Architects don't have fees or estimates, I am told, but simply run an hourly tab that one needs to monitor. Not sure if this is true for all situations and jurisdictions.

Had a brief intro to that experience by the decisions of others in my organization who had no idea of how it would work. I wanted more info before deciding but was overruled. Shortly after, I was alerted to this billing by running a tab by someone more knowledgeable, I informed the rest what they had unknowingly agreed to and it was promptly halted.