As Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) become increasingly popular in Los Angeles due to housing shortages and major changes in state laws, many homeowners are faced with a conundrum when just starting out on their journey.
“Do I hire an architect or a designer, and what’s the difference?”
While these two roles often overlap, they have distinct functions and areas of expertise. This article will explore the key differences between architects and designers, focusing on the context of projects in the Los Angeles area.
The Role of an Architect
Education and Licensing
Architects undergo rigorous education and training. They typically hold a degree in architecture, which involves coursework in design, engineering, and art history. After their formal education, architects are then required to complete a multi-year internship and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to obtain a license to practice. This licensing process ensures that architects have the skills and knowledge to design any building to be safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
Scope of Work
Architects are responsible for the overall design and planning of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. They focus on creating structures that meet client needs while adhering to building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations. Their work often involves:
Developing detailed architectural plans and blueprints.
Developing calculations for the structural integrity and safety of the building.
Overseeing the construction process to ensure compliance with the design.
Projects Architects Handle
Because of their licensing, architects can handle a full range of projects anything from as small as ADUs and additions to larger-scale projects like office buildings and high rise apartments. They are especially crucial for projects that require significant design work, including the multi-million dollar mansions that sparkle the Hollywood Hills.
The Role of a Designer
Education and Experience
Designers come from a variety of educational backgrounds, often with a degree with concentrations in interior design, graphic design, or related fields. Unlike architects, designers are not required to hold a license, and under the laws of the state of California can must have an engineer to create the structural plans for any of their designs that fall outside of the Wood Frame Prescriptive Provisions.
Scope of Work
Designers, similar to architects, are responsible for the overall design and planning of buildings. They focus on creating structures that meet client needs while adhering to building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations, and their work often involves:
Working hand in hand with property owners to hone in on the desired design.
Developing detailed residential house plans.
Coordinating with engineers and contractors.
Projects Designers Handle
Designers tend to work mostly with smaller-scale projects, as a direct result of the legal requirement that only architects can do commercial structures or residential structures over 2 stories in height.
As such, designers tend to specialize in standard bathroom and kitchen remodels, additions, new construction of 1- to 2-story homes, as well as the design of 1- to 2- story ADUs.
Unlike an architect, they also tend to collaborate much more closely with clients to ensure that the space reflects their style and needs.
Key Differences Between Architects and Designers
While architects and designers often collaborate on projects, their roles are distinct. Here are some key differences:
Education and Licensing: Architects require formal education and licensing, while designers may have varied educational backgrounds and are not required to be licensed.
Project Scope: Architects handle larger, complex projects involving new construction or structural changes. Designers are limited to handling residential projects under 3 stories.
Legal Requirements: Licensed architects can sign and stamp plans without the need of an engineer. Designers must have an engineer to create plans to accompany their own that outline its structural integrity.
Pricing: Because of their additional training, licensing overhead, and day-to-day expenses, architects tend to charge significantly more for the same projects that designers can do for a fraction of the price. For example, while our pre-approved ADU plan in the city of LA is $2,400, a few architects who have their pre-approved ADU plans sell them for as much as $15,000.
Why Choose an Architect or Designer in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles and its surrounding areas are known for the high cost of real estate, construction, labor, and home-related services. So if you're looking to get ADU plans, plans for your home addition, or blueprints for your new home construction, choosing the right professional is crucial to save money and time.
How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Project
When deciding whether to hire an architect, a designer, or both, consider the scope and goals of your project. Here are some questions to guide your decision:
What is the scale of the project? Large-scale projects or those involving structures that require an architect, should be left to architects, while smaller-scale projects can be handled by a designer.
What are your priorities? If your focus is on budget, core functionality, and speed, a designer may be the right choice. Designers tend to charge anywhere from $2,500 - $15,000 for their designs
On average, architects can charge anywhere from $15,000 - $30,000 for similar projects, simply because their overhead is much larger. For a 3-story sprawling estate, an architect makes sense, but for a 400 SF ADU garage conversion, using a designer is often a preferred approach.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between architects and designers is essential for choosing the right professional for your project. Whether you're looking for ADU plans or plans for your addition, both architects and designers can help bring your vision to life.
As designers ourselves, we'd love an opportunity to work with you on your residential project. Reach out to us today to get a quote on our services.
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