The verdict in three sentences
An architecture studio in Amsterdam whose portfolio shows a mobile LCP of 5 to 7 seconds is rated "poor" by Google, which sets the threshold at 2.5 s. If the site runs on a recent theme and the problem is mostly photos, an AVIF and lazy loading optimisation at EUR 1,200 to 2,500 excluding VAT is often enough to turn green. If the theme is heavy, loaded with plugins or sliders, a Next.js rebuild with Kolonell at EUR 3,050 to 5,340 costs more upfront but ends up cheaper per score point gained.
The three metrics and a typical architect portfolio
Google measures Core Web Vitals on real visits (CrUX report), at the 75th percentile. An architect's site often stacks all three issues: large uncompressed photos, galleries that shift while loading, slider scripts that block interactions.
| Metric | Google "good" threshold | Typical unoptimised portfolio | After image optimisation | After Next.js rebuild |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LCP (largest element render) | Under 2.5 s | 5 to 7 s | 2.6 to 3.5 s | 1.2 to 2.0 s |
| INP (interaction responsiveness) | Under 200 ms | 300 to 600 ms | 250 to 400 ms | 80 to 150 ms |
| CLS (visual stability) | Under 0.1 | 0.15 to 0.35 | 0.05 to 0.12 | 0 to 0.05 |
| Home page weight | Under 1.5 MB advised | 8 to 15 MB | 2 to 4 MB | 0.8 to 1.5 MB |
| PageSpeed mobile score | 90 and above | 25 to 45 | 55 to 75 | 90 to 98 |
These values are 2026 orders of magnitude seen on photo portfolios. Real gains depend on your hosting, the number of projects displayed and third-party scripts (chat, analytics, fonts).
Optimise or rebuild: cost per score point
Comparing quotes on the total alone is misleading. Bring each option back to PageSpeed points gained and the likelihood of passing all three thresholds.
| Option | 2026 budget excl. VAT | PageSpeed points gained (from 35) | Cost per point | All three thresholds passed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audit only, recommendations report | EUR 600 to 1,500 | 0, no implementation | Not applicable | No |
| AVIF images, lazy loading, caching | EUR 1,200 to 2,500 | 20 to 40 | EUR 45 to 85 | Rarely INP |
| Optimisation + plugin and slider removal | EUR 2,000 to 3,500 | 30 to 45 | EUR 55 to 90 | Sometimes |
| Kolonell Next.js rebuild | EUR 3,050 to 5,340 | 55 to 63 | EUR 50 to 85 | Yes, contractual target |
The first three rows are market prices seen among freelancers and agencies. Only the last row is Kolonell's offer, 2026 Premium grid of 2,000,000 to 3,500,000 FCFA. At a comparable cost per point, the rebuild leaves a comfortable margin under the thresholds, which protects the score as you add new projects.
Two signals point to a rebuild: an INP above 300 ms, which reveals excess JavaScript that image compression does not fix, and a theme not updated for more than two years. After launch, Standard maintenance costs 75,000 FCFA per month (about EUR 110) and includes a monthly Core Web Vitals check.
Mini case study
Pieter, partner in a 9-person architecture studio in Amsterdam, measures a 6.2 s mobile LCP and a PageSpeed score of 32. His site gets 1,400 visits a month, 70 % on mobile, and generates 5 project enquiries.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Option A, optimisation at EUR 1,900: expected score 65, INP still 320 ms, 33 points gained, EUR 58 per point. Option B, rebuild at EUR 4,400: expected score 94, 62 points gained, EUR 71 per point, with all three thresholds passed. If lower mobile bounce lifts enquiries from 5 to 7 a month and one project in five is signed at average fees of EUR 18,000, the 2 extra enquiries represent about EUR 7,200 in potential fees per month. The EUR 2,500 gap between options becomes secondary. This projection is a working assumption, not a guaranteed result.
FAQ
How much does a Core Web Vitals audit cost for an architect's site?
An audit alone costs EUR 600 to 1,500 excluding VAT on the 2026 market, without implementation. Most studios are better off asking directly for an optimisation or rebuild quote that includes the diagnosis.
Are high-definition photos incompatible with a good LCP?
No. In AVIF, a 2,400 pixel wide photo weighs 150 to 300 KB versus 2 to 5 MB as uncompressed JPEG, with no visible loss. Deferred loading of off-screen images does the rest.
How long before Google reflects the change?
The CrUX report aggregates 28 days of real visits. Allow 4 to 6 weeks after launch to see new values in Search Console.
Does a rebuild lose existing rankings?
Not if every old URL is 301 redirected to its new page. For a portfolio of 30 to 60 projects, redirect mapping takes half a day and is included.
Is monthly SEO needed after the fixes?
It is optional. To work on local searches like "architect Amsterdam", the SEO Essential plan starts at 100,000 FCFA per month, about EUR 150, details on the Kolonell SEO page.
Let's scope your project. Send us your site address: we measure your Core Web Vitals and price the optimisation or a Next.js rebuild between EUR 3,050 and 5,340, delivered in 4 to 7 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h via our quote form. 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.
