An architect is more qualified, alright, but sometimes hiring one can only be a good waste of money when a draftsperson has what it takes to get the job done. At Cad Crowd, we have both licensed architects and professional draftspersons<\/a> for a wide range of construction projects, from small-scale remodeling and renovations to brand-new construction. Here is another thing to make clear: an architect, having passed the qualifying exam and all, is likely capable of doing everything that a draftsperson can, but not the other way around.<\/p> RELATED: What to Look for in Residential Architect Freelancers & Hiring Services Companies<\/a><\/strong><\/p> This is why that colleague of yours, whose distant cousin happens to be an architect, always says that spending more to hire an architect is a safe bet, no matter the construction project. In this economy, however, sometimes you just want to spend exactly on what you need. To be certain that you hire the right professional for the right amount of money to handle the right kind of project, you need to get a grasp of the difference to begin with.<\/p> Although data from the BLS or any statistics, for that matter, can be confusing at times, the site has done a pretty good job of making the distinction between architects and drafters. Here\u2019s a quick summary of what it says about the two occupations.<\/p> Many types of construction projects require an architect because they call for all (or at least most) of the services only an architect can legally provide. That said, there are situations where hiring one is almost definitely overkill, and a draftsperson is plenty adequate.<\/p> RELATED: Architectural Plans, CAD Drawing Costs & Architect Service Pricing: Full Breakdown<\/a><\/strong><\/p> We\u2019re sorry to disappoint, but there isn\u2019t really any easy answer. As mentioned earlier, it depends on the type of construction project you have and the scope of work it entails. Still, to make an informed (and the right) decision, you have to see things from both legal and design viewpoints.<\/p> Every state has its own rules and regulations about the matter. For example, the California Architects Board<\/a> determines that only four professions are legally qualified to provide construction and design services. They include architects, civil engineers, and structural engineers<\/a>. The fourth type is uninterestingly referred to as \u201cunlicensed persons\u201d for some reason.<\/p> Here is the important bit. Since drafters are not categorized under the first three professions, they must be in the \u201cunlicensed persons\u201d group, obviously. Any of these unlicensed persons, according to the board, are allowed to handle the following construction projects without worries that someone in uniform may stop by and ask them to produce a license:<\/p> RELATED: American Institute of Architects Designated Freelancers & Contractors<\/a><\/strong><\/p> The design limitation for licensed architects is much simpler. The CAB grants them the legal right to design any type of building, except the structural portion of a hospital. Civil engineers<\/a> cannot design public schools and hospitals, whereas structural engineers practically have no design limitations. There you have it. If your construction project fits into the above criteria, an unlicensed draftsperson is probably all you need. A draftsperson is also likely more affordable than an architect, so it\u2019s a good way to save money without cutting corners.<\/p> This is going to be a much trickier viewpoint. If you look only at the educational differences between a licensed architect and a draftsperson, the former is always seen as the better option. To reiterate, an architect has to have at least a bachelor\u2019s degree in architecture, followed by a paid internship. Say the degree takes five years, and the internship runs for three, for a total of eight years. As if that\u2019s not enough, an architect<\/a> has to pass a licensing exam, which consists of at least six divisions. All in, it typically takes anywhere from 9 to 12 years for someone to become a licensed architect.<\/p> Let\u2019s not forget about the mandatory post-licensure education to maintain that licensure. When it comes to design qualification, the long journey that a licensed architect has to go through in the career should result in an accumulation of knowledge and skills in such subjects as space planning, construction methods and techniques, MEP systems, material specifications, site design, bidding evaluation, passive heating and cooling systems, sustainable architecture, building code, zoning laws, and possibly many other specialties. An architect is certainly qualified to handle just about any construction project, regardless of scale. <\/p> The problem is that a licensed architect can be overqualified for a small project, meaning you\u2019ll be spending money on things you don\u2019t really need. Meanwhile, a draftsperson isn\u2019t even a designer. Professional CAD drafters<\/a> are typically people who provide, as you\u2019ve probably expected, drafting services. The job mainly involves translating or converting design sketches into technical drawings that a contractor can understand, and acquiring permits. They DO NOT usually offer design services, but draftspersons can definitely develop the skills to become a capable designer. They learn the trades by either taking design courses or working under an architect.<\/p> RELATED: Creating Exterior Renderings Using 3D Exterior Rendering Services for Architects<\/a><\/strong><\/p> Drafters with years of experience working with clients on many different projects should have nurtured the ability to turn any simple design sketch into construction drawings. In some cases, the sketches aren\u2019t even made by architects; the clients themselves make them. While your colleague is right about an architect being a safe bet, there\u2019s a good chance that your project actually needs a much simpler approach that an experienced draftsperson can handle just fine. Just remember: if you decide to hire a draftsman instead of an architect for your construction project, be certain that nothing violates the \u201cdesign limitations by unlicensed persons\u201d regulations in your state.<\/p> Not every construction project needs a licensed architect. There are times when hiring a CAD draftsperson<\/a> is the right choice, especially if you already have a clear idea of what the design will be. Always seek further information from the local authorities about the design limitations for architectural professionals. But manage your expectations. A draftsperson, even an experienced one, might not be able to offer suggestions beyond the basics of a design. These \u201cbasics\u201d are usually much more in-depth than what the average client might think, yet still reasonably shallow compared to what an architect can come up with.<\/p> What\u2019s what<\/h2>
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<\/figure> Hiring who?<\/h2>
Legal perspective<\/h3>
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Design perspective<\/h3>
Takeaway<\/h2>
How Cad Crowd can help<\/h2>