10% is actually the rule of thumb number that I have heard used for years. Of that 10%, about 60% typically goes to construction docs and the other 40 goes to the earlier phases of the job. Pre-design, if any, is often done hourly. None of this is set in stone anywhere and it will vary depending on the designer's experience and overhead, the complexity and size of the job, etc. There is certainly nothing alarming or unreasonable about asking 10%, and in design, as in most things, you generally get what you pay for.

What did you end up doing?

Thanks for responding. We're in Auckland, New Zealand and close to the sea. Outdoor living is quite important but it does get chilly in winter so it's a balance. There are three adults and two young children in the household (one of the adults is an Au Pair who likes to spend time in her own room in the evenings). The kids will watch their cartoons generally in the morning and a bit before dinner. Then in the evening my husband and I will relax and watch TV. Right now the kids' toys are in the family room downstairs. We are foodies and like cooking. Generally when guests come over we all hang out in our small kitchen at the moment. The dining table we use for every meal time. We also like the idea of being able to get to the deck from the kitchen, rather than having to carry food in summer through the lounge/dining. The entry way is that big in order to reduce on the structural work but also in order to ensure that the door to the staircase is not in the lounge.

Hope someone can help me. We have a new living area that is 18' x 12' which is a great size. However we have one 12' wall for fireplace/hearth/shelves, one 12' wall with sliding doors, one 18' wall with picture windows and view and the last 18' is open onto the entrance and off to the side open plan area. Not sure what furniture to buy and how to place it. Anyone have any wonderful ideas? Contemporary style, but looking for cozy/comfortable feel. Thanks, my email is janepoulston@gmail.com