The verdict in three sentences
For an architecture firm in Amsterdam, a portfolio showcase site costs in 2026 between 5,500 and 12,000 EUR excl. VAT, depending on whether it's simple or immersive (parallax, filters, transitions). The technical challenge isn't design, it's performance under heavy image load: an LCP < 2.5 s target despite high-definition visuals. A headless CMS lets the firm add its own projects with no development fee for each new build.
Simple or immersive portfolio?
An architecture firm stands out by how it stages its projects. Two ambition levels exist, with very different budgets.
| Criterion | Simple portfolio | Immersive portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| Budget excl. VAT | 5,500 - 7,500 EUR | 8,500 - 12,000 EUR |
| Animations | Light | Parallax, transitions |
| Project filters | Basic | Multi-criteria |
| Galleries | Standard grid | Full-screen immersive |
| Timeline | 5 wks | 8 wks |
| Project CMS | Included | Included |
An immersive portfolio is justified for a firm targeting competitions or high-end clients: the visual experience becomes a sales argument. For a local firm, a simple but polished portfolio is more than enough.
The cost of visual performance
An architect's site carries dozens of heavy images. Without optimisation, it's slow and loses visitors. Here are the technical line items to budget in 2026.
| Technical item | Budget excl. VAT | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| WebP/AVIF optimisation | 800 - 1,500 EUR | -60% image weight |
| Lazy loading + CDN | 600 - 1,200 EUR | LCP < 2.5 s |
| Headless CMS (projects) | 1,500 - 3,000 EUR | Editing autonomy |
| Cost per project page | 150 - 300 EUR/project | Depending on complexity |
| Annual maintenance | 1,000 - 2,000 EUR/yr | Security, updates |
The Core Web Vitals LCP < 2.5 s target is achievable even with heavy galleries thanks to WebP/AVIF and lazy loading. That's what separates a fast beautiful site from a beautiful site nobody waits for.
Mini case study
Ms. Laurent, partner at an architecture firm in Amsterdam (8 staff), invests 9,000 EUR excl. VAT in an immersive portfolio with a headless CMS. Before, each new project to publish cost 250 EUR of external development; with 15 projects published per year, that was 3,750 EUR/year. With the CMS, she publishes herself in 30 minutes per project. Saving: 3,750 EUR/year in development, plus a site twice as fast that cuts bounce rate. The immersive premium (around 2,000 EUR) pays back in under seven months.
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FAQ
Why does an architect's site cost more than a standard showcase?
Because performance under heavy image load demands specific technical work (WebP/AVIF, lazy loading, CDN) and often custom animations. This foundation adds 2,000 to 4,000 EUR.
What is LCP < 2.5 s and why does it matter?
LCP measures how long the largest visual element takes to appear. Under 2.5 s, Google and visitors judge the site fast; beyond that, you lose traffic and rankings.
Is a headless CMS really useful?
Yes for a firm that publishes regularly: you add projects without a developer, saving 150 to 300 EUR per build.
How much does adding a new project cost?
With a CMS, only your time (around 30 minutes). Without a CMS, expect 150 to 300 EUR of development per project page.
How long to deliver the site?
Around 5 weeks for a simple portfolio, 8 weeks for an immersive one. Selecting and retouching photos on the firm's side is often the longest step.
Let's scope your project. Tell us how many projects you want to showcase, whether you're after an immersive feel and your indicative budget: we'll cost a simple or immersive portfolio with CMS. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
