What would you say, you do here?
Until recent years, ‘Architect’ defined those in the profession which was related to the built environment. As computers and technology developed, this term was co-opted by software and networking fields. Just try to do a job search using only ‘architect’ as the filter and see how many ‘Software Architect’ and ‘IT Architect’ jobs flood your search results. It’s overwhelming. But I digress….
What is an Architect?
Merriam-Webster’s defines an architect as:
a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction
OK. But this is a very simplified version of what an architect is, let alone who can call themselves an architect.
Understanding Professions
During my Professional Practice class back in college, we learned the five traditional professions are:
Medicine
Law
Engineering
Architecture
Clergy
Now, this isn’t to say that these are the ONLY occupations that should be considered to be ‘professions.’ Things have changed since my college days. However, these 5 traditional professions have the following items in common:
Institutional education (accredited)
Qualifying pathway
Formal internship or apprenticeship
Code of ethics
Regulatory oversight (Federal, State and/or Local, sometimes self-regulated)
Membership of professional body (not required in all jurisdictions)
Becoming an Architect (aka Registered Architect or Licensed Architect)
So what does it take to become an architect? Simply put…A LOT. Each state’s requirements can vary, but for the most part it is an arduous, yet rewarding process.
My path began with completing a 5 year Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture which is accredited by NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board.) I was then required to complete a 3 year internship under the supervision of a licensed architect. Once I completed those hours, I formally applied to my state’s regulatory board (DPOR) to have permission to sit for the licensing exams. After many months of studying, test prep and test taking, I passed all 6 of the multi-hour exams. It wasn’t until I was officially recognized by my state board and assigned a license number that I could call myself an architect.
There’s quite a bit in that summary that was glossed over…the cost of college, exam study materials, exam fees, registration fees, etc. An architect has likely spent a minimum of 8-10 years working towards the official title of Architect.
Not everyone can call themselves an architect, but unfortunately some do.
Remember George Costanza’s alias ‘Art Vandelay’ the phony architect? While this is hilarious on a sitcom, it is actually illegal in real life and people have been sentenced to prison for it. Just ask Paul J. Newman.
Mr. Newman’s case is pretty extreme. He went as far as procuring another architect’s valid license number and used it as his own.
Architect / Architecture / Architectural
In addition to the case of Mr. Newman, there are other ways non-architects co-opt the word ‘architect’ to describe their services without having the experience or credentials to practice architecture. And guess what…it’s illegal. In Virginia, that means a Class 1 misdemeanor and potentially a Class 6 felony for repeat offenders.
Per § 54.1-406 of the Code of Virginia:
C. Any person, partnership, corporation or other entity which is not licensed or registered to practice in accordance with this chapter and which advertises or promotes through the use of the words "architecture," "engineering" or "land surveying" or any modification or derivative thereof in its name or description of its business activity in a manner that indicates or implies that it practices or offers to practice architecture, engineering or land surveying as defined in this chapter shall be subject to the provisions of § 54.1-111.
Even graduates of an accredited architecture program cannot call themselves an ‘intern architect’ or ‘architectural designer.’ Many firms will give out titles such as designer or project manager to these unlicensed individuals.
Unless someone is a registered architect, they cannot use the following words to describe their job title or work: Architect, Architecture, and/or Architectural. While this restriction of the use of a word and its derivatives may seem elitist, it’s really all about protecting the public by ensuring when someone says ‘Architect’ they are indeed someone with the proper credentials.
Architect vs Designer / Draftsperson
Architects are held to a higher standard than that of a designer or draftsperson. The latter have zero oversight and accountability which leaves the public (e.g. the client, future property owners, etc) with no recourse on the services rendered. Not to mention many states have limitations or restrictions on who can produce designs for permit and construction, but more on that later.
Architects must abide by national and state rules of conduct or code of ethics. Per NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) Model Rules of Conduct:
RULE 1 COMPETENCE
1.1 In practicing architecture, an architect’s primary duty is to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. In discharging this duty, an architect shall act with reasonable care and competence, and shall apply the knowledge and skill ordinarily applied by architects in good standing, practicing in the same locality.
In addition to completing the steps previously mentioned regarding licensure, architects are required to complete a state prescribed amount of continuing education credits every year and they maintain professional liability insurance (errors and omissions) and general liability insurance.
“But my draftsperson charged me a fraction of what it would cost to hire an architect.”
Sure. You got me there. The upfront cost for hiring a draftsperson to design your project will most definitely be cheaper than an architect. But, my mother always told me, “You get what you pay for.” I’ve had several clients tell me horror stories of how they hired a draftsperson for their project only to have issues during construction due to lack of planning on foreseen issues. Delays in permitting and construction will cost money and time is money. Period.
Let’s say, a client wishes to build a new custom residence and their budget is $500k. That’s a lot of money right? If you were to spend that much money or more on something as important as the construction of your new home, why would you consider spending so little on the most important part…the design itself? Would you buy a brand new Range Rover and let a random guy in your neighborhood service it? Probably not.
Local jurisdictions provide some guardrails in the process during plan review. For this example, they will review, comment and require corrections to code issues and the like (I’m simplifying this for this example BTW.) However, there’s a good chance there are portions of the work you will need to seek outside help on to get through permitting by using a draftsperson (wind bracing design, foundation and footings, headers and beams, etc.)
Also, draftsmen typically draw what they are told to draw by the client. This may sound ideal, but they will likely not be intuitive with design concepts if the client is solely directing the design. In my experience, clients seek an architect BECAUSE they do not have knowledge of building codes, spatial planning, etc. You cannot expect a draftsperson have all the required knowledge for your project.
Some states REQUIRE a licensed architect to prepare documents for any design, residential or commercial. The State of Virginia has a handy chart to let you know when an architect is required. You’ll notice as the threat to public safety increases, the need for A/E seals are required. Also per the footnotes, the local building official has the power to require a licensed design professional on a project regardless of what the chart says.
Summary
Architects provide a professional service with the backing of: education, experience, examination and licensure/certification. They will work with you through the design process to provide an intuitive product which best suits your project’s needs.
