Which payment is due immediately after completing the Schematic Design Phase?

The correct answer indicates that 15% of the professional fee is due immediately after finishing the Schematic Design Phase. This phase is a critical stage in the architectural design process, where fundamental design concepts are established, and initial layouts and aesthetics are developed.

At this juncture, it is standard practice to require a percentage of the total professional fee as a form of compensation for the work completed. This payment structure aligns with industry standards, which often include specific milestones associated with project phases. By establishing that 15% is due at the end of the Schematic Design Phase, it reflects a balance between rewarding the architect's initial design efforts and maintaining a progressive payment schedule that corresponds to the project’s advancement.

Understanding this payment structure is essential for both clients and architects as it promotes transparency and outlines financial expectations as the work proceeds through the various phases of the design and construction process.