Architecture and engineering are indeed one of the most lucrative jobs all over the world.
Professionals in this industry often take home millions given the nature of work done and the rates charged for particular multi-million projects.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Nairobi-based architect Arnania Ogutu revealed that architects charge six per cent of the total project's cost.
Therefore, in the event a project is estimated to cost Ksh100 million, an architect could take home Ksh6 million for designing the building.
In cases where projects are undertaken by a firm, six per cent is paid to the firm while the architect behind the design is paid by the employer.
According to hourly rates approved by the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (BORAQS), architects with over 12 years of experience are paid Ksh20,000 per hour while those with 8 to 12 years are paid Ksh15,000.
On the other hand, those with 6 to 7 years of experience take home Ksh10,000 per hour, as those in the 4-5 years experience bracket take home 8,000 per hour.
Those with 1 to 3 years of experience are the least paid with their rates pegged at Ksh5,000 per hour.
These rates exclude travel costs, accommodation costs and taxes.
However, Ogutu noted that clients often negotiate the six per cent as developers seek to reduce the costs used in the construction process.
"In renovations, we charge 10 per cent because the work is less. However, given that there is competition, clients tend to negotiate the price" he stated.
On the other hand, engineers who are mostly involved in mega projects such as storey-building projects also make millions.
Some of the engineering services rendered in construction projects include civil, structural and engineering system services.
In Legal Notice 20 of 2022, it was detailed that structural engineers take the most in projects as they charge a minimum of 3.5 per cent and a maximum of 4.5 per cent of the total project.
Civil engineers on the other hand charge between 1 and 1.5 per cent. During renovation or alterations of existing buildings, the experts charge 1.25 per cent.
Therefore, in the case of the newly built Parliament Towers, which cost Ksh8 billion, a structural engineering firm involved in the project would earn a minimum of Ksh280 million.
Experts in the two fields credit the high charges to the intensive training that is done in the various sectors.
Architects in Kenya do take a two-tier degree programme that takes six years while engineering courses take a minimum of five years.
