Architects
Generally speaking an Architect obtains a Bachelor of Architecture from a University and usually will end up working for one of the large commercial Architects or a government roll and sometimes a smaller practice who deals in residential and commercial Architecture. A person holding a degree in Architecture cannot refer to themselves as an Architect until they have been registered with the Institute of Architects. This process can take 5 to 6 years after starting in year 1 at University and ending with 2 to 3 years experience in an Architectural practice. Architects that are not registered Architects, are in the same licensing category as Architectural designers when it comes to Licensing. Both have to be LBP’s to practice. Registered Architects are considered to be as of right Design 3 LBP’s
Architectural Designers
Architectural designers come via a different process which traditionally involved Studying at a school of technology. In the early days this would have been the Auckland Institute of Technology (Ait) which no longer exists. This was a 5 year part time course and culminated in a certificate known as NZCD(Arch). In more recent times Unitec provide two courses; New Zealand Diplomer in Architectural Technology and Bachelor of Architectural Studies. www.unitec.ac.nz . The former known as NDAT is a 2 year course and the later (Bachelor of Architecture) is a 3 year course. The above would allow a person to practice as an Architectural designer although in reality it takes many years of experience and a flair for design to truly become an Architectural designer.
Architectural Designers have a design institute of there own, ADNZ which stand for Architectural Designers New Zealand. This organisation was first started by a couple of draftsman and has grown in size and influence over the years but has no real disciplinary standing and as we understand is mostly for the promotion of it’s members.
Draftsman
The term Draftsman is not used much any more and below a draftsman was what was known as a tracer. Tracers were exactly what it says, they used to trace over drawings that were previously prepared possibly by a draftsman in pencil and this would then produce a finished Architectural working drawing otherwise known these days as a consent drawing.
The main things that separate any of these design professionals are, the ability to design, understand the legal framework and produce practical workable designs. Practicality can sometimes come at the demise of design flair and design flair can be wildly impractical. Draftsman are not known for their design flair but are usually very practical while Architects and Architectural designers have battled out design flair for many years. Finding a professional who can produce all three qualities in abundance is rare and it usually comes at a price. Proving a particular design is workable is time consuming. However this can be repaid in the cost of construction and the final outcome due to the workability of the design.
Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP)
Regardless of what degree you hold or diploma, to practice Architecture (provide building consent plans) now days you must be licensed. The only professional in Architecture who does not have to be licensed is a Registered Architect. Registered Architects are mainly engaged in commercial work but can also do residential work.
Licensing is administered by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Education www.mbie.govt.nz and there are 3 licenses;
- Design 1. This license allows the LBP to prepare plans for simple structures such as a very straight forward house.
- Design 2. Most Architectural designers operate under this license and this would cover most house types including what is known as architecturally designed (having multiple angles and complicated roofs). Design 2 LBP cannot on their own design buildings in excess of 10 meters high which is measured from the ground to the top of the roof.
- Design 3. This is the highest category available and covers the design of all buildings including Design 1 and 2.
Discipline of LBP
LBP’s can be disciplined and this is carried out by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Education. Fines of up to $10,000 can be imposed on an LBP’s as well as being stood down from practicing for a maximum of 12 months.
Registered Architects are disciplined in house via their own Institute of Architects who have similar disciplinary actions under the Registered Architects Act 2005 to that of the MBIE.
In summary, Architects are disciplined by Architects under the Architects Act 2005 and Architectural Designers are disciplined by the Government.
Choose the right designer that suits you and look for the practicality element but with enough design flair to suit your requirements. Always remember that a good designer will know how to design to minimise building costs without compromising the design outcome.
What is not well known is that Architectural designers holding a Design 3 LBP license have the same status from a license perspective as registered Architects and this is also stated by some Councils on their web sites.
Ross Newby Architectural Designers Auckland.