Working in Architecture Without a License

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Can you work in architecture without getting a license?

Yes...

There are plenty of ways to work in the profession of architecture without being a licensed architect.

[lbush]

Thank you soooo much. I needed to hear this. From an outsiders perspective this field can seem draining. I've been in school for some time and was always thinking I needed to be licensed to really apply for the jobs I wanted. This was very helpful.

[s_con]

your videos are THE answer to everything going through my head

[tsoltren]

I think it's important to differentiate what type of design projects require a licensed architect, For instance in most cities you can design a New home, renovation or addition without a architect license as long as the city where you are submitting to allows it. In the Dallas fort worth metro area the majority of cities do not require residential plans to be stamped. Virtually anyone can submit a plan however the designer must be competent and know how to adhere to codes. (or your plans with most likely not get approved) or worse actually built wrong. Having a License definitely can broaden your design possibilities, but doesn't mean you can't work on your own legally.

[Serbo-Greek]

I am working for 5 years now (I own my own design company), helping clients to visualize their ideas or they let me bring their ideas with the power of rendering. All of them have to do with garden design, landscapes or some extra small houses in their lands. I have no Architectural degree but I studied for 2 years AutoCAD long time ago. Since then I learned Rhino, Grasshopper, Vray, Kshot, Lumion, almost all the Adobe suite and many more. Today I am facing first time in my life to build a house outside of Stockholm. I am excited and slightly afraid at the same time. The client knows that I am not an architect, but he rather chose me over others because of my work. I didn't like history in school and I thought I will never become architect because I didn't read everything to get there... But now I feel that's not necessary!

[KodiSwandaOfficial]

I love architecture but I never was great with school. I discovered the opportunity to design stock plans, which doesn’t require a license, the designs just have to be stamped by an architect or engineer once a customer buys the plan. Since I started designing stock plans, I’ve never looked back.

[cgmejia]

Great content Drew! I’d like to chime in and help those with questions. I worked with a couple gentlemen who graduated with architecture degrees about 25 years ago, of course they had much higher responsibilities, having been working in the industry for decades, than someone who just graduated; but as Drew pointed out they couldn’t stamp the drawings or be the lead architect, that of course meant that they reacheda ceiling as to where they go from there within the company.

If you don’t have your license you can still work on all the stages of design and give your input on the design, but if you are licensed you can climb the ladder faster and to a higher degree such as principal of a firm. That leads to more responsibilities and higher wages too. Hope this helps! Keep it up man!

[evanmcmahon]

Please keep this stuff up! I’m coming out of studying civil engineering for two years to instead go into architecture. I’ve found your content super informative, and this particular video the perfect answer to a lot of the questions I’ve been getting about why I decided to make the switch to architecture even though it’s a very competitive field let alone a very competitive major/masters degree. There are a lot of misconceptions about what you’re able to do before even becoming a licensed architect, professional engineer, etc. I think you often hit the nail on the head with a lot of important questions about the industry. It’s content creators like yourself that I really appreciate on the platform! Thank you Drew!

[dougirving]

There is also a Certified Professional Building Designer. It is more of a residential cert with limitations on commercial but you do get your own stamp.

[meanpicker]

I've been a professionally employed designer for 15 years and have owned my own residential design business for the last 10 years. It's definitely doable if you know how to navigate the industry.

[happyness]

To be an architect.. It is my dream.. But due to certain conditions I m doing btech electronics.. I felt sad first after knowing that my life is ruined but this is my 2nd year of btech and I m doing study of architecture and today I feel good to have such knowledge without any degree but I need doors to open up for my carreer of architecture design... Thank u for ur vedio. Can u advice me something..? I m from India.. And wants to study and work for my dream in abroad for further

[shubhamagarwal]

Hi Drew!
Do foreign graduates need to get the intern hours before they can get work as an Architect(unlicensed)?

[rtperrett]

I am trying to understand as a consumer. Why do all US States except Nevada (they are called residential designers) are okay with unlicensed individuals designing single family homes that are no less than 2 stories with a basement?

[skt]

Thanks Paul! well explained. Also, will it be illegal if I start building 2d/3d models or maps of homes/shops for business in my town. I am not gonna work on any major project.

[fractalelement]

what about hand drawing skills ? i am pretty much good using autocad, 3dsmax, vray, sketchup, now learning revit but i dont know to hand draw. Would this be a problem if i want to work in an architectural firm to pursue this as my career ?

[b.u.]

i want to be an architect bc it looks really cool to do and i love building and fixing things

i really wanna be an architect

[fractalelement]

Sometimes I think older architects can't bother and screw arround with CAD /programs/tools like doing archviz, v-ray rendering, using photoshop, texturing, modeling in 3dsmax for example....and because of that, there should be a room for people who likes to do archviz. What do you think?

[thisandthat-iq]

This knowledge you shared is ☝️👌🏼♥️. Subs

[Matt-Blackburn]

Hello just a question about architecture degrees how much are you expected to know before starting the degree this would really help I'm starting the course in september (sorry it's not related to the video) however love the vids :)

[DrawingTechnical]

Great video thanks. What is the limit of freelancing you can do without being fully licensed? Can you help people annotate their drawings or even create drawings that fit their model? I am working towards getting licensed with work experience and at the same time doing some freelance by helping people to create better-looking drawings. Can I mention or make it known to the client that I am not an architect and if I do any work, it has to be approved by a qualified and accredited structural engineer/architect? Will mentioning this keep me out of trouble?

[halimahhamid]

Hi Drew,
Great informative video! I was wondering if a U.S citizen with a foreign b.arch degree apply to architecture firms in the united states?