Okay, let’s break this down. Mark is an architect with a strong skill set, but not a senior-level leader or a specialist in a highly sought-after niche. His experience in construction and submittals is valuable, but not unique to the field. The LEED AP BD+C certification is a plus, but not extremely rare. Considering his location in Denver, Colorado, which is a relatively affordable market, I’m estimating his hourly rate to be around $125. This is in line with national averages for mid-level architects in the region. Some sources suggest that architects with LEED AP BD+C certification can command higher rates, but this is not the case here.