Managed IT for a 10-50 person architecture firm in Katy typically ranges from $100-$350 per seat per month. Where you fall depends on three main things: how much security is included, compliance requirements, and the type of support (business hours only, after hours and weekends, remote or onsite, etc.).
3 Factors That Raise or Lower an Architecture Firm's IT Cost
- Where your software and programs live. A local file server or cloud server needs monitoring, backup and periodic hardware replacement, which adds cost. Firms that work fully in cloud based versions of Autodesk shift some of that cost to Autodesk subscriptions instead.
- Remote and hybrid staff. Architects working from home need secure, fast access to large models. Remote desktop, VPN or cloud workstation setups add to the support scope.
- Cyber-insurance and client requirements. Many insurers now require multi-factor authentication, EDR and tested backups before they'll renew a policy. Public-sector and institutional clients may add their own security requirements. Each of these pushes a firm towards the higher tiers.
What's Typically Not Included
The per-seat investment covers ongoing support and maintenance to ensure computers and devices remain operational, preventing downtime. This usually does not include:
- Onboarding fees. A one-time setup to document your network, deploy tools and clean up existing issues.
- Hardware. Revit-ready workstations cost far more than standard office PCs and are typically replaced every 3-5 years.
- Software licensing. Autodesk, Bluebeam and Microsoft 365 subscriptions are almost always separate from IT support. However, vendor support for the software should be included. Always check to see if the IT company provides vendor support - it's much easier and saves time when a tech can reach out to vendor support regarding an issue rather than your team member.
- Projects. Office moves, server replacements and cloud migrations, etc.
- After-hours work. Some providers charge extra for evenings and weekends, which matters when a deadline submittal is due Monday morning.
Ask every IT provider what's excluded.
How to Compare Managed IT Quotes: A 5-Question Checklist
Two quotes at $180 per seat can deliver very different service. Ask each IT provider these five questions:
- Is support billed by the hour or included, and what type of support is included? Hourly billing makes your monthly cost unpredictable and discourages staff from asking for help. You also don't want a surprise bill when IT support is provided to a team member on Friday evening when your plan doesn't cover after hours.
- Do your technicians know Revit, AutoCAD and Bluebeam?
- What's your guaranteed response time? Look for a written commitment.
- Is our backup tested, and how often? A backup that has never been restored is an assumption, not a plan.
- What's excluded from the monthly fee?
Why Katy Architecture Firms Choose Alexaur
We've supported architecture, engineering, and construction firms across Katy, TX and Greater West Houston since 2001, and we're still family-owned. The person who answers your call knows why the trailer machine matters.
- 98% of support tickets resolved on the first call
- Average client tenure of more than 10 years
- 100+ combined years of cybersecurity experience on staff
- Clients who have implemented our full security and business continuity recommendations have not reported a business-disrupting security incident.
- Fluent in the software you actually run: AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, SolidWorks, Procore, Navisworks, ProjectWise, and OnScreen Takeoff. See our IT solutions for AEC firms
- Dell & Lenovo Partner
- Managed Protection Security Suite Associate Accreditation
- MSP Pro
- Keeper Sales Professional
- Network+ Certified
- SonicWall Certified
Want an exact number for your firm? Book a free Discovery Call. There's no audit fee and no obligation.
