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The Art of Estimating Fees: Unlocking Profitable Projects for Your AE Firm

Master proven pricing strategies to eliminate guesswork, prevent scope creep, and confidently secure high-margin contracts for your architecture and engineering firm.

Created byDouglas Teiger
All LevelsUpdated May 13, 2026

What You'll Learn

  • check_circleIdentify key factors involved in defining project scope and estimating project fees.
  • check_circleDevelop Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) construction cost estimates and project hour projections.
  • check_circleExplain common fee structures used in architecture and engineering projects.
  • check_circleApply practical strategies to improve project profitability and support stronger financial decision-making.

About This Course

Ready to master the art of fee estimation and better understand its impact on your firm’s bottom line? Join Douglas Teiger for a practical session that begins at the earliest stage of a project—when a request for proposal first arrives. This comprehensive course explores how to define project scope, develop a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for construction costs, and estimate project hours with greater confidence and accuracy.

The session concludes with a detailed look at how fees are structured and introduces a simplified system for improving overall project profitability. By the end of the program, participants will have practical tools and financial insights to make stronger business decisions and support the long-term success of their architecture and engineering firms.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
  • Project Scope and Preventing Scope Creep
  • Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)
  • Separating Construction Administration (CA)
  • Fee Breakdown Per Phase
  • Permit Set vs. Builder Set Definition
  • Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Fee Generation
  • Managing Bidding Phase Revenue
  • Internal Contract Contingency and Budgeting
  • Blended Bill Rates and Staff Hours Allocation
  • Milestone Tracking and Mid-Phase Reviews
  • Collaborative Staffing and Team Mentorship
  • Emotional Intelligence in Phrasing and Communication
  • Designing Your Business as a Project

Course Content

2 activities • 1 videos • duration: 1h 4m

  • videocamThe Art of Estimating Fees: Unlocking Profitable Projects for Your AE Firm
    Duration 64:24

Your Instructor

Douglas Teiger

Founder at Teiger Consulting

menu_book1 courses
star7 reviews

With over 40 years in practice, Douglas has a wide range of experience. He started working for other firms after graduating in 1982 which led him to open his own firm in 1989. In 1999, Douglas formed a partnership, Abramson Teiger Architects (ATA), lasting 20 years and grew a 6 person firm into a 32 person firm. As managing partner, Douglas’ ability to effectively streamline the operations allowed for more time to be spent on design and project research – a major factor in the consistent high level of design associated with ATA. Douglas’s mission is to mentor young firms in order to accelerate their growth. Using his expertise, he acts as a sounding board for young principals as well as a guide through all aspects of a practice including Strategic Planning, Operations, Human Resources, Marketing and Business Development. His life coaching skills facilitate a work/life balance as an important part of a successful practice.

Credit Information

Professional development requirements vary by profession, country, and regulatory body. Before enrolling, review the course details and confirm that the content, learning format, and any listed credits meet your specific requirements. You are responsible for confirming eligibility with your regulator or professional association and keeping the records required for reporting.

What Students Are Saying

5.0 out of 5
Student's Choice
7 reviews
  • AM
    Alan M.
    starstarstarstarstar

    Very insight way to structure the fees for an architectural business. Thank you!

  • JR
    Jim R.
    starstarstarstarstar

    Was helpful in many aspects but lacked reference to the UK market and the Plan of Workk

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 300+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 27 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.

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