The verdict in three sentences
A partner architect in Dakar targeting developers and diaspora clients should budget 900,000 to 2,200,000 FCFA (about 1,590 to 3,890 USD) for a premium showcase site in 2026. A 40-project portfolio with 3D tours and a turnkey villa page with a budget simulator turn the site into a sales tool, as long as pages stay under 1.5 MB on 4G networks. Realistic delivery is 4 to 6 weeks, photography included.
What drives the price of an architect's website
A client in Paris, Milan, Atlanta or Miami who wants to build in Ngor or Saly will not fly in before being convinced online. They want to see delivered projects, understand the steps, get a sense of the cost per square meter and reach the architect by WhatsApp or video call. The site must combine a filterable portfolio (villas, mid-rise buildings, offices, hospitality), project pages with before and after, and a simulator that gives an honest range. For comparison, a Miami design studio typically quotes 12,000 to 30,000 USD for a similar portfolio site.
| Item | 2026 range (FCFA excl. tax) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Custom design and 8 key pages | 400,000 to 850,000 | Editorial layout, refined typography |
| Filterable 40-project portfolio | 200,000 to 450,000 | Project pages, categories, search |
| 3D tour integration (Matterport or similar) | 100,000 to 300,000 | On-site 3D capture not included |
| Turnkey villa page + budget simulator | 150,000 to 400,000 | Area, finish level, district, range in FCFA and EUR |
| Image optimization and 4G performance | 50,000 to 200,000 | WebP and AVIF, lazy loading |
| Professional HDR photography | 250,000 | About 10 projects, 8 shots each |
| Monthly maintenance | 35,000 to 60,000 / month | Backups, new projects added |
Image weight, the real technical challenge
An unoptimized architecture portfolio easily exceeds 12 MB per page, which means over 20 seconds of loading on average Dakar 4G and real data cost for the visitor. The 1.5 MB target is achievable with modern formats, sizes adapted to each screen and 3D tours loaded only on click.
| Metric | Unoptimized site | Optimized site (2026 target) |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio page weight | 12 to 18 MB | under 1.5 MB |
| Photo format | 4,000 px JPEG | WebP and AVIF, 3 sizes |
| Display time on 4G | 15 to 25 s | under 3 s |
| 3D tours | Loaded by default | Loaded on click |
| Mobile Lighthouse score | 25 to 45 | 90 and above |
| Estimated bounce rate | 65 to 75% | 35 to 45% |
Mini case study
Ousmane Ndiaye, partner in a 6-person studio in the Almadies, invests 1,600,000 FCFA in the site and 250,000 FCFA in HDR photos, 1,850,000 FCFA in total (about 3,270 USD). The simulator generates an average of 12 qualified requests per month, 70% of them from the diaspora. Within six months he signs a design engagement for a 350 m² villa, with 8% fees on a 140,000,000 FCFA construction budget, or 11,200,000 FCFA. One engagement repays the site six times over, as a 2026 order of magnitude.
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FAQ
How much does a simple architect website cost in Dakar?
A 5-page site with a 10-project gallery starts around 500,000 FCFA (885 USD). For a 40-project portfolio, 3D tours and a simulator, budget 900,000 to 2,200,000 FCFA.
Won't the budget simulator scare clients away?
It gives a range, for example 350,000 to 550,000 FCFA per m² depending on finish level, and invites a conversation. Diaspora clients value this transparency, which cuts unproductive meetings by about 30%.
Should prices be shown in euros or dollars?
Yes, showing FCFA alongside EUR or USD reassures clients abroad. The FCFA is pegged to the euro (1 EUR = 655.957 FCFA), so the EUR figure carries no currency risk.
How much do 3D tours cost?
Capturing a delivered project costs 75,000 to 200,000 FCFA depending on area, plus the platform subscription. Integration into the site is included in the 3D portfolio line.
Let's scope your project. A 40-project portfolio, 3D tours and a budget simulator: we price your site between 900,000 and 2,200,000 FCFA, delivered in 4 to 6 weeks. 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.
