9 Types of Architects and When to Hire Them

Choosing the right type of architect is one of the most important steps in turning your home design vision into a successful reality. The professional title of architect encompasses a massive field, covering everyone from residential to landscape specialists. Get a leg up in hiring the best local architect for your project by understanding the common types of architects in the field.

1. Residential Architect

In nearly all cases, you'll contact a residential architect when building a new home or tackling a large home renovation. Residential architects specialize in homes and—as the name suggests—residential spaces. These professionals understand how to balance a home spatially, structurally, and stylistically. They will bring the local climate and building materials into account as well as the budgetary goals of the homeowner. Residential architects may work with a construction manager or general contractor to manage the build.

The cost of an architect will often come down to the scope of the work and their level of expertise. Licensed architects move up from internship to management level throughout their careers, earning higher pay rates as they go. Here are some costs to keep in mind based on a residential architect’s professional level.

Best for: New home construction and major home renovations

2. Commercial Architect

While you're unlikely to work with a commercial architect, it's important to add them to our list for comparison as you try to find the best local architect. Commercial architects work on commercial-use, industrial, and site-specific structures for private and public builders. Not only do they incorporate the goals of the organization for the building, but they also have in-depth training and knowledge of the building codes specific to commercial spaces. Similar to a residential architect, these pros will work with a draftsperson, structural engineer, interior designer, and many more specialists on a larger team.

Best for: Commercial and public buildings

3. Restoration Architect

Restoration architects are your go-to pros if you live in a historic home that needs a lot of love or a change that falls in line with its original design. Making changes to a historic home can be complicated—both logistically and legally—so always ask your architect about their background in working with historic homes before starting. 

These professionals should have experience:

• Researching local permits and historical home restoration laws

• Respecting the historical appearance of a space

• Using materials that are both up to code and true to the original design

• Understanding common issues with homes in the given time period

• Proposing budget estimations on par with necessary changes

Best for: Historic home renovations

4. Green Architect

A green design architect may work on your home or work with a team of architects to create a space that is as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. They specialize in home placement, sustainable building materials, and low-energy heating and cooling and have an understanding of the local climate. Green architects can help you blend your budget and style preferences with options that work with the surrounding landscape and weather patterns as well.

Best for: Eco-conscious new construction and renovations

5. Interior Architect

While some architects specialize in the full structure of a home, others hone in on interior construction. Similar to a home designer, interior architects work on the home's layout, door placement, and stylistic elements such as trim, window design, and ceiling height. Adding an interior architect to your team can ensure that your daily living space has great traffic flow, storage options, and a general design that fits your lifestyle. Some interior architects can provide decor guidance as well, though this work will typically fall to an interior designer or interior decorator. 

Best for: Interior home renovations

6. Landscape Architect

Let's not forget about the other half of a property—the landscape. Landscape architects oversee and design the big-picture plan for your yard, including both the hardscape and natural elements of the space. Retaining walls, patios, poolscapes, garden beds, lawn care, and drainage all fall under their jurisdiction. 

They will also balance how your home interacts with the landscape. Plants that sit in the shade require different care than those in direct sun, for example. You may also need additional regrading or stormwater drainage to keep water away from your foundation.

Best for: Landscape overhauls, new construction, and drainage issues

7. Lighting Architect

If you're looking to maximize natural and added light to your home, a lighting architect brings highly specialized expertise. For major home renovations or new construction, they will advise on window placement, size, and style. They will also lay out the best placement of lighting fixtures permanently wired to the inside and outside of your home. Lighting architects may also collaborate with landscape professionals. 

Best for: New home construction and lighting upgrades

8. Retrofit Architect

While similar to a green architect, retrofit architects upgrade current homes with more eco-conscious appliances, fixtures, and overall design elements. These professionals can advise homeowners on how to upgrade their wiring to accommodate ENERGY STAR-approved appliances as well as HVAC systems that work in tandem with the current home structure. You may choose to hire a retrofit architect after setting up a home energy audit.

Best for: Eco-conscious home upgrades

9. Industrial Architect

An industrial architect specializes in the design of spaces of spaces used for industrial purposes, including factories, warehouses, processing plants, or storage spaces. Industrial architects must consider all aspects of a space’s intended use, including elements such as the placement of large machinery, the flow of people and materials, and long-term maintenance needs in order to create spaces that are functional, efficient, and safe for workers.