Architect vs Architectural designer

last year

Hi!
I was wondering if you could advise if there is an major downside to employing an architectural designer vs a qualified architect for a residential extension, renovation , interior layout change and refurb project. The architectural designer has plenty of experience in the planning applications and we have done our due diligence on seeing their work/ speaking to past clients. I guess one of the issues is that they won’t have the insurance that RIBA architects will? Is that an issue or will we be covered fully by the builders insurance?

Thank you!

Comments (3)

PRO
CARL Architect
last year

Hi,

If you are happy with the work of the designer then I am sure they will do a good job for you. Architect is a protected title, but the work of designing buildings is open to anyone.In general terms, you are likely to get a more creative and experienced designer when engaging an architect. You will also get someone who is bound by a professional code of conduct. It depends on what you value. I’m an architect, so probably biased.Architecture is a largely creative profession. Many people can draw floor plans and get planning permission. You may well need a structural engineer to design structural support for your house as part of the work. Anyone with the right knowledge and software can design structural beams etc. Would you consider using anyone other than a Chartered Structural Engineer to do this? I definitely would not, and for similar, though less black-and-white reasons, would recommend a Chartered Architect over anyone else for the design of your home.Architects are required to carry PI Insurance to use the protected title. But any architectural designer running a reasonable size business is likely to have insurance, you’d have to ask. Builders’ insurance and professional consultants’ insurance are different things and would be claimed against depending on the nature of the issue.

Please let me know if I can advise or help you any further.

Carl
Ruth House
last year
If you feel secure in your own plans and don't necessarily need creative help then what is an architect giving you that an architectural technician isn't. We have worked with the latter because as it happens we knew exactly what we wanted from our extension, we did our own creative thinking and our builder came up with suggestions to solve any problems. We really only needed someone to do the technical drawings and submit the plans for permission so the huge fees for an architect didn't seem in proportion for our project. The architect technician and structural engineer route was cost effective for us.

But our experience has proved the theory correct, he really isn't a creative thinker at all, which was no problem for us so we're glad we didn't waste money. But don't expect ground breaking design if you're not prepared to pay an architect.

Hope that helps.
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Rowland
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You get what you pay for!! An architect has seven years training and lots of exposure to art, design and much more!! It gives a depth of field that is not often replicated by an architectural designer. If you want something everyone as and need a bit of guidance then the latter will work. If you want something more considered then you need to pay the money!! Both have their merits. But you need d to evaluate on the facts!! Design versus form!! Good luck in your selection! University life costs money and an Archtiect has spent many years in training and has a wealth of training. Architectural designers are an unknown, so select with extreme care!!

Architect vs Architectural designer

Comments (3)

CARL Architect

Ruth House

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