The American Institute of Architects should be your first stop You?re ready to start a home renovation, but before the fun begins and your Pinterest dreams can become reality, you need to find an architect.
First, it?s important to note that there is a difference between an architect, an architectural designer, and a design/build firm. An architect is called such if he or she is licensed by the state to design buildings and advise on their construction. The license usually connotes a level of education, experience, and proficiency.
For instance, in Oregon, architects are required to hold a degree in the field from an accredited institution, complete 5,600 hours of experience with a practicing architect, and pass the state?s licensing exam.
In contrast, an architectural designer is usually not licensed by the state and may have less?or different?education and experience. They also may be limited to what they are allowed to do, depending on state regulations. Design/build firms bundle their design and build services together in-house. As such, they may or may not work with licensed architects throughout their process.
To get your bearings, first become familiar with the American Institute of Architects, the professional membership organization for licensed architects in the United States. We asked Amy Sabin, the Managing Director of the AIA branch in Portland, Oregon, to share her insights for starting your architect search.
No matter where you may find one, Sabin re...