Architect vs Residential Designer... which one?
S P
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (16)
One Devoted Dame
6 years agoworthy
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoRelated Discussions
Landscape Architect vs. Garden Designer?
Comments (8)I should add that garden design is part of landscape architecture, but a great deal of the training has to do with other land planning issues such as siting buildings, roads, parking, grading, drainage, environmental issues, planning and zoning issues, pedestrian circulation, campus planning, and many other issues that go beyond garden design. Anyone of these and other subjects could be the main focus of any particular landscape architect while some of them may not be areas that one chooses to practice in. That is what I meant by not all landscape architects are garden designers. Hiring a landscape architect neither guaranties that you will have a good garden designer nor does it preclude that you won't. No matter who you hire, make sure that they have a personality that you feel comfortable with, they have a portfolio of built work similar to what you want, that they are somewhat local, and that their price is somewhat equal to how much you value what they are going to do for you. Credentials only go so far. By the way, I am a licensed landscape architect. I would like to believe that I was a darn good garden designer before I became a landscape architect. I am certainly a better site planner now....See MoreArchitect vs. Interior Designer or Both?
Comments (21)On our house, we began with the architect. He encouraged us to hire an interior designer sooner rather than later. Lucky for us, his wife is an interior designer, and they definitely work well together. We benefit from the opinions of each of them. Also, in our situation, our architect is doing all of the interior elevations and modeling, so it's not split between our architect and a third-party interior designer (one of the reasons we wanted to use his wife). I can't imagine her suggesting anything like moving a wall! She probably looked at the floor plans as he designed them, but she was not involved at that point. Based on what virgilcarter described, it sounds like our architect may be more involved than most - he did the electrical and lighting placement (for the can lights) and stuff like that. In our situation, we are paying the architect a per-foot fee that includes construction administration and 3D modeling. We are paying the interior designer a per-hour fee. We specified what we need her help on, which includes lighting, plumbing fixtures, flooring, tile anywhere and probably some other items I haven't thought of. Things like kitchen design are more the architect and us. We will choose our own appliances (we're really into cooking, and don't need any help in being particular in that category), and will select and purchase our own furniture. Our builder we selected ourselves from some suggestions of the architect; he and the architect have worked together before, and the builder is familiar with the modern design and materials that the architect uses. We really, really like him, and know we will get a lot of helpful advice from our builder once the build starts (just waiting for snow to melt); he's already provided input on some elements such as use of pocket doors. So we're quite confident that he will work well with the architect, but be able to provide us with his independent viewpoint as well....See Morearchitect vs. residential designer?
Comments (52)As a building designer in Oregon (not an Architect). Most states have laws that requires projects to be designed by a registered architect/engineer except for when it falls into the exemption status. These buildings are called "Exempt Buildings" and those that don't are called "Non-Exempt Buildings". As a general rule, exempt projects do not require an architect or engineer to stamp but can. To answer the person who asked how come someone who is not licensed can't be called an architect. Sure they can be called it but they can not refer to themselves or portray themselves under current law where the title use refers to a licensed person. Historically, the term architect means ANYONE who designs buildings and the practice of designing buildings is called architecture. When these Architect Acts were enacted, (in Oregon - in 1919), the act required that people are registered in order to use the title. In the beginning, those who have been practicing for an X number of years (usually 10 years) prior to the enactment were grandfathered in and can be licensed without examination but just by applying with proof of practice prior to then. Of course, for most places, no one can now be grandfathered in. The laws were enacted with a limited scope of exemption. This created a parallel universe of unlicensed designers who uses alternative titles to Architects and those who are licensed. This is a responsibility of unlicensed designers to ensure the public that they are not licensed designers. However, our practices on these exempt buildings are often the same as those who are licensed. If you were to call a spade a spade then building designers are simply unlicensed architects (IF YOU USE the older pre-Architect Act enactment meaning) but we just can't use the title in practice or advertisement. It's politics. Period. I rather not fight with Oregon Board of Architect Examiners while gaining myself several $5,000 fines. It only makes sense not to fight and argue when I can use title that technically is a synonym. It makes common sense that if you are licensed as an Architect in a particular State to use the title Architect. Now to the message regarding $1/sq.ft. design fee. If you think about the work, if it takes you 100 solid hours to work on one single project then you are slow. Especially, if your work is prescriptive. In the old days of early 1900s, we had this test where you have to be able to design a building (example: a city hall) in 24 hours to get licensed. Then again, most designers are basically charging $20 an hour and only working on the design about 4 hours and get the design completed in 5-8 weeks. Working on two projects at once. I usually work on the order of $1-4 per sq.ft. on a tabulated fee table based on various sq.ft. ranges. Then again, if I am involving different level of work and project sophistication. I work anywhere from 8 to 12 hours in a day and work anywhere from 5 to 7 days. So who really cares about the hourly rate since I don't work off that. It depends on project load. If you know the code and have basic door schedules, window schedules already templated, it won't take long to modify the template and insert it. Especially if you are using CAD. Most doors will have the same number of components for the door type. After awhile, it's pretty much already setup with minor adjustments. Rick Balkins, Building Designer...See MoreDesign/build vs. separate architect/designer and builder?
Comments (28)There were two separate contracts with the design build team. I only signed one for the design. I think I had them modify the design contract not to include final construction plans. We did not move forward to the construction plans as I opted not to go forward with them. All I got from them was a few 8x11 sheets of papers with sketches for the design plan, most of which were my idea as to changes I wanted to implement in the house. The quote for the build phase was very expensive. The architect has a design phase and a construction drawing phase. I am paying as we go along. I have changed course with the project from what I initially wanted to do with the design build team. I started off wanting to do a master bathroom remodel, but have decided to do a master bedroom/bathroom addition. The architect has produced large architectural drawings for every change in the design phase. We are now in the construction phase of the drawings. I took the design plans to a contractor who gave me a ball park estimate. Since it was in my budget (and I know the ctr. cannot give me a true estimate without seeing the final plans), I had the architect move forward with the contsruction plans. That is where the project is now. So far, I am much happier with the architect/ contractor route....See Morejust_janni
6 years agomillworkman
6 years agoS P
6 years agoKristin S
6 years agoAnglophilia
6 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
6 years agoUser
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoS P
6 years agoArchitectrunnerguy
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoS P
6 years agoUser
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoStan B
6 years ago
Related Stories
KITCHEN DESIGN12 Great Kitchen Styles — Which One’s for You?
Sometimes you can be surprised by the kitchen style that really calls to you. The proof is in the pictures
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNGarden Overhaul: Which Plants Should Stay, Which Should Go?
Learning how to inventory your plants is the first step in dealing with an overgrown landscape
Full StoryINSIDE HOUZZHouzz and the AIA Partner to Help Residential Architects
Better technology and public outreach are 2 goals of the new strategic partnership, announced at the AIA Convention 2014 in June
Full StoryBOOKSLouis Kahn's Modern Residential Masterpieces Get Coverage at Last
See 9 of the celebrated architect's lesser-known projects, U.S. homes, in a new book filled with photos and details
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNWhich Pergola Is Right for You?
A covered pergola can increase the time you spend in your outdoor living space. Which covering should you choose?
Full StoryWORKING WITH PROSWhat Do Landscape Architects Do?
There are many misconceptions about what landscape architects do. Learn what they bring to a project
Full StoryHOME OFFICESWorld of Design: 11 International Architects in Their Home Offices
Thinking about relocating your office to your home? From Sydney to Copenhagen, these architects share their insider knowledge
Full StoryARCHITECTUREThink Like an Architect: Know Your Homesite for a Great Design
Learn how to approach a building site the way professionals do — considering everything in sight
Full StoryMOST POPULAR8 Things Successful Architects and Designers Do
Good architects tell a story and engage the senses. They understand the rules — and know when to break them
Full StoryARCHITECTUREThink Like an Architect: How to Pass a Design Review
Up the chances a review board will approve your design with these time-tested strategies from an architect
Full StorySponsored
homechef59