Architect or architectural designer: which is right for your project?
If you are planning an extension, renovation or new-build home, you may assume that you need to appoint an architect. However, an experienced architectural designer may be able to provide the design, planning and technical services your project requires.
The best choice depends not only on professional title, but on relevant experience, the proposed service and how well the designer understands your property and ambitions.
What is the difference?
In the UK, “architect” is a legally protected title. It may only be used in business or practice by someone registered with the Architects Registration Board, commonly known as ARB.
“Architectural designer” is not a protected title. It describes someone who provides building design and related architectural services but does not use the title “architect”.
There is no general requirement to appoint an architect for a residential building project. An appropriately experienced architectural designer can lawfully provide architectural services, prepare planning applications and produce technical drawings.
The Architects Registration Board explains the protected-title distinction here.
What can an architectural designer do?
Depending on their experience and appointment, an architectural designer can provide:
Feasibility advice and site appraisal
Concept and architectural design
House extension and renovation design
Planning applications
Building Regulations drawings
Technical and construction information
Coordination with engineers and other consultants
Tender and construction-stage support
For many homeowners, this provides a clear and continuous service from the first discussion through to construction.
Why appoint LOTA Architecture?
LOTA Architecture specialises in considered residential design for extensions, renovations and new-build homes across London, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The practice is led by Sukhdev Lota, an architectural designer with over a decade of experience working on residential projects of varying scale and complexity.
Clients work directly with the practice throughout the project, helping to maintain continuity between the original brief, planning design and technical delivery.
Depending on the agreed scope, LOTA can assist with:
Understanding what may be possible
Developing a design around how you want to live
Preparing and managing the planning submission
Producing coordinated technical information
Working with structural engineers, surveyors and other specialists
Supporting the project as it moves towards construction
The focus is not simply on producing drawings. It is on developing a well-resolved home and giving clients greater clarity throughout what can otherwise feel like a complicated process.
Can LOTA submit a planning application?
Yes. You do not generally need to appoint a registered architect to submit a planning application.
LOTA can assess the property and planning context, develop the proposal, prepare the required drawings and submit the application on your behalf.
No professional can guarantee planning permission. However, relevant experience, careful design and a well-prepared submission can give the application the strongest reasonable foundation.
Can LOTA prepare technical drawings?
LOTA can provide technical-design services and coordinate the information required for Building Regulations and construction, subject to the agreed appointment.
Where specialist input is required, LOTA can work with structural engineers, Building Control, surveyors and other consultants to coordinate their information with the architectural design.
This gives clients greater continuity between the approved design and the information used to construct it.
What should you check before appointing someone?
Whether considering an architect or architectural designer, ask:
Have you completed similar residential projects?
Can I see relevant examples of your work?
Which services are included?
Who will work directly on my project?
Do you hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance?
Which other consultants will be required?
How will fees and additional work be managed?
You should receive a written agreement clearly explaining the services, fees, responsibilities, programme and treatment of additional work.
Which option is right for you?
For a residential extension, renovation or bespoke new home, an experienced architectural designer may be able to provide everything required to take the project from an initial idea through planning and technical design.
The right appointment should give you confidence in the design, clarity about the process and access to someone who understands both your ambitions and the practical requirements of delivering them.
Discuss your project with LOTA
If you are considering an extension, renovation or new-build home, LOTA would be pleased to discuss your property, your ideas and what may be required to move the project forward.
