and-build contracts, building safety legislation, and the undervaluing of architects, this conversation pulls no punches.

In This Episode:

✅ John's early influences: how childhood trips to Portmeirion sparked his architectural eye
✅ The difference between Autism and Asperger’s in the workplace and how neurodiversity can strengthen architecture
✅ The case for 'slow architecture' and how attention to detail is being sidelined in today’s property world
✅ How an unconventional school project tracking Soviet satellites helped John gain entry to Bath University
✅ Why architectural education still suffers from stylistic and software biases
✅ The hidden dangers of novated design-and-build contracts
✅ A scathing critique of councils outsourcing architecture—and how it leads to poor public buildings

Key Quote:
🗨️ "Style is just fashion. Architecture needs objective beauty, proportion, space, and light."

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hahn Plastics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, makers of Hanit – the innovative material reshaping the future of construction and design.

Manufactured from 100% recycled consumer plastic waste and with unmatched durability, Hanit is the sustainable solution for tomorrow's projects.

Want to discover how Hanit can transform your designs while reducing environmental impact? Book a CPD presentation today and let’s shape a greener future together at info@hahnplastics.co.uk.