Archinect
anchor

Paraprofessionals in Architecture

111
curtkram

that wasn't really directed at anyone in particular archanonymous

to rephrase, architects are licensed to protect public health and safety.  if a private residence were to fall down because the homeowner did some shoddy roof job, it wouldn't be "the public" at risk, but rather just a single private homeowner on their private property.

residential work is less restricted because of the scope of those affected and limits of government and all that.

Aug 12, 14 3:53 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

Curtkram, where I work, any home owner can walk into the building permit office and receive a permit for a reno or addition without a p.eng or architect's stamp often with nothing more than a convincing interpretive dance and a promise that the drawings (and responsibilities) are their own. But, if they ask their CAD savvy 12-year old neighbour's son to draft up a plan, then that kid better show a professional stamp if the docs have any hint that whom-ever was drafting them could be doing so professionally. I would be interested to know how common this attitude is.

This means than many "by owner" applications are deliberately bad so that it owners pass off the drawings as their own. However, this only applies to residential... once you get into multi-unit housing or commercial buildings, a professional stamp is obviously needed.

I've gotten a decent amount of free liquor helping friends and family navigate the permit process by themselves this way while I was still a student and unlicensed.

Aug 12, 14 4:08 pm  · 
 · 
curtkram

i think in my area, a homeowner can do their own work like you're saying, up to a limit.  enough electrical work, like a new panel, or building a fence too tall requires extra hoops to jump through

if you hire a contractor to do the work, then the contractor has to be licensed and probably insured.  i think the relation to your scenario is that the 12 year old would be perceived as a contractor rather than the owner, and scope a set of regulations regarding them being a contractor.  in those cases, it's my understanding that the contractor can submit, and doesn't need an architect or engineer

architects or engineers are required in certain cases for 'unconventional construction'

Aug 12, 14 4:17 pm  · 
 · 
x-jla

Non sequitur, that is very uncommon.  You must be in NY?  In almost every state (like 47/50) one can design sfr without a license professionally.  There are a few firms that I know of that do really high quality high end residential...rammed earth walls all that stuff.    They all have experience but no licenses.  When unconventional they have to get an engineer to review and stamp but so do architects.   You can essentially be a residential architect without a license in mostnplaces.  Just can't call yourself one which is dumb.  Most commercial and multifamily needs architect.  I think even duplexes require a stamp, but some states allow up to 4 units...only state that requires an architect for all sfr is ny...but what do you expect from Ny where you need a license to be a florist...no joke.  

Aug 12, 14 6:06 pm  · 
 · 
x-jla

Only about 3% of houses are designed by licensed architects.  Probably about 3% by unlicensed architects...about 35% are stock plans off Internet...the rest by contractors and developers that either do the design themselves or hire some drafter off Craigslist.  

Aug 12, 14 6:22 pm  · 
 · 
archanonymous

Does anyone have experience in different countries with different professional licensure models and want to comment on the differences?

Aug 12, 14 9:10 pm  · 
 · 
kaylynn

Hi, I am a senior in high school and I am planning on pursueing architecture. I do not know if I should get  a bachelors in Architecture(5 year degree) aka professional degree or just a bachelors of science in architecture (pre-professional) 4 year degree. I do not want to be a liscensed arch. Will I get a job with a pre-professional 4 year degree? Can I design custom homes for people working under a lisenced arch. being pre-profesional?  Is the five year degree just for people who are going to be lisenced? Thank you!! I hope I get an answer soon!! This will literally determine my future!!

Sep 1, 16 9:55 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur
Accredited degree should be your only choice.
Sep 1, 16 10:02 pm  · 
 · 
Wilma Buttfit

Update: since this thread first started, I've been working in architecture again and now taking the ARE. I must be crazy, but Cheers!

Sep 1, 16 11:04 pm  · 
 · 
shellarchitect

Nothing really wrong with 4+ 2 other than the expense. Some schools let you out when a master's in 5 yrs if you stay there the whole time. Ltu and udm both offer that option, no idea who else might.

Sep 1, 16 11:21 pm  · 
 · 
AdrianFGA

I would take that a step further...part of the reason why architecture has become so marginalized is the lack of specialization.  We should have more defined specialties.  I hate the analogy to doctors and lawyers

There is an analogy closer to home than doctors or lawyers - engineering, which is so specialised and has so many branches and sub-branches - civil, electrical, mechanical, software, to name a few. Pending their choices, engineering students take different courses right from university or poly. An electrical engineer will not seal structural drawings, or vice versa.

Sep 2, 16 4:49 pm  · 
 · 

Block this user


Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?

Archinect


This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.

  • ×Search in: