The verdict in three sentences
A reskin (new theme, minor tweaks) costs 2,500 to 4,500 EUR but changes neither structure nor performance; a premium, portfolio-first redesign costs 6,500 to 18,000 EUR and transforms how clients perceive your firm. For an architecture practice, the portfolio is the number-one sales asset: large imagery, controlled load times, project storytelling matter more than page count. Below 6,500 EUR you get a dressed-up template; above it, bespoke work that truly sets you apart.
The four cost drivers of a premium redesign
The budget splits across four line items. The percentages below reflect a typical 12,000 EUR project in 2026.
| Line item | Share | Amount (on 12,000 EUR) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| UX / UI design | 35% | 4,200 EUR | Art direction, mockups, component system |
| Front-end development | 30% | 3,600 EUR | Integration, animations, responsive, CMS |
| Content & photography | 20% | 2,400 EUR | Project shoots, copy, image optimisation |
| SEO & performance | 15% | 1,800 EUR | Core Web Vitals, structure, local SEO Berlin |
UX/UI is the largest item because it separates a high-end firm from a generic competitor. Skimping on photography is the most common mistake: amateur visuals ruin a 4,200 EUR design.
2026 ranges by ambition level
| Level | Price (excl. VAT) | Timeline | Pages | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reskin | 2,500 - 4,500 EUR | 3-4 wks | Existing | Firm happy with its structure |
| Standard redesign | 6,500 - 10,000 EUR | 6-8 wks | 8-12 | Growing firm |
| Premium redesign | 10,000 - 14,000 EUR | 8-12 wks | 12-18 | Firm moving upmarket |
| Signature bespoke | 14,000 - 18,000 EUR | 10-14 wks | 15-25 | Reference architecture practice |
On top come maintenance (90 to 250 EUR/month) — updates, security, backups, small evolutions — and EU hosting (GDPR) at 15 to 40 EUR/month depending on traffic and performance needs.
Mini case study
Julien, managing partner of a 9-person architecture firm in Berlin, keeps losing private tenders because his site dates from 2018. He picks a premium redesign at 12,000 EUR with a shoot of 6 flagship projects and maintenance at 150 EUR/month. His average project fee is 45,000 EUR. If the new site helps him win one extra project per year, the return is 45,000 / 12,000 = 3.75x in the first year, maintenance included (1,800 EUR/year). Break-even is reached the moment he converts a single prospect he would previously have lost.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
How long does a premium redesign take?
Expect 8 to 12 weeks in 2026, including 2 to 3 weeks of design and 1 week of photography. Timelines depend mostly on how quickly you approve mockups and supply project content.
Can we keep our domain and search rankings?
Yes. A 301 redirect plan preserves earned SEO. Done well, traffic holds then grows thanks to Core Web Vitals gains, often +15 to +30% in speed.
Premium template or bespoke: what's the real difference?
A dressed template costs 6,500-9,000 EUR but you look like other firms. Bespoke (12,000 EUR+) creates a unique identity and animations tuned to your architectural voice.
Do we really need to budget for professional photography?
Yes — it's 20% of the budget but 80% of the impact. An architecture firm sells through imagery: a 6-8 project shoot costs 1,500 to 2,800 EUR and pays back everything else.
What maintenance budget should we plan after launch?
From 90 to 250 EUR/month depending on the evolutions you want, plus EU hosting. That covers security, backups and regular addition of new projects to your portfolio.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your firm, the number of projects to showcase, and your ballpark budget, and we'll frame the right redesign. 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.
