---
name: phase-load-the-fee
description: "Build a fee that matches the effort curve across the design phases, not a flat percentage, so the heavy phases aren't underwater. Reach for this on any fee proposal."
---

# Skill: Phase-load the fee

Effort isn't even across the phases; a flat fee underwater-funds the heavy ones.

## Step 1 — Map the phase effort
Estimate hours by phase: SD, DD, CD, CA (§3 #1).

## Step 2 — Load the fee to effort
Allocate the fee to match the effort curve.

## Step 3 — State the assumptions
Scope, options, and meeting count behind the fee.

## Step 4 — Define additional services
Spell out what triggers additional-services billing (§3 #2).

## Output
A phase-loaded fee proposal with the effort map, assumptions, and additional-services triggers.