Hiring an architect does not need to be complex. These service tiers are transparent entry points to working together. Studio Ausgang uses a “retainer fee” to launch a project. Services begin with a retainer, or deposit, to secure design services. The retainer is applied toward time spent on your project. Work is billed hourly and deducted from the retainer until it’s used, after which monthly billing continues at an hourly rate agreed upon prior to the project launch.