Architect vs Designer vs Technician: Key Differences 

When planning a home extension or renovation, you’ll quickly come across a range of titles: Architect, Architectural Designer, Technician, Technologist, Architectural Technician, Planner, Planning Consultant, Draftsman, Architectural Expert and more. Although these roles may appear similar, the level of training, regulation, insurance and responsibility behind each one varies significantly. Choosing the wrong professional can lead to failed planning applications, non‑compliant drawings, costly redesigns and avoidable risks during construction. This guide explains the real differences between each title, who is genuinely qualified to design your home, and how to choose a professional who will protect your investment and deliver a safe, compliant and well‑designed project.

Architect vs Designer vs Technician: Title Differences Explained 

Most homeowners often assume these titles mean the same thing, but they don’t. Each title carries a different level of training, regulation, accountability and legal protection. Understanding what these titles actually mean helps you choose the right professional and avoid costly mistakes.

Architect

Protected title — legally regulated  

Only those registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) can use the title “Architect”. This requires a minimum of 7 years of training, professional examinations, and ongoing regulation.

What this title guarantees:

•Mandatory professional indemnity insurance

•Legal duty to act in your best interests

•Regulated standards of competence and conduct

•Design, technical and construction expertise

•Accountability if something goes wrong

Architectural Designer

Unregulated title — anyone can use it

"Architectural Designer" has no legal definition. It is mostly used by people who don't want to do more than planning and not building regulations or contruction working drawings, either because they do not have the technical knowledge or because they don't want to get further responsibilites than basic drawings. Very commonly used for individuals who are pursuing the Architecture title, but are still in formation.

A person using this title may have:

•Some training

•No training at all

This title does not guarantee:

•Any type of qualifications

•Professional indemnity insurance.

•Regulatory oversight or accountability.

•Any minimum standards of competence

•Any legal duty to protect the client or act in the client's interests.

Architectural Technician / Technician

Unregulated title — anyone can use it

As with the title “Designer”, Architectural Technician is not a protected title, meaning anyone can legally call themselves a Technician, even without any formal training. The title is often used by individuals who have some experience producing Working Drawings, but who cannot demonstrate full competency or have not completed a recognised registration process with a regulated professional body. In many cases, the title is adopted by people with a basic understanding of the construction industry or those who have worked for contractors, but who lack the theoretical, regulatory and technical knowledge required to provide fully compliant architectural services.

A person using this title may have:

•Some training

•No training at all

This title does not guarantee:

•Any formal qualifications

•Professional indemnity insurance.

•Regulatory oversight or accountability.

•A minimum standard of competence

•The legal duty to protect the client or act in the client's interests.

Because “Architectural Technician” is not a protected title, homeowners cannot rely on it as an indicator of training, competence or compliance. This is why it’s essential to understand exactly who is designing your home and what level of professional protection they offer.

Why hire an Architects instead of a Designer or Technician

Choosing a registered Architect provides a level of protection, accountability and professional assurance that unregulated titles simply cannot offer. Unlike “Architectural Designer” or “Architectural Technician”, the title “Architect” is protected by law and backed by mandatory training, insurance and regulation. This means you are working with a professional who is legally required to act in your best interests and who is held to strict standards of competence, ethics and conduct.

Legal Competence: What Homeowners Need to Know;

Homeowners also have a legal obligation to appoint competent individuals when carrying out building work. Under UK regulations — including the Building Regulations, CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act — you must be able to demonstrate that the people you hired were suitably qualified and experienced. If something goes wrong, such as a structural issue, non‑compliant design or safety failure, responsibility can fall back on the homeowner if they cannot prove they appointed competent professionals. With unregulated titles, that proof simply doesn’t exist.

A registered Architect removes this uncertainty. Their competence is formally assessed, their work is regulated, and their insurance is mandatory — giving you clear, defensible evidence that you appointed a qualified professional.

When you hire an Architect, you benefit from:  

• A protected, regulated title backed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)

• Mandatory professional indemnity insurance to protect you and your home.

• Design expertise that considers safety, structure, planning, compliance and long‑term value

• Technical competence across planning, Building Regulations and construction

• Accountability if something goes wrong

• A legal duty of care to act in your best interests

• A holistic approach that integrates design, safety, sustainability and buildability

For homeowners, this means fewer risks, fewer surprises and a smoother, safer project from concept to completion.

Other Titles you might come accross

When researching home extensions or renovations, you’ll encounter a wide range of titles beyond Architect, Designer and Technician. Many of these titles sound professional, but most are unregulated and can be used by anyone, regardless of training or experience. They do not guarantee competence, qualifications, insurance or the ability to advise you correctly or protect you legally. Being aware of this helps you avoid confusion and ensures you choose someone who is genuinely qualified to design your home and safeguard your project.

•Planning Consultant

•Planner

•Draftsman

•CAD Technician

•Architectural expert

•Building Surveyor

•Interior Designer