The verdict in three sentences
For a Berlin architecture practice, a portfolio-led redesign costs 9,000 to 22,000 EUR excl. tax in 2026, with most of the budget going into visual quality and performance. An optimised WebP/AVIF gallery with an LCP under 2.5 s is non-negotiable: it is what holds the visitor and drives +40 % time on site. The trade-off is not design versus budget, but which level of brand image your positioning justifies.
Cost lines of a 2026 redesign
An architecture practice sells a point of view first: the site is an extension of the portfolio book. Photography and design therefore weigh more than on a classic B2B site.
| Line item | Share | Amount on 15,000 EUR excl. tax |
|---|---|---|
| Design / art direction | 30 % | 4,500 |
| Development / integration | 30 % | 4,500 |
| Project photo / video | 20 % | 3,000 |
| Content & SEO | 12 % | 1,800 |
| QA & go-live | 8 % | 1,200 |
Professional photography is the most underestimated line: a poorly shot project ruins a technically perfect gallery.
Performance: the targets to demand
An image-heavy portfolio must stay fast, including on mobile. Here are the 2026 targets to write into the brief.
| Metric | 2026 target | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| LCP | < 2.5 s | Visitor retention |
| Image format | WebP / AVIF | -60 to -80 % weight |
| CLS | < 0.1 | Reading comfort |
| Lighthouse score | > 90 | SEO + credibility |
| Time on site | +40 % | Project engagement |
Without these targets, a heavy gallery scares off the visitor before the first project even renders.
Mini case study
Helene, who runs a Berlin architecture practice (12 staff), redesigns her site for 16,000 EUR excl. tax with a photo shoot of 6 flagship projects. Before: LCP at 4.8 s, 55 % bounce, 1 min 10 average time. After: LCP at 2.1 s, bounce at 38 %, average time at 1 min 40 (+43 %). Over 12 months, qualified enquiries rise from 3 to 5 per month. A signed design commission averages 45,000 EUR in fees: a single extra project per year pays back the redesign nearly 3 times over.
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FAQ
Why does performance matter so much for a portfolio?
Because a visitor abandons a slow site within seconds. An LCP under 2.5 s and WebP/AVIF images ensure your projects render before the user leaves.
Should I fund a photo shoot?
Yes, it is the best return on investment for an architecture site. Professional visuals transform how the practice is perceived and are worth every euro.
How many projects should the gallery show?
Between 8 and 15 well-documented projects beat an exhaustive list. We select the references most aligned with the commissions you want to win.
Does the redesign improve my local SEO?
Yes: better performance, a clear structure and content by project type strengthen your visibility on searches like architect Berlin.
Can we add a virtual tour or video?
Yes, in the upper range. Site video or a 3D tour strongly boost engagement, as long as performance is not degraded.
Let's scope your project. Send us your current site, the number of projects to showcase and your indicative budget. 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.
