Architect taking me on a ride?

[Nicole S.]

Good evening BPers

I'm tearing down and building a single family home in Seattle. Our architect gave us a not to exceed quote of $6,500 and to date we've gone beyond that. Being that I've never been through this process I'm not sure what to expect. It's been a year and we haven't even submitted the plans to the city for permitting yet. We were very clear about what we wanted in the beginning - I sent him pictures, specs and I even drew out what I wanted. 

What should these services actually cost us? And, does the architect usually take you through the permitting process? He also sent our plans to an engineer, the engineer charged us $3,600 and on top of that he charged us an additional $1,900 for the time he spent working with them on the plans. Is this normal? 

I've read through several posts and costs seem a lot lower elsewhere in the country. 

Someone walk me off the edge of the cliff please! 

Nicole