1. What every architect invoice must include

A compliant architect invoice has eight parts: your business name and contact info, a unique invoice number, issue date, payment due date, the customer's name and address, an itemized list of work, the total amount due, and accepted payment methods. If you're collecting sales tax, that line is required too.

2. Set your line items

Most architects structure invoices around these 4 categories:

Schematic design phase — billed by flat.
Construction documents phase — billed by flat.
Hourly — billed by hour at a ~$195 default.
Reimbursable expenses — billed by itemized.

3. Set payment terms

The standard for architects is Net 30 — payment due within 30 days of the invoice date. Most architects also require a 25% deposit upfront before starting work. Spell out late-fee terms (most states cap monthly late fees around 1.5%) and accepted payment methods on the invoice itself.

4. Licensing & legal disclosures

State licensure (NCARB) required to call yourself an architect or stamp drawings. AIA contracts (B101, etc.) are industry-standard.

5. Send and follow up

Send the invoice the same day work is completed (or upon milestone for larger projects). Use software that tracks opens and lets the customer pay by card or bank transfer in one click — the average architect-class invoice gets paid 2× faster when the customer can pay online without leaving their inbox.

Average invoice

$9,500

Standard terms

Net 30

Typical deposit

25%

BLS code

17-1011

State-by-state architect invoicing guides

State rules differ on sales tax, statutory late fees, and contractor disclosure requirements. Pick your state for a guide tuned to local law.

How to Invoice as a Architect: Step-by-Step Guide