Architecture, answered — from the fee question to the last inspection.
86 answered questions across 15 categories: architect fees, house construction costs, approvals, interiors, materials, publishing, events, careers and sustainability. Every answer links to the directory, tools or editorial it belongs with.
Last reviewed 2026-10-31 · India guidance, with notes where practice differs by country
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86 questionsStart here
Architecture & Practice
What architects do, how the profession is organised in India, and how to engage a practice with confidence.
High intent
Professional Fees
How architects charge, what is included, what is billed separately, and how to compare quotations fairly.
For students
Education & Careers
Becoming an architect in India, choosing a course, building a portfolio and finding a first role.
Recognition
Awards & Competitions
Why awards matter, how entries are judged, and how to submit work to GRAVITAS and other programmes.
High intent
House Construction
Costs, stages, approvals and site decisions for anyone building an independent house in India.
High intent
Interior Design
Interior scope, costs, materials and execution — what to decide before work starts and how to avoid rework.
Beyond the architect
Consultants & Specialist Services
Structural, MEP, quantity surveying, project management and other consultants a project may need.
For developers
Real Estate & Developers
Development potential, approvals, RERA and how architecture meets property economics.
For manufacturers
Brands & Materials
How building-material brands reach architects and specifiers, list products and generate qualified enquiries.
Publishing
Architectural Media
Getting work published, editorial versus paid coverage, and how media partnerships work.
Visual craft
Photography & Visualisation
Architectural photography, renders and walkthroughs — commissioning, rights and publication standards.
Industry calendar
Events & Networking
Biennales, design weeks, expos and conferences — how to attend, exhibit, speak or partner.
Climate
Sustainability & Green Building
Passive design, ratings and material choices — how sustainability is actually delivered on a project.
Regulation
Approvals & Compliance
Building permits, statutory drawings and the approvals a project must clear before and during construction.
Getting started
Using the Platform
How practices, brands, students and owners use the platform — profiles, submissions, awards and enquiries.
Most-asked questions
Start hereArchitecture & Practice
What is architecture?
Architecture is the design of buildings and spaces — structure, light, material and use resolved together into something buildable.
Architecture & Practice
What is the difference between architecture and interior design?
Architecture shapes the building envelope and structure; interior design shapes the spaces, finishes and furniture inside it.
Architecture & Practice
How do I find the right architect for my project?
Compare built work, not renders; confirm registration and scope in writing; and meet the person who will actually run your project.
Professional Fees
How much does an architect charge in India?
There is no single national rate: fees are usually a percentage of construction cost, a per-square-foot rate, or a lump sum agreed to a defined scope.
Professional Fees
What is included in an architect’s fee?
Usually design development, approval drawings and working drawings; site supervision, 3D views and interiors are often separate.
Professional Fees
How should architect fees be paid?
Tie payments to deliverables — concept, approvals, working drawings, site stages — with a modest advance and a retention at completion.
Education & Careers
How do I become an architect in India?
Complete a Council of Architecture–approved five-year B.Arch, then register with the Council to practise as an architect.
Awards & Competitions
What is GRAVITAS?
GRAVITAS is the Architects In India design award programme, covering architecture, interiors, material innovation and spatial photography.
House Construction
How much does it cost to build a house in India?
Construction is priced per square foot of built-up area, and the rate depends far more on specification and city than on the plan.
House Construction
What approvals do I need before and after building a house?
A sanctioned building plan before starting, and an occupancy or completion certificate once the house is finished.