After completing the Schematic Design Phase, how much of the Professional Fee does the owner pay the Architect?

In a typical project, after the Schematic Design Phase, it is standard for the owner to pay the Architect approximately 15% of the total Professional Fee. This stage of the design process focuses on translating the project requirements into a coherent design concept, which includes preliminary plans, elevations, and possibly basic 3D representations. At this point, the Architect has substantially advanced the project by outlining the key elements and design intent, thus justifying the payment of a considerable portion of the fee.

The 15% payment serves to compensate the Architect for the significant work involved in this phase, including consultations, design iterations, and the development of essential project documentation that will serve as the foundation for further design refinements in subsequent phases. This structured payment approach helps to ensure that both parties remain committed to the project's progression and allows for financial planning on the part of the owner as well.