The verdict in three sentences
An architecture studio in Toronto invests 8,000 to 18,000 EUR (about 8,500-19,000 USD) in 2026 for a high-end portfolio site, including 3,200 EUR for an optimized full-screen image gallery. The real decision isn't the sticker price but the trade-off between Framer/Webflow (25-40 EUR/month) and a custom Next.js build: over three years, the gap narrows more than you'd expect. What sells a studio is image loading speed and full-screen rendering, not the number of pages.
What an architect's portfolio costs in 2026
An architect's site is first a visual experience. Every item serves project showcasing and turning a prospect into a meeting.
| Item | 2026 range (EUR) | What it brings |
|---|---|---|
| Custom core site | 8,000 - 18,000 | Signature design, performance |
| Optimized project gallery | 3,200 | Heavy images served fast |
| Full-screen + lazy loading | included / 1,500 | Immersion, no load time |
| Detailed project page (per batch) | 2,000 | Client-side storytelling |
| Qualified contact form | 900 | Filter serious inquiries |
| Media hosting | 50 EUR/month | Serve HD visuals without lag |
A studio aiming for visual excellence plans a 12,000 EUR core plus an optimized gallery (3,200 EUR), i.e. 15,200 EUR, deliverable in 7 to 8 weeks.
Framer/Webflow or custom Next.js: the real 3-year math
Many studios hesitate between a subscription no-code tool and a custom build. Here is the compared total cost of ownership.
| Criterion | Framer/Webflow | Custom Next.js |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 3,000 - 6,000 EUR (design) | 12,000 - 18,000 EUR |
| Platform subscription | 25 - 40 EUR/month | 0 (50 EUR/month hosting) |
| 3-year cost (subscription) | 900 - 1,440 EUR | 1,800 EUR hosting |
| HD image performance | Good, capped | Optimal, tailored |
| Code ownership | No (lock-in) | Yes, exportable |
| 3-year total (ballpark) | 4,000 - 7,500 EUR | 14,000 - 20,000 EUR |
No-code stays relevant for a small studio starting out. As soon as the portfolio becomes your number-one commercial asset and performance on heavy visuals matters, a custom Next.js build is justified by total control of rendering and no lock-in.
Mini case study
Camille, partner architect at a 6-person studio in Toronto, was getting 4 project inquiries a month via a Webflow site at 35 EUR/month. The site loaded her HD visuals in 4 seconds, and 40% of visitors left before that. She moves to a custom site at 15,200 EUR with an optimized gallery: load time cut to 1.2 seconds, bounce rate halved. Inquiries rise to 6 a month, i.e. +2 qualified projects. With a 25% conversion rate and a 22,000 EUR average engagement, that is +6 projects/year, i.e. 132,000 EUR of potential revenue. The cost gap with no-code is absorbed by the first project won.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
Why does an architect's site cost more than a classic brochure site?
Because the image is the product: optimized gallery, full screen, lazy loading and polished project pages. The core starts at 8,000 EUR versus 2,500 EUR for a simple site, because visual performance is non-negotiable.
Is Webflow enough for a starting studio?
Yes, to begin: 3,000 to 6,000 EUR of design plus 25-40 EUR/month. Custom becomes worth it when the portfolio is your first salesperson and the display speed of heavy visuals makes the difference.
How much does hosting HD visuals cost?
Expect around 50 EUR/month to serve high-definition images without slowdown, via a CDN. It's the item that guarantees a sub-1.5-second load even with heavy visuals.
How long until the site is delivered?
Around 7 to 8 weeks for a custom core with an optimized gallery. Selecting and calibrating your project visuals is the step that shapes the final result.
Is custom Next.js really more performant?
Yes on heavy visuals: native image optimization, deferred loading and full-screen rendering tailored to your design. In our example, load time drops from 4 s to 1.2 s, halving the bounce rate.
Let's scope your project. Tell us how many projects to feature in the gallery, your no-code or custom preference and your indicative budget: we'll scope the portfolio that converts. 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.
