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Wondering how much hiring an architect cost? Discover architect prices, cost factors, and money-saving tips to help you plan your home project with confidence.
Designer vs. Architect: Which Should You Hire?
While architects and designers design homes and buildings, different skill sets and backgrounds may change the process
Photo: andresr / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: andresr / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
Architects are trained, licensed professionals who design buildings and ensure they’re structurally sound.
Designers do not have the same licensing or educational requirements as architects.
Designers can work on smaller projects or interior remodeling.
Building codes and regulations may dictate when an architect is required for a project.
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Differences in Scope of Work
Both architects and designers can oversee a project from start to finish, but architects tend to have a more comprehensive scope of work. An architect can hire and oversee contractors, source materials, obtain permits, file building plans, and manage the build site and any problems that arise. If you’re looking to hire an architect, be sure to ask questions of prospective architects to find out what’s included in their fee.
Designers can source materials, hire and oversee contractors, and manage the build site, but depending on local regulations, they may not be able to pull permits or file building plans. You may also need to hire a structural engineer to sign off on any structural elements of a designer’s plans before legally beginning work.
Cost Differences
Because of their extensive education and licensing requirements and the comprehensive scope of work they offer, hiring an architect costs more than hiring a designer. Architect fees average around 5% to 20% of the total project cost. Designers can cost between $50 and $200 an hour, although projects like remodels may be priced per square foot or as a percentage of the project cost.
| Architect | Designer |
|---|---|
| Professionally licensed | No licensing requirements |
| Specific educational requirements | No educational requirements |
| Extensive training on structural design | Requires oversight for structural work |
| Focuses on all aspects of building design | Focuses on aesthetics, function, and interiors |
| Works on construction projects of all sizes | Works on smaller projects |
| Meets building code and regulation requirements | May not meet building code requirements |
Differences in Scope of Work
Both architects and designers can oversee a project from start to finish, but architects tend to have a more comprehensive scope of work. An architect can hire and oversee contractors, source materials, obtain permits, file building plans, and manage the build site and any problems that arise. If you’re looking to hire an architect, be sure to ask questions of prospective architects to find out what’s included in their fee.
Designers can source materials, hire and oversee contractors, and manage the build site, but depending on local regulations, they may not be able to pull permits or file building plans. You may also need to hire a structural engineer to sign off on any structural elements of a designer’s plans before legally beginning work.
Cost Differences
Because of their extensive education and licensing requirements and the comprehensive scope of work they offer, hiring an architect costs more than hiring a designer. Architect fees average around 5% to 20% of the total project cost. Designers can cost between $50 and $200 an hour, although projects like remodels may be priced per square foot or as a percentage of the project cost.
Photo: BanksPhotos / E+ / Getty Images, irina88w / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, Jodi Jacobson / E+ / Getty Images
Differences in Scope of Work
Both architects and designers can oversee a project from start to finish, but architects tend to have a more comprehensive scope of work. An architect can hire and oversee contractors, source materials, obtain permits, file building plans, and manage the build site and any problems that arise. If you’re looking to hire an architect, be sure to ask questions of prospective architects to find out what’s included in their fee.
Designers can source materials, hire and oversee contractors, and manage the build site, but depending on local regulations, they may not be able to pull permits or file building plans. You may also need to hire a structural engineer to sign off on any structural elements of a designer’s plans before legally beginning work.
Cost Differences
Because of their extensive education and licensing requirements and the comprehensive scope of work they offer, hiring an architect costs more than hiring a designer. Architect fees average around 5% to 20% of the total project cost. Designers can cost between $50 and $200 an hour, although projects like remodels may be priced per square foot or as a percentage of the project cost.
Photo: filmstudio / E+ / Getty Images, AJ_Watt / E+ / Getty Images, Morsa Images / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Differences in Scope of Work
Both architects and designers can oversee a project from start to finish, but architects tend to have a more comprehensive scope of work. An architect can hire and oversee contractors, source materials, obtain permits, file building plans, and manage the build site and any problems that arise. If you’re looking to hire an architect, be sure to ask questions of prospective architects to find out what’s included in their fee.
Designers can source materials, hire and oversee contractors, and manage the build site, but depending on local regulations, they may not be able to pull permits or file building plans. You may also need to hire a structural engineer to sign off on any structural elements of a designer’s plans before legally beginning work.
Cost Differences
Because of their extensive education and licensing requirements and the comprehensive scope of work they offer, hiring an architect costs more than hiring a designer. Architect fees average around 5% to 20% of the total project cost. Designers can cost between $50 and $200 an hour, although projects like remodels may be priced per square foot or as a percentage of the project cost.
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