Builder, Designer or Architect? Who to Hire?

So, you’re ready to build your new custom home. Perhaps you’re contemplating a new commercial space for your business. Although this is an exciting moment, we at SODA understand there are probably a million questions running through your mind. Where do we begin? What should we plan for? What should be our budget? What professional should we consider hiring?

Having been a Project Manager, Designer and now a Professional Architect leading projects, my insight into the matter comes not from simply an opinion rather, stems from over a decade of experience.

Let’s dive into the Professionals you may be considering to hire for the project and see which one best suits your needs.

Builder

A builder is often considered the first person many think of when designing and constructing a custom home. Despite their direct involvement in the project, through the dirt and debris and physical labour, Builders are simply one intricate part to an overall puzzle if you will. The main role of the Builder is to execute the plans provided by either a Designer of Architect.

Very in-tune with the project timeline and main objectives of the project, Builders typically work off of pre-purchased / pre-designed plans. The effectiveness of staying on budget and on time often is attested to their ability to execute the same, or similar projects over and over. With this in mind, no two sites are the same and often times, projects may require modifications to suit. For example, if the site is restrictive to height requirements, lot coverage and setbacks; pre-designed plans may not work and the involvement of a Builder alone may prove restrictive.

BCIN Designer

Although a Builder may be more restrictive in some ways, it also a more cost effective way to approach designing a Custom Home. Saying that, if you are seriously considering designing and building a truly custom home, the Professionals to turn to will be either a Designer or an Architect.

So, you may be asking, what is the difference between a Designer and an Architect? Well, let’s break it down. A qualified BCIN Designer is knowledgable and able to apply municipal by-laws and building codes to a drawing package that will obtain necessary Permits. In many instances, designers, over years, begin to establish an architectural style and develop strategies towards budget control and timeframe. Designers however, are limited to building size and types of use. Why? While designers have vast knowledge in the realm of architecture and design, they are not trained in the same fashion as Architects licensed by the Province.

Let’s look into the differences.

In many instances, designers hold a Diploma in Architectural Technology and as a BCIN Designer, one must complete the necessary examinations related to specific Parts in the Building Code. Comparably, Architects are required to have a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Architecture granted by an Accredited school in Canada. Further, an Internship process is undertaken where Graduates are asked to complete several hours (3000+) in specific areas including; sustainability, construction administration, management and detailing, to name a select few. Once hours are complete, Interns are required to write either the ExAC or ARE, which are a series of exams geared to ensure that Interns have obtained the necessary knowledge to practice Architecture in Canada. These exams include but are not limited to, design and sustainability, building code, contracts and management.

Architect

As written above, Architects are trained very differently through formal and practical means. What does this mean? It means that Architects have developed an in-depth knowledge towards unique and complex projects over years of experience. You may be thinking that all you really need are plans from someone, and although this is true, as an Architect, the plans are second nature. An Architect’s focus is on the experience and often the poetic nature of the art. Architects are highly trained in technical detailing, sustainability, have a thorough understanding of construction, ensure project design intent and maintain project budgets and timelines. Though Architect’s fee tend to generally be higher (expect 7-15%) than a Designer, the level of service is unparalleled.

Summary

If you are simply looking to design a home with minimal alterations to existing plans, a Builder is more likely the best option, as it will be the most cost effective and the Builder will understand the project. If you want to design a custom home but are simply looking at images and wanting to implement what you see, a Designer may be the way to go. However, if you are looking for premium architectural services, a unique site, or looking for the highest level of project completeness, consider hiring an Architect. Not unlike buying a car or bag or clothes, there are many products that satisfy people’s needs. If you are looking for quality, unique designs tailored directly for you, than you may consider going with the premium product. Putting it simply, you get what you pay for.

If you are interested in working with an Architect for your next project, contact us today, we would love to hear from you.