When you think of an architect, you might picture someone sketching on a drafting table or walking through a half-finished building with blueprints. But an architect is much more than a designer—they’re a licensed professional trained to turn ideas into safe, functional, and beautiful buildings. Architects are equal parts artist, engineer, project manager, and visionary. They bring creative vision to a space while ensuring it stands up to the practical demands of physics, zoning laws, and human use.
In this blog, we’ll explore what an architect does, the education and training required to become an architect, the certifications they can earn, and the specialties they can work within. Our goal is to help you better understand what an architect can contribute to your product, when to hire one and how they can support and drive your entire team forward.
Let’s dive into the path to becoming an architect. Becoming a licensed architect in the United States is a rigorous, multi-step process that typically takes 8–10 years from start to finish. This pathway ensures architects are thoroughly trained and legally qualified to design safe, structurally sound buildings.
First an architect must earn their degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). There are several degree options that take between 5-8 years to obtain including a Bachelors and Masters in Architecture. During school, students learn architectural theory, history, environmental systems, construction technology, materials science, digital modeling, and design through intensive studio projects.
During their education and after, aspiring architects must complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). This is a 3,740-hour internship where the candidate gains hands-on experience in areas like design and documentation, project management, construction evaluation, and practice management. These hours are usually completed under the supervision of a licensed architect in an architecture firm.
When the aspiring architect feels that they are ready and they have completed their internship hours, then they can start their Architect Registration Examinations (ARE). Everyone must pass the ARE, a multi-part licensing exam that covers practice management, project management, programming and analysis, project planning and design, project development and documentation and construction and evaluation. The ARE tests both technical knowledge and decision-making skills. Passing all divisions is required to legally practice as an architect.
Once that is completed and you have earned your ARE, you must determine which state you will be practicing in to see if they have any of their own licensing requirements. Each U.S. state has its own licensing board, and while most follow NCARB’s guidelines, some have additional requirements. Once licensed, the architect can legally use the title “Architect” and sign off on construction drawings.
While all licensed architects are generalists by necessity, many choose to pursue certifications or focus on specialties within the field. This allows them to offer deeper expertise in specific types of projects or advanced building systems. You may have heard of some of these buzzwords, like LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) or NCARB (a credential that licenses you in all states) which are the most common specialties in Los Angeles, Ben at Ballentine Architects is NCARB certified.
Architects also develop their expertise into specialized areas over time. Ballentine Architects focuses on residential, commercial and interior architecture with a deep knowledge of the code and requirements to build all over Southern California. Other architecture firms may also specialize in institutional, landscape or sustainable architecture, all are in demand in most regions.
At the core, an architect designs buildings and structures. But their role goes far beyond just drawing floor plans or picking paint colors. They are the glue that holds the team together. A good architect will focus on designing the layout and look of a home, collaborate with all team members to ensure there is a consensus on budget and decision making, coordinate the engineers, consultants and contractors, create your drawings and other required construction documents, ensure everything is compliant with building codes, zoning laws and safety regulations and manage the project through construction answering questions, visiting the site and approving changes to the job.
Whether it’s a custom home, office tower, museum, or mixed-use development, an architect is the guiding force behind the structure’s overall vision and function.
You might be wondering: “Do I really need an architect for my project?” That depends on the size, complexity, and regulatory requirements of your build. You should hire an architect if you are building a custom home or significantly renovating an existing one, your project involves structural changes or additions, you want to maximize space, light, views or flow, your site is complex (sloped, irregular shape, flood zone), you’re in a historical district or environmentally sensitive zone, you want a high end design or signature architectural look (think mid-century modern or craftsman), or local regulations require stamped drawings by a professional architect.
While a builder or draftsman might help with basic plans, only a licensed architect can legally submit sealed construction documents to most building departments, and their skillset adds long-term value and functionality to the space.
A question we also get a lot is, “At what stages of my project do I engage with my architect?.” Architects are traditionally involved in a project from initial idea through final construction. Their work is typically divided into phases, each offering distinct contributions. Phase one is pre-design where your architect will do a site analysis, research your zoning and codes, asses your budget and timeline and give an overall plan based on your space needs and goals. Then they jump into phase two, schematic design, where the client will start to see conceptual sketches, mood boards, initial floor plan configurations, looking at elevations and massing, and collect some decisions around those concepts for final approval. From there, phase three includes design development where the plans are refined, materials and systems are selected, and your team is built to complete the approved job. Phase four includes the creation of final construction documents including detailed drawings for permitting and bidding, coordination with engineers (structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), and then the architect will submit your drawings for approval. Once approved, the team will move into phase five, bidding and negotiations with contractors and consultants. This is where your architect will guide you on how to evaluate and select a contractor and ensure your bids are complete and accurate. Phase six is construction administration where your architect is visiting the site to monitor progress, respond to contractor questions, review change orders and approve final payments to vendors. And then once construction is complete and your dream home is ready, the last phase, phase seven is all about documenting the finished product, you’ll move in or stage the home and take photos and videos of the space.
This full-service approach is what sets an architect apart from a draftsman or designer. The architects' project leadership and dedication to advocating for their clients is vital to getting the results you want from a project. Architects offer both creative vision and technical oversight, ensuring that what gets built aligns with both the original vision and the realities of construction.
As we move further into the 2020s, architecture is becoming more multidisciplinary and technologically advanced. While artificial intelligence is changing every discipline in every category, we have already started to see how it compliments the authentic intelligence of today’s best architects. With the help of AI, architects today are designing net-zero and carbon-neutral buildings, optimizing layouts, leveraging 3D modeling and VR experiences for clients and responding to climate change and urban density.
The profession is evolving, but the core of what an architect does remains the same: they create environments that shape how we live, work, and connect with the world around us.
Whether you're planning a dream home, a commercial buildout, or navigating tricky zoning laws, working with a licensed architect isn’t just a formality—it’s a smart investment. Architects combine artistry, science, and practical know-how to turn your ideas into real, livable spaces that are safe, efficient, and beautiful.
Their path to licensure is long and intensive, and their skillset spans design, technical coordination, and construction management. From concept to completion, architects serve as visionaries, collaborators, and problem-solvers. The next time you walk into a space that feels just right—thoughtful light, perfect flow, seamless details—you can bet an architect helped bring that vision to life.