“Starting an Architectural Firm”
Comment Page 1

  • Luke Clayden said on March 2, 2012
    My name is also Luke Clayden worrying that this article is on the internet really with my name, I Studied in Interior Architecture, for four years i would like to be able to call myself an Interior architect although, I am aware of my legal limitations until/if i return to Architecture school in the UK to proceed through the RIBA part 1,2 and 3 standards (7 years 5 YEARS IN SCHOOL) to become a fully qualified architect where i would then have full legal rights to call my self an Architect in the UK. However it is becoming increasingly acceptable for someone to call themselves a INTERIOR ARCHITECT which is fair to someone who chooses to do a BA (Hons) In Interior Architecture.(4 YEARS IN SCHOOL)IMO.
  • Luke Clayden said on March 2, 2012
    Although the above is a great comment, I still would like anyone to be making or theorizing about architecture to be well informed and have studied in architecture school or a studio for a number of years before thinking about making architecture. (Apart from the Egypt pyramids which were built by slaves, The magic and interest of Egypt, has always been about the adventure and discovery of the tombs and temples and the cracking of the hieroglyphs by great British french and Italian explorers IMO.)

    When I was studying in Architecture school ( Interior Architecture ) I attended the same long lectures as the Architecture students did, I worked in the studio as long as they did if not longer, built and designed with the same detail and complexity. I think people in a similar situation to me would be excused in this case and allowed to call themselves interior architects, But understand there legal limitations until if they qualify as an Architect.

    The best Architecture is not about the very bad built expressions of good ideas,Architecture is about ideas not the built reality. Books theory,philosophy of architecture and drawings are more important, Theory ideas and philosophy will last longer than a building does. its the idea that will survive. there is no such thing as paper architecture all architecture is about ideas whether its on paper or built. people that think about architecture will always think about ideas they are the people that matter.
  • lukwago peter said on April 10, 2012
    please help me with sites which have good architecture referrals and sites to help me with my designs for residential houses i mostly do thanks
  • DC said on April 15, 2012
    Bottom Line: Of course you can have your firm, but if you are not licensed, you can not sign and file your projects. Sorry, somebody else would have to do that for you. That person is called - Architect. :)
  • DC said on April 15, 2012
    @Luke. Architecture is all about physical buildings that represent the time in which they were created. Research, design and exchange of ideas that leads into the project construction are also important, but without actual physical building or interior as a result, they can not be regarded as architecture.
  • LLOYD said on April 17, 2012
    Those who insist that they can have have their own Architectural firm even without having Architecture license are proof that there are a plenty of SAD AND PATHETIC ARCHITECT WANNABES all over the world who didn't make to Architecture school.RFOL!
  • Evan Jarvis beginner adviser said on April 19, 2012
    Before you take any "advise" from anyone commenting on this subject I suggest you first check with the State Board of Architecture/licensing in your state. There are certain criteria that demands that a licensed architect or engineer design structures. These categories are usually size, use, number of stories, spans and so forth. Then check with the city/local permitting jurisdiction to see if the requirement correspond. However, be careful and clear not to state that you are supplying "Architectural/Engineering Services". You can design anything as a concept however being the Architect/Engineer of Record and or getting paid for services that require a license is specialized based usually on what kind of facility that is being proposed.

    In any case clearly define what you are providing a how it fits into the project in contract and by a service statement. Not all architects know what is required in high rise hotel design -vs- an architect that specializes in one story retail. That being said a good tenured practitioner would be able to design most any structure using good design practice, building codes and their own experience. I know of several services that only do architectural drafting or provide specification writing. I also suggest asking a lawyer that specializes in contract law and looking up the statutes yourself.

    P.S. The suggestion of checking out the AIA guidelines is a good one which I would recommend. However the AIA does not make the law and is not a governmental agency, so check out the Board of Architectural Licensing in your state and the permitting jurisdiction of your project. The AIA is a guardian of Architectural, Landscape and Interior Design Practices and they promote professionalism and good design. They also provide documentation and edit specifications. Every state can be different in their requirements. Even the requirements for Licensing.

    I love it the OLD Builder has a point. However doing something illegal is probably not the best Idea. There is a need to good builders, good architects and fast accurate CAD designers. In a large project they are serving the same master. A safe well built project that serves its intended purpose. Further more plans are drawn for the Builder. Not for the Architect.

    Several institutions give out awards for good design, construction and even plans that are well organized and make it easier on the G.C. I know of a project where a change order was put in for and approved probably by the owners rep. but NOT the Architect Of Record. A small detail was change that was the suspension for a suspended walkway.

    The bridge fell because of the contractors change and people died. The stamped engineered plans did not allow for a single cable suspension for a two level cat walk in a mall. There is a reason for the chain of checks and reviews from all of the different disciplines bar all other comments and that reason is Human Safety.
  • kirenzi abby said on April 25, 2012
    Am still having my lectures to see me through the world of architectural draftsmanship. Am planning to start an architectural training firm, training different design softwares, interior and exterior designs. Would it be affected even though i have not got my license yet? ABBY IN ENTEBBE UGANDA.
  • Cornerstone said on July 19, 2012
    I'm not an architect, but I'm starting a firm right now with a licensed architect in Denver, Colorado (cs-arch.com). I ran a "design and drafting service" for 10 years prior to this, mainly focusing on residential design (additions & custom homes) so that's where most of my experience lies. My partner has done a lot of commercial and multi-family projects, so we're now combining our talents. Best piece of advice: get to know contractors - mixers, cold-calls followed by meet-and-greets, emails, letters......you have to get busy and get those contacts.
  • victor said on July 19, 2012
    am presently working in an architectural firm in nigeria, i have a bachelors and masters in architecture, also HND in civil engineering, though am not yet licensed, recently am being hunted by my own thoughts to start up my own firm. here in nigeria you need good contacts to start up a firm in order to get jobs. well all thinking of running a cyber cafe and an archi firm, but also looking at the possibility of partnering with any interested good established firm in other countries. if you are we could work together and share the same company name. victor. victoroges@yahoo.com
  • Kevin James said on August 22, 2012
    HI, I'm only 12 years old but I have a true passion and talent in the architectural designing industry. I already know I want to go to Temple University, get my masters degree in architecture and my major in engineering after I get my under grad. Then, after college I would be an architect for a few years then I would create my own firm afterwards. Please any additional info would be great.
  • Terry L. Walker said on August 26, 2012
    I am an Architect and in practice in the State of Washington. This is the worst and most misleading aritcle I have ever read. Architects make money by performing Architectural services, they do not make money by doing landscape design, or structural design both of which require separate licensing and insurance coverage. Types of projects tend towards specializing in two or three building types rather than one. Architects may build models but often specialists are engaged to do physical as well as photo realistic renderings. Revit models are frequently built by Architects however and other modeling software. Making money in Architecture is difficult and having a career in Architecture is not probable nor profitable as a general rule, success is rare! It takes more than business cards to start a company in the Architectural services industry with start up costs probably close to $500,000.00.
  • Vitruvius said on December 12, 2012
    I am afraid the author is writing a subject matter that he/she has no total grasped at all. If I would have to write an article about the same subject, the first thing I would have covered is the LEGAL requirements of starting an architectural firm. This is step no. 1 because you need to find out if your business services legally qualifies to the laws of the land.

    For instance, sometime ago I applied for a business license with architectural design as one of my offered service. The State of Washington promptly wrote me to refrain from using the word "architectural" because there is no record that I am a licensed architect. How did I feel? Of course not good because I thought that I am a very good architectural designer and even better than any of the registered architects I have worked with. Obviously, this was not the point why I received the letter. The reason will come to light as I move on to pursue my license.

    Getting an architect's license is excruciatingly painful and takes years of labor. Expensive education, long years of experience and the exam studying/testing is brutal. No wonder a huge number of aspiring architects quit and give up. I believe that most of those that quit are those that complain a lot and bash licensed architects. Been there. If only they have continued and learned a very valuable and simple wisdom why there is a need for licensure. The answer is Public Safety.

    Ask yourself the following questions:
    1. When you have medical conditions who do you seek?
    2. You have legal problems who do you look for?
    3. You are building your dream house, would you hire an unbonded contractor?
    4. Would you drive a car even if you do not have a drivers license?
    5. Would you send your child to a school that has no credentialed teacher?

    See, all of the above boils down to Public Safety. And Public Safety, in the eyes of the State, is all about RESPONSIBILITY. The State, the entity that we task to maintain civility in all of us, cannot do its function without licensing or other forms of credentials that they can use against irresponsibility. This is one way of enforcing public safety. Act irresponsibly to the detriment of the public good and the State will revoke your license/credentials. The State gets a spanking from the public if there is no measure to enforce accountability. This was the reason why the State of Washington refrained me from using the word "architectural". What they were saying was I need to prove that I have the (1) training,(2) education and (3)testing to dispense architectural design services to the public. Since I only have 2 of 3 at that time, my credential is not good enough to handle responsibilities that MAY HARM THE PUBLIC. It does not matter if I am the best designer, the best driver, the best defender of the poor around, the State still requires me to prove my claim. This should be very very clear and easy to understand. And I learn this simple wisdom or rule the hard way, not through education and work experience but through the rigorous studying and testing for the licensure exam administered by the State I wanted a license for.

    Can you imagine if the status quo during the time of Wright, Mies and others still applies today. There would be MORE medical malpractices, legal lawsuits, collapsed/ugly buildings, contractors running away from contracts and accidents caused by drivers. I am certain that, if Wright & Mies (two great men who are my idols) were alive today they would be the first one to seek licensure knowing that it is the RESPONSIBLE thing to do. After all, these are intelligent and responsible men that know what they want and strive hard to get it.

    I am also certain licensure in every profession will get harder and harder because society gets so complex as we march forward. Even now that I have a license I still need to study the laws of the land of other States that I want to practice architecture (currently licensed in CA and WA). To stay current in my profession, I am required to study some more every time I renew my license. Bond/insurance, too, is an important aspect of a successful architectural practice. When I was a designer, I didn't have to worry about all the challenges I ran into when I pursued and obtained my license because obviously my knowledge and skills then were limited. As a designer you need not worry when lawsuits arrive because you do not lose anything except your pride. You lose so much when you are an Architect. Looking back, I should be glad that the State allowed me to design limited in scope projects back then. What was I thinking?

    Why am I responding to this thread? Because I am researching how to grow my architectural practice responsibly and I came across this article. Unfortunately despite the myriad of good things the internet has provided us, it has also given us irresponsible articles such as this thread. You will be frustrated and ran into problems if you follow and do not see the inconsistencies in this article. As this article claims, it is easy to create an architectural firm business. It is not. Architect or not.
  • oxo said on January 18, 2013
    I am not licensed and have completed four thousand projects in mostly California, also, Washington State, British Columbia, Japan, Tonga, and Africa. Remember that Frank Lloyd Wright was not licensed. Neither were Craig Ellwood (case study homes), and many others.
  • haha said on January 25, 2013
    Am i reading this correctly? All you need to start an Architecture firm is... business cards ... and some brands of drafting papers? Ha ha ... i enjoyed reading this post because it made me feel intelligent... now i just feel callous for laughing... To practice architecture and/or start an architectural firm you need to be registered in pretty much every country you could make a living off the profession... it would be deceiving yourself to think you are doing architecture if you aren't an architect. It's definitely a case of semantics here but they are what they are. You can sell drugs to someone but that doesn't make you a pharmacist Of course anyone can start any firm with the right resources. In this case i think you will find they are significantly greater than some cards and some drafting paper. Most significantly of all is an Architect and not far behind that the "Architectural" jobs... oh good luck with that last one!!! lol
  • LLOYD said on January 25, 2013
    @Oxo, no matter how many projects you have completed. You remain nothing but a quack architect. The days of Frank Lloyd Wright is over.
  • Luke Clayden said on January 26, 2013
    @DC I agree with what you are saying But I would go as far as saying that some paper architecture is a lot better, intelligent and more respected than a built building by a bad Architect. I would rather have paper masterpieces (these masterpieces would include super clear beautiful construction drawings that make clear that this building would be wonderful in reality. It would be perfectly worked out and there is no question that it would work in reality.) than say a stream of ugly insignificant built buildings, but yes you are correct, no matter how intelligent or sophisticated the intellectual ideas and concepts are behind the design, the physical reality of what the drawings look like is the reality. What the physical form looks like is the reality and more important, Also no matter how sophisticated the drawings, the models , the ideas and concepts are, it is the built physical piece that matters and that like it or not is a physical shape or form, and no amount of intellectual conceptual bullshit behind your form or shape will stop it from being a form or shape, that you walk in and out of. You need to study architecture for 7 years to be qualified to call yourself an architect, you can start an architectural firm if your firm includes at least one architect its really quite simple why is this thread still going?. If you study Interior architecture then you are a legal interior designer although you don’t need to study interior architecture to call yourself that, you are A very very over qualified interior designer in legal terms but not quite the next legal threshold an architect. But yet someone that studies interior architecture does not have the skills of a interior designer your stuck in limbo land!, well they may have interior design skills but they are not explored or nurtured in interior architecture.

    Anyway I think the most talented building designers of the 21st century may emerge regardless of whether they completed an architecture degree or not to be honest, we will have to wait and see, But probably they will have done so. Let’s see what the history is in 2080. This is still going since 2008 amazing. I heard the British government wanted to decrease the amount of years it takes to become an architect but I think that would be insane?

    @LLOYD the 21st century’s frank lloyd wright would probably be slower of the mark and not start building until a lot later this century than wright did in his 2oth century. Falling water was done 1934-1937 - so we have until 2034 -2057 even up until 2059 to find a 21st century wright to be fair. I wonder if this guy or girl will be a fully qualified architect, That creates the most genius elegant contribution to 21st century architecture. Now that will be interesting to see in 2080 – 2090. Nobody really knows how many centuries we have left maybe in 3 centuries time we will have the most amazing elegant contribution to architecture in the history of all time, done by a non-qualified architect. The qualified architects that studied for seven years might be a bit pissed, green eyed and envious. maybe they study for 10 years then who knows.
  • Luke Clayden said on January 26, 2013
    I studied for 10 years blah blah blah, worked insanely hard at the exams to be able to call myself an architect blah blah blah, I worked hard to be able to work hard at the top architecture firms in London. blah blah blah and this common muck comes along and creates one building that is the greatest of all time that poos on anything that is done by any of these pretentious smartly dressed "talented person wanabes" that miraculously got through architecture school with zero talent. But with endless so called intellectual conceptual bullshit, Rem koolhaus wannabes with zero talent. what a joke blah blah blah. Get over it. maybe thats the real bottom line If your so convinced architecture school only creates great built environments then why are you passionately annoyed at people who try do otherwise. Like lloyds comment above "you remain a quack architect" blah blah blah - what wonkers - Anyway become an architect or find an architect bottom line legally. In the debate outside of the legal system the debate is endless.
  • Lex said on January 28, 2013
    Australia. I have designed/documented (and sometimes built) close to 3000 buildings over a period of forty years. Some are very minor projects others quite large; at no time have I called myself or advertised as an architect. I may have been called one many times, however, in terms of running my own business I can honestly say it has been a true success.I have a network of builders, private clients, developers and through my own technical/artistic skills earn a considerable salary. I do not prostitute my talent, because I understand each project is like a recipe - I tailor to the demand - I charge what the market affords. I have traveled extensively; won many awards and possess lots of qualifications from: diplomas to degrees (post grad too) and am member of many institutes and associations. I am a can-do person with a number of consultants in support.In many respects I am a free agent - preferring not to have a label!
  • Mark said on April 28, 2013
    you may form a corporate and work in architectural field, hiring architects, but you can never call yourself an architect as long as you are not licensed. I have worked for several years in architectural field and soon will become a registered architect. Here in the United States, in order to become successful in this business it is essential to be registered. just starting with the clients to believe your abilities. Not being licensed means you will depend to somebody else to approve your designs.
  • Joe said on June 26, 2013
    I can do anything I want and call myself anything I want and start any business I want if I want to with or without any license or degree or training in anything. This is a free country and I can do what I want. I have no training in architecture and have designed and drawn houses for hundreds of people and made lots and lots of money and I'm working on a sky scraper right now and a fire station. All you gotta do is draw it. No problem.
  • jaishree said on July 12, 2013
    my qualification is diploma in civil engineer, i have 15 years experience in architectural firm , i have my technical license which is given by local municipal authority ,my working area in limit as well as g+2 building and 200 sqmt. plot area. as per local authority norms. so can i do this business?
  • Spaces said on August 5, 2013
    can a Indian Architectural form open their office/branch in USA and provide architectural services..?
  • unknown designer said on December 7, 2013
    as a university and self-educated designer...you can build your experience as a draftsman designer by doing small projects for families and friends with no pay/or exchange compensation. you may present or submit a propose drafted design project to a licensed institution/professional to have it reviewed and signed approved to be able to move forward with any production work. knowledge is in fact a first hand understanding of constructing a design building (your license/degree is just certifying your extensive knowledge in the field that would make your title be an Architect. your drafted works and presentation behind the design is what your qualification should be to allow you to file a business permit in your local area. and before a permit is issued it has to meet all the required criteria to run the business (ex. what type of service are you actually providing to your local community). best of success to all!!
  • Roland Anderson said on January 2, 2014
    I am presently working as administrative officer in an Architectural/Engineering Firm. I want to set up an organogram for the firm. How can I go about it? Anderson
  • ARKITEK said on February 14, 2014
    One who is calling himself / herself " Architect " without Architecture qualification , should be hang till death ! Because they murder the real architecture practice and may kill many innocents on site if any mistake occurs.
  • ARCH. EPI said on February 23, 2014
    YES BEFORE YOU START IN THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE BE SURE YOU ARE A REGISTERED AND LICENSED ARCHITECT IN PHILIPPINE LAWS. IF YOU ARE NOT A REGISTERED ARCHITECT YOU ARE ILLEGAL PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE. READ R.A. NO.9266 THE ARCHITECTURE LAW..
  • elias iyamah said on March 17, 2014
    Who ever needs the title should go study architecture n get registered.it illegal and suicidal to call, practice architecture. when u r not properly breeded and u can only do dat by going to an accredited school of architecture!simple
  • peter said on April 19, 2014
    As an Interior designer what can I do? I plan and sell these ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING. Is wrong to run an Architectural firm. Yes am not an 'ARCHITECT' What next?
  • dave carbonel said on May 22, 2014
    I strongly believed that anyone can be a designer but not anyone is entitled to use the title "architect" if they are not legally qualified. They maybe can put up an architectural office by using or hiring a licensed architect with group of designers but still nothing can compare to the level of confidence of firm who runs by a manager who carries a title especially to this type of service.
  • Sanda said on May 25, 2014
    I'm thinking of starting my own architect firm, yet i have no license, i do design n get stamps from pro architects to sell them...what i wish to know is How Do I Start!?
  • PRASAD said on May 27, 2014
    I AM SELF EMPLOED I AM UNDERTAKING ONLINE CONTRACT OF AUTOCAD PLOTTING WORK I STAY IN INDIA MY PH:-9820119559 PLEASE GIVE ME SOME WORK IN CONTRACT BASIS IF ANY CONSULTING FORM OR COMPANY THANKS.....
  • ridge architects said on July 9, 2014
    nice media to connect to clients...
  • LLOYD said on July 14, 2014
    My advice for prospective clients, You may hire these QUACK ARCHITECTS (developers, contractors, decorators, etc.) but never pay them a single cent. Tell them to submit a quotation or proposal, let them submit tons of drawings. In the end do not pay them anything. They can not offer Architecture formally by way of a proposal so they can't sue you. You may even use their proposal as an evidence against their illegal practice. Report them to the Architecture licensing authorities. ROFL!
  • Jeremy said on July 19, 2014
    @Lloyd. Thanks a lot for the idea!
  • Robby said on July 19, 2014
    In the Philippines, architecture may be practiced by a corporation as long as 80% of the incorporators are licensed Architects. So if you have 3 incorporators, all of them should be licensed. If 5 incorporators, 4 out of 5 must be licensed. 7 incorporators? Forget it. You may end up earning crumbs with the little profit being divided into seven.
  • rahul sharma said on August 6, 2014
    hey, i'm a civil engineer and have knowledge of structures designs and autocad software also....but i want to internship under a professional architect. is anyone here to help me in new delhi....mail me rahul143pandit@gmail.com.....
  • venu said on October 7, 2014
    planning to start a company. pls help
  • Charles Chen said on November 5, 2014
    I have been licensed to practiced architect in US. Can I practice in Philippine through some sort of applications?
  • ninalush said on January 7, 2015
    In kenya noone can be called an architect without studying and getting the license. No one can start an architectural firm without the main guys being registered architects. This article is showing us how quacks can ope their firms who will do for them approvals and all. Accountability is also important as an architect. The fact that you dont have registration how r u accountable for what has been built. This article is very misleading. Seems most countries have the same rules. No wonder so many quacks r deisgninh buildings and thats y in my country so many are timbling down!!!! Use professionals. Its like saying a pharmacist can open his own clinic and become a doctor. Wrong!!!!
  • Anguraj.S said on January 17, 2015
    Hi, Am a B.E (Civil Engineering)graduate. Am interested in starting a new architectural firm in India. Am having nearly One year exp. in construction field. Can i able to Start the firm? What are the requirements to start the firm? Can i get the license?
  • LLOYD said on January 17, 2015
    To those who insist they can practice architecture without being certified, I suggest you use the title QUACK ARCHITECT. Then organize an organization and call your group the American Institute of Quack Architects. ROFL!
  • Get A Life LLOYD said on March 28, 2015
    @LLOYD, I just came across this article and read through the thread. Respectfully, get a life. Everyone else is living theirs and yet you have been rudely and obnoxiously commenting for FOUR YEARS, not growing in maturity. Other than all the quacking you're doing, I really appreciate everyone's comments, concerns and perspective.
  • LLOYD said on May 16, 2015
    @Get A Life Lloyd. You're just one of those butt hurt Architect wannabes. Get a life by joining the American Institute of QUACK Architects. ROFL!
  • LLOYD said on June 4, 2015
    The blogger began his topic like this: "Whether you are an Architect or not as long as you have interest in Architecture, you could easily create an Architectural Firm Business". My posts are all correct since almost all nations have architectural laws that prohibits Architectural practice of non registered individuals as attested by other posters who are obviously Registered Architects. Secondly architecture is not a business but a regulated profession to be practiced only by duly registered individuals. So To all architect wannabes out there, go back and make money from your original trades, industries or professions instead of remaining QUACK Architects the rest of your lives.
  • Irshad said on July 27, 2015
    Architect term can't be used by non licensed architects before their name. A person who has passion for architecture and wishes to practice this profession, he does it either with help of another licensed architect or he compels the world to accept him as architect by his expertise and innovative work, like some of the legendary architects. A PERSON IS KNOWN BY HIS DEEDS (WORK) NOT BY SUFFIX TO HIS NAME. That is the major difference. I have started new architecture firm in India, with aim to deliver finest and innovative design solutions and to have have large worldwide presence. Intention is to expand its practice in various countries and I seek intelligent qualified or experienced architect to join us for long term from different countries in the world. What you need to have is passion for design and determination to excel and deliver new innovative designs at every given interval. Please contact me at i-designarchitects@hotmail.com. Irshad
  • Chris said on August 9, 2015
    Another 'cookie cutter' business idea blog by someone who doesn't know the law, and doesn't know the business they are advising people about. Since it is unlawful to practice as an architect without a license, I suspect advice in favor of doing so can also land you in court. I wonder how many other forms of potentially illegal advice this site offers people.
  • LLOYD said on August 18, 2015
    Hey QUACKS! What's up? I's been quite awhile, and I miss your architecture practice illusions. Hope to hear later from you QUACKS! (real estate developers, contractors, some engineers, carpenters) ROFL!
  • Mpho McNaughton Songo said on September 5, 2015
    i live un Geluksdal city and province Gauteng and country south Africa , I want to start a Firm
  • MrTaipan55 said on September 19, 2015
    @Lloyd, the latest is Pizza Architect. LOL
  • Chris said on November 5, 2015
    The original author should be especially concerned, as, if he/she states you can do something in a business capacity, and you cannot, he/she can be held liable in a lawsuit, for distributing fraudulent information about a very specialized industry toward people wanting to enter into that industry. The AIA may also want to have a friendly chat with him.
  • Myrna said on November 4, 2016
    So many bad feed back for architects and architecture describing it as one of the unimportant majors. Yet there are so many architect wannabes out there who wanted to practice architecture. I observe one of today's unimportant college majors is Civil Engineering whose practitioners illegally practice architecture with the aid of some architecture students and interns because they claim to know architecture but are not actually capable of performing it.
  • Tebogo Matlala said on November 7, 2016
    hi folks I live SA in brits northwest I 'm study architectural draughting. i am already practicing
  • MrTaipan55 said on November 15, 2016
    To @Myrna: Many civil engineers practice architecture because of the broader scope of clients in architecture. Where in the world would you find a homeowner commissioning you to design a bridge, a dam or a highway?
  • LLOYD said on September 28, 2017
    My advice for prospective clients, You may hire these QUACK ARCHITECTS (developers, contractors, decorators, etc.) but never pay them a single cent. Tell them to submit a quotation or proposal, let them submit tons of drawings. In the end do not pay them anything. They can not offer Architecture formally by way of a proposal so they can't sue you. You may even use their proposal as an evidence against their illegal practice. Report them to the Architecture licensing authorities. ROFL!
  • FFF said on April 14, 2018
    I agree with Myrna. Architecture is described by critics as one of the most useless degrees. But why are so many people wanting to practice architecture and they practice as quacks? BTW Architecture is a major degree if you want to engage in very profitable businesses such as real estate development and construction. That's the main reason most real estate developers are actually architect wannabes becoming quack architects.
  • Debbie said on July 21, 2021
    Architecture is a regulated profession that requires professional schooling, examinations, and licensing, unlike a business where getting a license is by merely applying to start trading and showing proof of capital/money within the municipality's government office or a trade regulatory office. Being a building contractor and having technical staff like engineers and architects does not entitle anyone to offer architecture and engineering designs. Construction is a business and is different from Architecture and Engineering which are professions.
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