What is the difference between an architect and an architectural designer?
When it comes to property design professionals there are many terms you may have heard, and you may be confused who to hire, especially when trying to understand the differences between an architect and an architect designer. Whether you are planning a residential or commercial project, our latest blog post will take you through the key differences in the skills and qualifications of architects and architect designers, so that you can hire the right professional for the job.
Architects
An architect is a licensed, registered professional who has undertaken extensive training and education to engage in their work. The following are the minimum requirements a professional must meet to be able to practice as an architect:
Completion of an accredited course at a university, which usually takes 5-6 years
Completion of on-the-job training within an architectural practice, which usually takes 2 years
The successful passing of architectural exams
Completion of regular CPD
Be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), with many also being Chartered Members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
As a highly regulated industry, an architect can only describe themselves as an architect if they meet the above criteria. They are highly skilled in design and engineering which enables them to design, plan, monitor and organise the building of residential and commercial structures. Through their extensive years in education and training, architects are able to consider factors such as lighting, energy efficiency and heating, and they offer a complete end to end service for many construction projects.
Architectural Designers
In comparison to the role of an architect which we have described above, an architectural designer is not a registered professional. The term is informally used to describe many roles within the architectural industry, and in some situations, it is used to describe architects and architectural technologists who are not yet qualified and registered.
Often architect designers work alongside architects, and the level of education and training can vary from one architect designer to the next. As they have not completed the same exams as an architect, architectural designers often work within architectural firms under the supervision of registered architects. The types of tasks they will complete include drawings, renderings, and the design of remodelling options for clients.
Do I need to hire an architect or an architect designer?
There are many similar responsibilities between each job role, with both architects and architect designers meeting with clients and creating draft designs, however architects will take on more duties than a designer as they are the registered, licensed professional. This means that an architect is able to assume legal responsibilities for any designs they produce and they can also sign documents and provide the official stamps that are often needed on plans. In comparison, any plans produced by an architectural designer must be signed off by a fully qualified architect.
There are many excellent architectural designers who have a great eye for building design, however it is important to remember that they may not hold the required qualifications for your project. Although there is no law requiring you to hire an architect or an architectural designer during extensions, renovations, or construction projects, if you need to obtain planning permission or drawdown a mortgage, the process is likely to be much smoother when a registered architect is hired. If you are planning a simple project, an architectural designer may be able to provide the designs and drawings you need, however always ask for references and examples of their prior work.
Boxx Design – Professional architectural design and interior design services
Here at Boxx Design, we understand the importance of excellent design, which is why we offer a full service architectural design and interior design service. We can guide you through every stage of the process from the initial construction drawings and obtaining planning permission through to liaising with contractors and finishing the project with professional interior design services. To find out more about residential and commercial design services, contact the Boxx Design team today.
