How much does an interior architect cost in Athens?

A realistic analysis of costs, pricing models, and value for those seeking quality design without surprises.

The question "how much does an interior architect cost" is perhaps the most frequent search for anyone considering upgrading their residence or professional space. And yet, it is the question that is rarely answered honestly. Most online guides provide vague price ranges without explaining exactly what each amount includes, what the difference is between the professionals who charge them, and why two quotes for the same space can differ by thousands of euros.

In this article, we will clearly explain what one pays for when hiring an interior architect in Athens, which factors shape the price, and why this fee constitutes an investment with a measurable return.

Interior Architect and Decorator: A Crucial Distinction

Before discussing costs, we must clarify a confusion prevalent in the Greek market: the terms "interior architect" and "decorator" are not synonymous. The difference is not merely semantic; it is substantial and legal, directly affecting both the quality of the result and the cost.

An interior architect is a graduate engineer with five years of university studies, a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), with the right to sign architectural studies. Their education covers statics, structural physics, ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, building construction, fire safety, mechanical and electrical installations, as well as aesthetic composition. They can legally design layouts requiring wall modifications, new electrical or plumbing lines, detailed construction drawings, and undertake full project supervision.

A decorator may have studies from a TEI (four-year), a private school (two or three-year), or no formal education at all, as the profession is not legally protected in Greece. Their work focuses primarily on the aesthetic proposal: selection of colors, fabrics, furniture, lighting fixtures, and decorative objects.

The practical significance of this distinction is as follows: when a project requires structural interventions (demolishing or building walls, new frames, floor replacement, electrical redistribution), the study and supervision can legally only be carried out by an engineer. If an apartment in Athens needs a radical renovation, the interior architect is the only one who can comprehensively handle both the concept and the technical implementation.

How Interior Design Services are Priced

In Greece, since March 2, 2011, engineering fees are no longer subject to minimum mandatory limits. Law 3919/2011 (GG 32/A) abolished the minimum fees provided for by PD 696/1974 (GG 301/A) and converted TEE reference prices into "legal" fees without a binding character. This means the price is determined freely, based on the agreement between the engineer and the client.

In practice, interior architecture studios use four basic pricing models, each with its own advantages.

Hourly Rate. Usually applied to consulting services or limited-scope projects. In the Greek market, the hourly fee for an interior architect ranges indicatively from €50 to €150 and above, depending on experience, specialization, and location. This model offers transparency for small projects but makes it difficult to predict the total cost for large-scale works.

Percentage of the Budget. This is the most common pricing method for complete design and implementation projects. The architect's fee is calculated as a percentage of the total construction budget (materials, labor, furniture, equipment). In the Greek market, this percentage typically ranges between 10% and 20% for full service, while for partial supervision, it ranges between 5% and 10%. In premium firms with specialized design and bespoke constructions, the percentage may be higher, reflecting greater depth of study, technical complexity, and quality control.

Fixed Fee. Applied to projects with a clearly defined scope of work. The architect offers a fixed price for specific deliverables, such as architectural floor plans, 3D photorealistic renderings, construction drawings, or lists of materials and specifications. In the Greek market, indicatively, a fixed fee for the study of a single room (e.g., living room or bedroom) can start from €300 and exceed €1,000, while for an entire residence, it can range from €1,000 to €3,000 and above, depending on size and complexity.

Service Price List. Some firms publish detailed price lists for standardized services: consultation visits, mood boards, concept proposals, technical drawings, 3D renders, shopping lists. This model is aimed at clients who need specific deliverables without a full management package.

Factors Influencing the Final Price

The cost of an interior architecture project in Athens is not determined solely by square footage. Seven factors shape the final bill.

Use and Type of Space. Designing a residence has different requirements than those of a restaurant, a hotel, or a medical clinic. Each use is subject to different regulations (fire safety, health specifications, ADA compliance), thus the complexity of the study increases accordingly.

Existing Condition. A space that only needs an aesthetic upgrade (change of colors, furniture, lighting) costs less than a radical renovation involving demolitions, new electrical and plumbing installations, floors, frames, and custom constructions. The architectural survey of an existing space also adds cost, especially when plans do not exist or do not reflect reality.

Size. Larger spaces cost more in absolute terms, but usually less per square meter due to economies of scale in design and material procurement.

Quality of Materials and Construction. The choice between standardized industrial products and bespoke constructions (specifically designed furniture, custom carpentry, imported materials) can radically change the budget. A custom-designed wall-to-wall library, for example, costs multiple times more than a ready-made shelf but offers personalized functionality, aesthetic integration, and long-term durability.

Scope of Services. A consultation visit with general directions costs a fraction compared to a full package including concept design, architectural study, 3D visualizations, construction drawings, material selection, project management, and site supervision.

Geographical Area. Athens has a higher cost of labor and materials compared to smaller cities. At the same time, the construction cost index continues to rise: according to ELSTAT data, the general price index for new residential building construction costs increased by 2.8% in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025 (ELSTAT, Press Release, Q1 2026).

Experience and Reputation of the Firm. A studio with a portfolio of significant works, specialization in specific typologies (high-end residences, hospitality, commercial spaces), and proven ability in project management, prices accordingly. This is not arbitrary overpricing: experience translates into fewer mistakes, better schedule management, access to reliable crews and suppliers, and ultimately lower actual cost for the client.

Indicative Cost Ranges in Athens (2026)

The following figures refer to total project cost (architect's fee + materials + labor + furniture); they do not refer solely to the design fee. These are indicative ranges based on 2025/2026 market data. Prices do not include VAT.

In economy budget projects, the total cost ranges between €500 and €800 per square meter. This range includes projects with standardized materials, furniture from major chains, simple layouts without significant structural interventions, and limited custom constructions.

In mid-range budget projects, the range is between €800 and €1,500 per square meter. This includes a full architectural study, medium to high-quality materials and furniture, some custom constructions, and professional supervision.

In high-budget projects (premium/luxury), cost starts from €1,500 per square meter and has no upper limit. This category includes a full architectural study with bespoke constructions, imported or selected materials, designer furniture, comprehensive project management, and strict quality control at every stage.

It is important to emphasize that these figures are wide ranges. Two 100 sq.m. projects in the same area of Athens can have radically different costs depending on interventions, material choices, and deliverables. The only reliable price is the one resulting from a detailed quote after understanding the specific project.

The Fee as an Investment: What the Data Shows

The fee of an interior architect is not a disappearing expense. It is a measurable investment with documented returns.

According to the Zonda Cost vs. Value Report 2025, a small-scale kitchen renovation yields a 113% ROI on resale value, meaning the owner recovers more money than they spent (Zonda Media, 2025 Cost vs. Value Report). Similarly, a mid-scale bathroom renovation yields approximately 80% ROI (Zonda Media, 2025 Cost vs. Value Report). The National Association of Realtors (NAR) in its 2024 publication recorded that even an interior painting project, if done with the right choice of colors and finishes, can yield a 107% ROI (National Association of Realtors, 2024 Remodeling Impact Report).

These data points come from the American real estate market, which possesses more extensive statistical documentation compared to the Greek market. However, the fundamental principle applies regardless of the market: quality design increases both the functional value of a property (better ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, flow) and its commercial value (faster sale, higher price, premium rental potential).

Beyond resale value, there is a less visible but equally important gain: the avoidance of costly mistakes. Incorrect layout, unsuitable materials, poor electrical design, or aesthetically incompatible choices lead to correction costs that often far exceed the architect's fee.

Why the Right Question is not "How Much," but "What is Included"

Two quotes for the same amount can include radically different things. Before comparing prices, ensure that each quote answers the following questions.

Does it include an architectural survey of the existing space, or does it assume plans exist? Does it include a layout proposal (space planning) or only an aesthetic proposal? Does it provide construction drawings for the contractors, or only conceptual designs? Does it offer 3D photorealistic renderings so the client can see the result before construction begins? Does it include detailed material selection and construction details, or general directions? Does it provide for site supervision, project management, and quality control? Does it cover coordination between crews, suppliers, and scheduling?

The answer to these questions radically changes the value of a quote. A seemingly economical proposal that does not include construction drawings and supervision can prove much more expensive in the end if contractors work without clear instructions.

The MOVA Approach

At MOVA, we design interior spaces with a philosophy that unifies four principles: Motion, Order, Vision, Architecture. Each project is treated as a unique design problem, not as the application of standardized solutions.

Our service covers the entire spectrum, from initial concept (concept design) to final "turn-key" delivery: interior architectural studies, bespoke constructions and furniture, 3D photorealistic visualizations, detailed construction drawings, design strategy, and full project management. We work with offices in Athens, Thessaloniki, and London, serving residential, hospitality, commercial, and office projects.

Every project is unique, which is why we do not publish a standardized price list. The price depends on the scope of work, the specific characteristics of the space, material specifications, and the design strategy to be developed.

If you are planning a project in Athens and want a detailed, customized quote, contact us.

[Contact us →](https://thisismova.gr/contact)

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Sources and References

1. PD 696/1974, "On engineering fees for study preparation, supervision, acceptance etc. of Transportation, Hydraulic and Building Works" (GG 301/A/08.10.1974).

2. Law 3919/2011, "Principle of professional liberty, abolition of unjustified restrictions on access to and exercise of professions" (GG 32/A/02.03.2011), Article 7 §1a.

3. Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Press Release, "Price Index for New Residential Building Construction Categories: Q1 2026", Athens, April 2026.

4. Zonda Media, 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, Joint Project with the National Association of Realtors, Hanley Wood Media, 2025.

5. National Association of Realtors (NAR), 2024 Remodeling Impact Report, National Association of Realtors Research Group, Washington D.C., 2024.

6. Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), "Circular regarding fees for studies and other engineering services related to building works", Athens.