Architecture website design is the planning and launch of a website that showcases an architecture or interior design firm’s projects through large images and organized project credits, introduces its team and collects site visit requests for new work. A good architecture website does more than a gallery: prospective clients see at a glance who designed a project, when and within what scope, while colleagues or jury members can read the firm’s design approach.
Work is conducted from the office in Gülsuyu, Maltepe; meetings within Istanbul take place in person or by video, and meetings with other cities and abroad take place online.
Let us discuss your portfolio and the firm’s field of work
A few projects to highlight, the scales at which you work and any existing website address can be included in the first message. This information is used to prepare a free initial assessment, and a written price proposal is shared the same day.
What does architecture website design include?
The scope consists of a page plan, portfolio infrastructure, project template, image preparation, contact flow, search engine foundations and dashboard training; the firm can add a new project itself through the dashboard. A typical page plan:
- Home page: Three to five featured projects, a one-sentence statement of approach and a route to the portfolio.
- Projects: A list divided by function and status, with a separate detail page for every project.
- Firm and team: Founders, team members, titles and the office address.
- Competitions and publications: Only documented awards, honorable mentions and publication records.
- Contact and site visit request: A form asking for the project type, location and stage, together with a map.
- Legal documents: KVKK (Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Law) privacy notice, cookie preferences and an image usage note.
The infrastructure is WordPress; because project pages are produced from a shared template, their organization remains intact as the archive grows. The basic structure is the same as in the corporate web design service; for structures used in other industries, see the industry-specific website design page.
The main focus according to firm type
A website for an architecture firm designing housing and public buildings addresses different visitors from an interior designer’s website focused on apartment renovation:
| Firm type | Main visitor | Featured website section |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture firm designing buildings | Investor, institution, competition jury, colleague | Project archive divided by scale and function, competition records |
| Interior design studio | Homeowner, shop or office operator | Before-and-after narrative, materials specifications, site visit form |
| Design and build company | Client looking for turnkey work | Process explanation, completed projects, construction site records |
| Firm focused on urban design | Municipality, public institution, planning teams | Scaled drawings, study reports, participatory process notes |
| Freelance architect or interior designer | Individual client | A small number of projects explained in depth |
How are projects categorized on an architect’s portfolio website?
On an architect’s portfolio website, projects are divided first by function and then by status. Common functional categories are housing, commercial buildings, interiors and urban design; public buildings, education or restoration headings are added where needed.
The status label is the second axis. If a completed building and an unbuilt competition proposal are listed in the same way, visitors cannot distinguish what the firm has actually built. Possible status labels:
- Completed: Projects whose construction is finished and which have opened for use.
- Under construction: Work with ongoing construction, usually presented through renderings and drawings.
- Competition: Proposals submitted to competitions; any award is indicated separately.
- Concept and proposal: Work presented to a client but not implemented, or awaiting a decision.
Each project appears in the list with one large image, its name and year; each category receives its own address, allowing a page such as “housing projects” to be found independently in search.
How are project detail pages and project credits structured?
A project detail page consists of a large opening image, a short design narrative, credits with fixed fields and an ordered gallery. When credits appear in the same order for every project, projects can be compared easily. Fields that may appear in the credits:
- Project name and type: Housing, office, shop, restaurant interior or urban landscaping.
- Location and year: Location at city and district level; design and completion years stated separately.
- Scale: Construction or interior floor area, to the extent permitted by the client.
- Client: By name if permission has been obtained; otherwise, with a general description such as “private residence.”
- Design team: Project author, team members and collaborating firms.
- Image credits: The names of the photographer and rendering studio.
The gallery tells the project’s story from the outside inward, removing similar shots. Plans, sections and elevations are placed among the photographs at a readable size; visitors viewing only photographs miss the spatial organization.
How can an image-heavy architecture website load quickly?
An image-heavy website loads quickly when every photograph is delivered at a size appropriate to the screen width and in a lightweight format, while off-screen images load as the visitor scrolls. The most common cause of slowness in architecture website design is uploading the photographer’s print-resolution files without preparing them.
The web.dev guideon lazy loading recommends the loading attribute for off-screen images, says images visible at opening, especially the largest content element, should not be left to lazy loading, and calls for width and height values to prevent layout shifts. In practice:
- The opening image loads immediately; the other gallery images arrive as the visitor scrolls.
- Several sizes suitable for phones, tablets and wide screens are produced for each image, and the browser chooses the appropriate one.
- Files are converted to WebP or AVIF; color and sharpness are checked visually after conversion.
- The full-screen viewer requests the large file only when clicked; videos wait behind a cover image.
In architecture website design, the balance between quality and speed is also checked visually: an excessively compressed exposed-concrete surface loses its material character.
How do the Chamber of Architects’ professional rules affect the website’s promotional language?
The Chamber of Architects’ professional rules require an architecture firm’s website to be written as a presentation dossier documenting work performed, rather than as a sales brochure. Regulation on the practice, registration and professional supervision of independent architectural servicesstates in Article 15 that architects are obliged to perform their services according to the Chamber of Architects’ regulation on professional conduct and professional ethical rules.
The provisions in the Chamber’s published regulation on professional conduct that directly affect website content are as follows:
- False claims and advertising (Art. 7/c): An architect does not place announcements falsely claiming to construct high-quality, inexpensive buildings or provide inexpensive, rapid services; the same clause also states that advertising cannot be undertaken in any form.
- Another person’s work (Art. 5/g): Architectural works belonging to others cannot be claimed as one’s own; projects participated in at a previous firm or through collaboration are described in the credits with the actual role performed.
- Colleagues (Art. 5/b, Art. 5/h): Statements disparaging or belittling colleagues to obtain work are not included.
- Title (Art. 7/e): Titles other than those granted by law are not used; the team page maintains the distinction between architect, interior architect and designer.
- Incentive offers (Art. 6/f): Incentive offers cannot be made to a client to secure work; arrangements such as discount campaigns are not placed on the website.
The regulation does not specifically mention websites; in practice, these provisions are interpreted as requiring the website to show work as it actually is and avoid exaggerated adjectives and promises about price or time. If paid advertising is being considered, the Chamber’s current opinion should be obtained before a decision. Interior architects belong to the Chamber of Interior Architects; that Chamber’s regulation on independent interior architecture services also aims to prevent unfair competition and protect authors’ rights.
Competitions and awards section
This section is created only with documented records: the name of the competition or award, organizing institution, year, result achieved and team members are listed together. For a result achieved as a team, all authors are named. An honorable mention is not presented as first place, nor participation as an award.
Copyright for renderings and photographs: what does Law No. 5846 say?
Every image on the website has a rights holder, and permission to publish is confirmed in writing. Law on intellectual and artistic workslists architectural works and photographic works with aesthetic value as works of fine art in Article 4; Article 2 also includes all kinds of architectural designs and projects and architectural models among scientific and literary works.
Using photographs and rendering studio images on the website concerns economic rights. Under Article 52 of the law, contracts relating to economic rights must be made in writing and each right listed individually; the website, social media and printed publications are specified separately in the photography or visualization agreement. Since the author decides under Article 15 under whose name a work is made public, the agreement also determines how the photographer’s name will appear in the credits.
Article 18 applies to work produced by the firm’s employees: unless the agreement or nature of the work indicates otherwise, employers exercise the rights to works produced by employees while performing their duties. Showing team members’ roles in the credits also aligns with the principle of honesty.
Article 40 draws a boundary when photographing another architect’s building: reproducing and distributing photographs of works of fine art permanently situated on public roads, streets and squares is permitted, but for architectural works this authority is limited to the exterior; obtaining separate permission from the property owner is the proper approach for interior photography.
Since the site visit form collects personal data such as names, phone numbers and project addresses, the Personal Data Protection Law creates an obligation to inform under Article 10: the data controller’s identity, processing purpose, possible recipients, collection method, legal basis and the individual’s rights are explained in a document accessible from the form. For processing requiring explicit consent, the checkbox is separated from required fields. This section provides general information and is not a legal opinion.
Let us plan the credits template and image permissions from the outset
Once the project list, available photographs and rendering files, and usage permissions have been reviewed, the template and scope are documented together; prices for filtered or bilingual projects are calculated from that document.
How are the team page, firm information and site visit request form set up?
The team page answers the client’s question, “who will I work with on this project?” while the site visit request form answers the firm’s question, “is this project suitable for us?”; both are planned together in architecture website design.
Short biographies are written for founding architects, and team members are listed with their roles and titles; the stages the firm undertakes, from preliminary design to construction supervision, are stated. The independent architectural practice registration certificate is renewed annually; if chamber registration information will appear on the website, it is written according to the current document.
The site visit form is kept short but collects enough information to distinguish the type of work:
- Project type: new building, alteration and renovation, interior arrangement or consultancy.
- Location, approximate area and current stage (land only, completed design, ongoing construction).
- Planned start date and optional budget range.
- A file upload field for an existing plan, photograph or zoning status document.
- Name, phone number, email and a link to the privacy notice.
The request reaches the firm’s shared email address and project lead; fixed call and WhatsApp buttons sit at the bottom of the screen for phone visitors. For firms accepting visitors, Google Business Profile is kept consistent with the website’s address and hours; for profile setup and category selection, the Google Business Profile optimization guide can be used.
Additional modules for interior designer websites and projects abroad
An interior designer’s website also describes material, furniture and lighting selections, while firms working abroad need a second language; these modules are added to the fixed package.
Materials and supplier information
Prospective clients reviewing interior projects are curious about flooring, fixtures or furniture. This information can be listed by brand and model name in the “materials and products” field of the credits; company permission is requested for supplier logos or product photographs. Article 6 of the regulation on professional conduct states that architects cannot accept incentive offers or payments that generate unrecorded income; this framework is observed when describing supplier relationships on the website.
Studios selling curated products
If products will only be displayed, a catalog page is sufficient. When a cart and online payment are requested, the structure moves into the scope of e-commerce website development and the legal documents for sales are added.
Multiple languages for international projects
For firms working with foreign clients, each language version is published at a separate address with fully translated pages, and versions are linked through hreflang tags. Credits and design narratives are not left to machine translation; professional terminology is reviewed for the target language. Before opening a new language version, responsibility for handling correspondence in that language is determined.
What stages does an architecture website pass through before launch?
Work starts with selecting projects; the website does not launch before the credits, gallery and form have been tested:
- Introduction: Scale, featured projects and language requirements are discussed; a free initial assessment is provided, and a written price proposal is sent the same day.
- Portfolio selection: Projects, credit information and image permissions are gathered in a single table; the website brief form makes this list easier to prepare.
- Template design: Project, detail and team pages are designed for the phone screen first.
- Image preparation: Photographs and renderings are resized, converted to lightweight formats and given alternative text.
- Setup: WordPress is installed, categories and filters are defined, initial projects are entered and the form is connected.
- Testing and delivery: Gallery speed, filters and the form are tested on different devices; the team is shown how to add projects.
A firm website with ready content, one language and no filters is delivered on an average schedule of 5-7 business days. The schedule for projects with many projects, filters or multiple languages is prepared together once the scope is clear.
Which items determine the price of architecture website design?
The reference point for architecture website design is the corporate package: the price of a firm website consisting of a project archive, team and contact pages starts at 15,000 TL. A single-page portfolio for a freelance architect or interior designer starts at 12,000 TL; if product sales with a cart will be added, the starting price is 24,000 TL. The cost of additions such as a filtered archive, multiple languages or a catalog is specified in the proposal according to scope.
Items affecting the proposal:
- Number of projects to be published and depth of each project page
- Whether images are ready and how many projects need image resizing
- Scope of category and status filters
- Number of language versions and who will translate them
- Migration of projects, images and addresses from the old website
Post-launch updates, backups and security scans are performed through optional maintenance; the monthly cost ranges from 500 to 2,000 TL, with details in the WordPress maintenance and updates service. To compare all packages side by side, see the web design prices list. If search visibility work is requested, SEO is a separate service; its fee starts at 9,000 TL per month.
Mistakes on architecture websites: common practice and the correct approach
Common practice is to buy a portfolio theme, upload a dozen photographs for every project and limit the text to one sentence. With this structure, visitors cannot learn where, when or with whom a project was completed, and search engines find no text to read. The correct approach is to publish every project with its credits and a short design narrative.
Other mistakes arise from the same omission: using renderings and real photographs without distinction, listing an unbuilt competition proposal as a completed building, omitting employees from the credits and using photographs without permission. Labeling renderings with a “visualization” note and applying a short checklist to each new project prevents these problems from the outset. The use of renderings for sales is covered on the construction company website design page.
Onur Freelance’s approach to architecture website design rests on four principles: the scope is documented before work begins, the domain and hosting are opened in the firm’s own account, the team is trained to enter new projects, and no promises are made about search rankings or business volume.
Let us prepare a website where projects are published with accurate credits
Questions from firms seeking information are answered, the existing websites of those still deciding are reviewed for portfolio presentation and speed, and written price proposals reach teams ready to start on the same day.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an architecture website cost?
The price of a firm website with project archive, team and contact pages starts at 15,000 TL under the corporate package; a single-page portfolio for a freelance architect or interior designer with a few projects starts at 12,000 TL. The cost of additions such as a filtered archive, multiple languages or a product catalog is specified in the proposal after the scope is reviewed.
How many projects should an architect's portfolio website contain?
There is no fixed number; a few projects with complete credits and design narratives provide more information than a long list without explanations. The archive can grow with new projects added through the dashboard after launch.
How do Chamber of Architects rules limit architecture website content?
The Chamber’s regulation on professional conduct does not specifically mention websites; however, it prohibits announcements based on false claims and advertising, and does not permit claiming another person’s work or disparaging colleagues. Using language that documents work without exaggeration, and obtaining the Chamber’s current opinion before deciding on paid advertising, is recommended.
How can a photographer's project photographs be used on the website?
They are used with written permission from the photographer; Article 52 of the law on intellectual and artistic works requires contracts relating to economic rights to be in writing and the rights to be listed individually. The website and other media are specified separately in the agreement, and how the photographer’s name appears in the credits is also agreed.
Can renderings and real photographs be used in the same gallery?
They can, but every rendering should be labeled with a ‘visualization’ note, and unbuilt projects must not be presented as completed buildings. Professional rules prohibit providing misleading information to clients and presenting work differently from what it actually is.
Can product brands be listed on an interior designer's website?
Yes, brand and model names can be written accurately in the materials and products section of the credits. If the supplier’s logo or product photograph will be used, permission is obtained from the company.
How many languages should the website of an architecture firm working abroad offer?
The number of languages is limited to those in which the firm can maintain correspondence and meetings. Every version is translated in full at a separate address, linked with hreflang, and uses the relevant professional terminology for the credits.
How long does it take to prepare an architecture website?
Delivery of a firm website with ready copy and images, built in one language without filters, takes an average of 5-7 business days. For projects involving many project pages, filters or language versions, the schedule is determined together with the scope.
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