There are so many companies and individuals who provide for architectural services for residential projects in the UK. If you are a homeowner, it can be a very confusing to work out who you need for your project. As architects, one of the questions we are frequently asked is, ‘What’s the difference between you and an architectural designer?'
In short, an architect is a professionally qualified person who organises, designs and manages the construction of buildings. The title is protected by law and regulated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). ‘Architectural designer’ is an unregulated title commonly used by a person who designs buildings but is not an architect. They are less likely to be experienced in all stages of a construction project.
In this article, we explain what an architect is and the services they provide, how architects differ from other providers – architectural designers, architectural technologists and architectural technicians – and who is best suited to your project.
We will also look at the other professionals you may need to appoint to successfully complete your project.
An architect is a creative professional who plans and designs buildings, and oversees their construction. Architects are the highest qualified design consultants in the construction industry.
In the UK, and many other countries around the world, the title ‘architect’ is protected by law. To qualify as an architect, a person must complete 7 years of professional training – 5 years at university and 2 years in professional practice – and register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
The ARB regulates architects in the UK and ensures all members have the required qualifications to practice. Architects must abide by the ARB’s Architects Code, which lays down standards of professional conduct, and maintain adequate levels of Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Many registered architects also become Chartered Members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Membership is voluntary and exists to demonstrate an additional level of dedication and competency.
If a person is not ARB registered, they are not an architect. You can check to see if a person is an architect by accessing the online register - ARB Register.
A common misconception is that architects just come up with the creative ideas while others make these ideas work. This is far from the case. An architect’s training is extensive because they must be able to coordinate a diverse range of requirements in order to deliver a successful building project.
An architect’s involvement in a residential project may include:
More:
How long does it take to build a home extension?
There are many benefits of hiring an architect. They can:
An ‘architectural designer’ can be anyone who provides architectural services but is not registered as an architect.
The title ‘architectural designer’ is not legally protected, and anyone can use it, whether they have any formal education or not.
In reality, most architectural designers have had some level of training, but as the industry is unregulated, the quality of service can vary considerably. Some are highly accomplished building designers – see Jonathan Tuckey Design – while others operate with minimal expertise or without insurance.
Architectural designers are not required to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance, unless stipulated by an organisation they wish to join. An architectural designer may also not have the expertise to support you through all phases of a building project.
It is important to carry out a full background check before appointing an architectural designer to make sure they have the required experience for your project. Arrange to see examples of their work, seek references from past clients and visit previous projects. You should also check to see if they hold insurance.
An architectural technologist is a person who specialises in the science of building design.
Their training is not as extensive as an architect and within larger design teams they play a supporting role to the architect. They are not qualified to support clients through all phases of a construction project.
While the title ‘architectural technologist’’ is not legally protected, ‘chartered architectural technologist’ is.
A chartered architectural technologist will have completed a three-year degree and become a member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
Like architects, CIAT members must adhere to a code of conduct and maintain adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance.
As well as preparing technical information for building regulations approval and construction purposes, they are able to organise simple planning applications.
An architectural technician is a person who works under the direction of an architect or a chartered architectural technologist. They assist with the preparation of drawings and other information for planning and building regulations approval and construction.
Architectural technicians are similar in many ways to architectural technologists. The main differences being that a chartered architectural technologist has a slightly broader skill set and more in-depth technical expertise.
Employing the services of a skilled architect will prove its weight in gold. Architects are skilled creative professionals who will be able to manage all stages of your project through to completion. Having their expert knowledge on hand will ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible, saving you time and money.
An architect’s practice specialising in residential architecture will take on all sizes of project, from loft conversions and small garden rooms to whole house refurbishments, extensions and new-build houses.
However, only appoint an architect if you are:
If you are planning a home extension and your goal is to simply add floor area, appoint an architectural technologist. They will be able to complete the project for you at a lower cost.
Similarly, if you have fixed ideas about how you want your project to look and perform, don’t appoint an architect. Using an architect as a drawing service will not offer value for money, and you will not be using their full skill set. Again, for such a project, you are better off appointing a chartered architectural technologist.
If you are building in a heritage setting, be it a listed building or conservation area, you will need an architect to navigate the planning process and ensure the design is of sufficient quality for the site.
If you intend to build a high energy performance house, appointing a Passivhaus accredited architect will mean you achieve the highest possible performance standards.
For residential building projects, you may also need to appoint the following consultants in addition to the services of an architect.
Structural engineer
A structural engineer will be required to design the structural elements of the proposed works and produce structural calculations for building regulations approval if you are building a new house or carrying out structural changes to an existing property.
Quantity surveyor
An architect will be able to give general cost advice for most types of residential project. However, if your budget is more that £250,000, or the building works are complex, you may wish to appoint a quantity surveyor to provide more specialist cost advice.
Party wall surveyor
If you are building close to a neighbouring boundary, you may need to agree a party wall agreement with your neighbour(s) before building work can start.
A party wall surveyor will advise on any matters in relation to the Party Wall Act and organise agreements on your behalf.
Mechanical & electrical engineer
If you are including sophisticated building technologies into your build, such as a low energy heating system (heat pump or other) or Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), you will require a mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineer to design the system.
An architect will be able to organise other consultant appointments on your behalf and coordinate their work so all aspects of the design are seamlessly integrated into the building.
Do I need an architect or architectural designer?
If your budget permits, appoint an architect. Architects are the highest qualified design professionals in the construction industry and can oversee all stages of a building project. The title is protected by law and the profession is regulated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) which ensures a high-quality service.
In contrast, anyone can call themselves an ‘architectural designer’. The industry is unregulated and, as a result, the standard of service can vary dramatically from one company to the next.
Do I need an architect or architectural technologist?
If you need design inspiration, are open to a range of possible solutions, your home or site is in a sensitive location, or would like someone to manage the whole process for you, hire an architect.
If you have a clear idea of how you want your project to look and your brief is straightforward, a chartered architectural technologist should be sufficient for your needs.
Do I need both an architect and interior designer?
If you have employed the services of an architect, you do not need to appoint an interior designer.
An architect’s training encompasses the exterior and interior design of buildings. For home renovations, extensions and new-build houses, a skilled residential architect will be able to provide a full design service and specify the interior fixtures, fittings and finishes.
All projects featured on Designs in Detail are architect designed from top to bottom, inside and out.
Credits - Photo by Ryan Ancill on Unsplash
About the author: Aron Coates is an architect with over two decades of experience, encompassing projects ranging from the restoration of historic buildings to the design of contemporary homes.
The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and educational purposes only. At Designs in Detail, we advise you appoint a skilled residential architect to provide specific expert advice for your project.
