When planning a home project in the Seattle area, you may encounter both licensed architects and home designers. Understanding the difference will help you make the right hire for your project.
Licensed Architect
A licensed architect has completed an accredited professional degree (typically a Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture), completed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) with thousands of supervised hours, and passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) — a multi-part licensing exam. In Washington State, architects are licensed by the Department of Licensing.
Scope of practice: A licensed architect can stamp and sign any type of architectural drawings for any project type. For projects with structural complexity, commercial use, or certain permit requirements, a licensed architect’s stamp is legally required.
Liability: Licensed architects carry professional liability insurance and are held to a standard of care by their licensing board.
Home Designer / Residential Designer
A home designer is not a licensed professional in Washington State — anyone can use this title without specific education, examination, or licensure. Quality ranges enormously. Some home designers have extensive training and produce excellent work; others do not.
Scope of practice: In Washington, unlicensed designers can prepare drawings for certain residential projects (single-family homes and small multi-family). They cannot prepare drawings for commercial buildings, many multi-family projects, or projects requiring engineering.
Limitation: A home designer cannot stamp drawings that require an architect’s seal, and their work is not covered by professional liability insurance.
When to Hire a Licensed Architect
- Any commercial project
- Multi-family projects (3+ units)
- Projects with structural complexity (load-bearing changes, second stories)
- Historic properties subject to landmark review
- Projects where engineering coordination is needed
- When you want professional accountability and licensed expertise
Piper Cole Architects is a licensed architecture firm in Washington State. Contact us for a free consultation. Call 425-753-6452.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Piper Cole Architects offers a free initial consultation for all project types — residential, commercial, ADU, and renovation. No obligation. Based in Kirkland, WA. Serving the entire Seattle metro area since 2000.