Kodavara Guide
ClickUp for Architecture and Design Studios: Phases, Deliverables and Fees in One Place
Studios work in phases with deliverables, review rounds and fixed or hourly fees. ClickUp can track each project as a template with phases, deliverable lists, review statuses, time tracking against the fee and guests for consultants and clients. Files can be attached to tasks, but it does not edit drawings or run design software, and a drawing repository is better for version control. This guide shows the configuration we build.
Last reviewed October 2026. ClickUp changes often, so check ClickUp's help center for the latest. Written by Kodavara, an independent ClickUp Partner. Not published or endorsed by ClickUp.
What ClickUp Does Today
What You Can Do Natively
Start with the features available on your ClickUp plan.
Phase Templates
A Folder template per project type saves phases, deliverables and checklists, with the parts you choose.
Deliverable Tracking
A List of deliverables with owner, due date and status shows what is due for each phase.
Time Against Fee
Time can be tracked on tasks and marked billable, with a dashboard comparing hours with the fee. Billable features depend on plan.
Consultants and Clients
Guests can be given permission on specific items, so consultants and clients see their own steps.
Where It Falls Short
The Gaps People Run Into
If these are your problem, keep reading.
- ClickUp can hold task attachments, but it is not a drawing or model repository, so we recommend keeping controlled drawings and models in your document management or project storage, linked from tasks.
- Fee tracking compares hours with a budget you enter, and invoicing stays in your accounting tool.
- Review rounds can multiply, so a rule for how many and who signs off helps.
- Guest seat allowances depend on your plan.
- Phase names and deliverables differ between practices, so the template must be built from yours.
Worked Example
Example: Project Phases
A typical architecture project. Values are illustrative.
| Phase | Deliverable | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | Concept package | Client review |
| Schematic design | Plans and sections | Consultant review |
| Design development | Coordinated drawings | Internal and client review |
| Documentation | Issued drawing set | Internal QA |
| Construction support | Site queries and revisions | As required |
Sample data for illustration.
The Configuration
The Configuration: What We Build and Monitor
Designed around how your practice works and bills.
| Layer | What We Build | What We Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Project Template | A template per project type with phases, deliverables, owners and relative dates | Projects that skip phases |
| Deliverables | A deliverable List with status, reviewer and a link to the file location | Deliverables overdue |
| Fee and Time | Fee fields and time reports by phase within your plan | Phases over budget |
| Review Rounds | Statuses and due dates for each round and a sign-off rule, with proofing where needed; see our Ziflow guide | Rounds that never close |
| Consultant Access | Guest permissions per consultant and client | Over-sharing |
| Reporting | A dashboard of projects by phase, hours against fee and upcoming milestones | Projects over fee |
How Kodavara Consulting Does It
Set It Up Once
We build the studio template from your best-run projects and test it on a live one.
Map Phases and Deliverables
We list phases, deliverables and review rules.
Build the Template
We build the project template.
Add Fee and Time Tracking
We set up time and fee reporting.
Set Consultant Access
We configure guests and permissions.
Run a Live Project
We support one project and refine.
FAQ
Common Questions
Not here? Ask us.
Can ClickUp be used by architects and designers?
Yes, for phases, deliverables, reviews and time. Files can be attached to tasks, but it does not edit drawings or run design software, and a drawing repository is better for version control.
Can we track hours against a fee?
Yes, with time tracking and a dashboard. Billable features depend on your plan. See our client time reports guide.
Can consultants see their own tasks?
Yes, as guests with permission on the items shared with them.
Where do the drawings live?
We recommend an authoritative repository for versions and sign-off, with links or attachments in ClickUp.
Can we reuse a project plan?
Yes, from a template. We test how dates behave when copied.
Can you build this for our studio?
Yes. See also our agency setup guide for the same client-service pattern.
Keep Reading
Related Guides
Agency Setup
Set up ClickUp for an agency: client folders, templates, time tracking, workload, approvals and client sharing.
Read the Guide →GuideProject Planning
Plan projects in ClickUp with Gantt view, dependencies, milestones and rescheduling.
Read the Guide →GuideConstruction
Set up ClickUp for construction and contracting: schedule and dependencies, RFI and submittal forms, cost tracking, documents and subcontractor access.
Read the Guide →ServiceKodavara Consulting
The Kodavara service behind this guide: what we assess, configure and hand over.
Learn More →Want Help Setting This Up?
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