What is an Architect and Do You Need to Hire One?

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. 

What Is an Architect?

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.

Architect Training and Licensing

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.

What Does an Architect Do?

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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.

What Are the Types of Architects?

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:

• Landscape

• Commercial 

• Interior 

• Preservation 

• Urban designer

Architects also break down their level of experience, often depending on state laws about training and education. Right out of school, prospective architects typically begin as interns on their way to licensure working on the guide 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

What to Know About Hiring an Architect

As you launch into your project, you might need to choose between a home designer and an architect. As you now know, architects are licensed professionals who typically offer start-to-finish services for building and renovating.

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. 

When Do You Need an Architect?

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.

How Much Does an Architect Cost?

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 vary depending on where you live, their level of experience, and the scope of the work performed.