2026 Midwest Construction Cost Benchmarks

What will your project cost?

Tell us about your civic or institutional project and we'll share a Good, Better, Best range for construction costs, furniture & accessory budgets, and interior design fees.

Step 1 · What type of project is this?

Step 2 · What is the project scope?

Substantial renovation goes beyond a surface finish refresh. For RWDC projects, this typically means reallocating space, coordinating with trades, installing new FF&E, updating lighting and finishes — whether for a single floor or an entire building.

Step 3 · How many square feet is the project?

SF

Construction Costs

Construction Cost Estimate

All-in construction costs. These ranges include hard costs (materials & labor), general conditions, and general contractor overhead & profit — reflecting what you would budget for a GC contract in the Midwest market.

FF&E & Art / Accessories

Furniture, Fixtures & Accessories

FF&E and art & accessories are often left out of early budgets — but they significantly shape the experience of your space.

These are product costs — separate from construction costs and design fees. They represent what you'll invest in furnishings, equipment, fixtures, and curated accessories.

Interior Design Fees

What does interior design cost?

Interior design fees for institutional and civic projects vary by scope, procurement structure, and firm scale. Ranges below are sourced from ASID benchmarks for institutional work, adjusted for the Michigan market (~10% below national average). Reed Walker Design Collective uses a hybrid pricing model: a flat fee per SF for design phases, and hourly billing for construction administration, procurement, and project management.

These are estimates only. Reed Walker Design Collective produces a custom proposal based on each specific project, client goals, and scope of services required.

Construction management, architecture, engineering, and specialty trade fees (MEP, structural, civil) are not included in interior design fees. Requirements vary by project type and municipality.

Grand Total Estimate

Your Project Cost Summary

A consolidated view of your Good, Better, Best ranges across all cost categories.

Cost Category	Good	Better	Best

What's not included: Construction management, architecture, structural and MEP engineering, permitting fees, and other specialty consultants. Requirements vary by project type and municipality.

Let's Talk About Your Project →

What will your project cost?

Construction Cost Estimate

Furniture, Fixtures & Accessories

What does interior design cost?

Your Project Cost Summary

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