Bring design expertise to your next home project
Architects are highly trained and licensed professionals who design residential and commercial buildings.
In addition to design services, many architects specialize in project management and oversight.
You may be required to hire an architect depending on your project and local building codes.
Embarking on a new home construction or a major renovation might have you asking, "What is an architect?" The key player in your project does far more than determine the style of your home. From ensuring the structure is stable, safe, and eco-conscious to coordinating the team, paperwork, and budget, architects essentially run the show. Let's break down what an architect is and how to hire the best.
An architect is a trained and licensed designer who conceptualizes, plans, and oversees the construction of a building. From designing a house to a commercial structure, architects ensure that a building is safe, structurally sound, durable, and artistically in line with the client's vision. Each of these elements must also align with a budget, local building codes, and the intended use of the structure.
Architects receive years of education and training before receiving professional licensure in their state or jurisdiction. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, or NCARB, state architectural licensing laws vary when it comes to both education and training.
In general, a prospective architect can earn a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree in an extended five-year undergraduate program or a Master of Architecture (MArch) degree with an additional two to three years of school beyond the undergrad degree. Graduates then embark on the NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP), completing eligible on-the-job hours in areas such as design, project management, construction, and more.
Architectural training culminates by passing the Architect Registration Examination, or ARE.
There are many factors that determine what an architect does when it comes to their responsibilities. The type of architect—which we'll break down more below—the structure of their firm, their design background, and their specialty all determine the type of work they do. Many architects also offer a range of services, from full-service project management to design-only contracts.
From a comprehensive standpoint, architects may or may not handle these tasks:
Collaborate with the client to understand their design vision.
Gather a team of contractors and designers.
Draft building designs and collaborate with specialized draftspeople to complete plans.
Build a project budget based on the quotes provided by the contracting team.
Suggest upgrades or alterations to match the design plans and budget.
Research local building codes and gather proper paperwork.
Oversee the construction of the new building, addition, or renovation.
While every architect has their own process, most professionals follow these phases:
Consultation: During the consultation phase, the architect meets with the client to learn about their unique needs and goals. If you’re building a house, for example, they’ll get to know your lifestyle as well as your preferred style and layout. You can expect them to make suggestions and provide insights on any challenges they may anticipate. The consultation phase is also a time to determine estimates for cost and construction times.
Design: The design phase is when the architect works on schematic designs. Sometimes, they’ll provide multiple versions and work with clients to finalize a design. This is your time to explain what you like and don’t like about their design so they can modify it if necessary.
Planning: Depending on the scope of work, the architect may collaborate with other professionals to plan the project. These might include engineers, contractors, surveyors, plumbers, and electricians.
Documentation: The goal of the documentation phase is to create comprehensive blueprints and supporting documents. Most architects use special software, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Computer Aided Design (CAD).
Oversight: Sometimes, an architect will visit a construction site to evaluate project progress. They may also troubleshoot any problems and look for future construction sites. Note that the architect’s involvement past the design phase will vary and depend on who you hire and what you agreed upon.
Architects have the option during their education and training to specialize in one area of design. In most cases, homeowners will hire a residential design architect for a new construction project. For other projects, green design architects or restoration architects may be best. Additional types of architects include the following.
Architects also break down their level of experience, often depending on state laws about training and education. Right out of school, prospective architects often begin as interns on their way to licensure, working under the guidance of a firm or seasoned pro. From here, you'll spot architect titles such as:
Architect I
Architect II
Project architect
Senior architect
Project manager
Department head
Junior partner
Mid-level partner
Senior partner
As you launch into your project, you might need to choose between a home designer and an architect.
Since they play such a key role in your project's success, we recommend always meeting with at least three highly-rated architects in your area to compare services, contracts, and fees. Of the many questions to ask an architect, be sure to look at their previous work, check with references, and clarify their fees and fee schedule.
Finding the best local architect not only elevates the aesthetic design of your project but ensures that it remains safe, durable, and sustainable for decades to come. Your town and its building codes may also require you to hire an architect for your project, depending on the specifications. For example, hiring an architect is often ideal for:
Custom-built homes
Home or additions on a complex plot of land
Additions to historic homes
Major home restorations
Start-to-finish design and project management
Projects in areas with strict codes or homeowner association (HOA) requirements
If you decide not to hire an architect, a general contractor may step into the role of project manager and hire designers for the drafting and construction process. Home builders, architectural designers, or a design-build firm may take the place of seeking out an architect yourself.
There are several ways to calculate the possible costs of hiring an architect. For example, architects often charge a percentage of the total project, depending on the type of construction, such as:
5%–10% for new construction
15%–20% for renovations
8%–15%, on average, for all work
More specifically, hiring an architect can cost anywhere from $600 to $50,000—at an average of $6,500—for their services. Prices will depend on where you live, their level of experience, and the scope of the work performed. The cost of a landscape architect, for example, can be more than a traditional architect. It’s also important to consider blueprint cost, which can range from $820 to $2,711.
An architect plans and designs new construction and alteration projects. They often provide sketches for homes, office buildings, shopping malls, and other structures.
If your project is complex, it may make sense to hire an architect to draw plans. An architect might also be a good person to hire if you want to ensure your plans adhere to building codes and regulations.
An architect focuses on the design, style, and appearance of various buildings and structures whereas an engineer handles the mechanical and technical components. Architects and engineers will often collaborate on projects.
