Do You Need an Architect for a Home Project?

Usually not for a house. Texas and Florida both exempt one- and two-family homes from requirements that plans be prepared by an architect. But only someone registered or licensed can practice architecture or use the title architect, so if you hire one, verify the license with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners or Florida's DBPR.

Key facts

Texas says a person may not practice architecture, or offer to, unless registered as an architect, for the kinds of work its law defines.
Texas's architecture law does not apply to plans for privately owned single-family or dual-family dwellings by people who don't call themselves architects.
Texas requires an architect for certain buildings, such as new buildings for 24-hour custodial care.
Florida does not require an architect for plans for one-family or two-family homes, townhouses or their outbuildings, regardless of cost.
In Florida, using the title architect without a valid license is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Florida's Board of Architecture and Interior Design licenses and regulates architects and interior designers.
Houston says some buildings must be designed by a registered design professional, but not every project.

When is an architect required?

For most houses, it isn't. Texas's architecture law exempts plans for privately owned single-family or dual-family dwellings by people who don't represent themselves as architects (Occupations Code 1051.606). Texas does require architects for certain buildings, such as new buildings for 24-hour custodial care (1051.703).

Florida exempts one- and two-family homes, townhouses and their outbuildings, regardless of cost (Florida Statutes 481.229).

Who can call themselves an architect?

Only licensed people. Texas bars practicing architecture without registration (1051.701). In Florida, using the title architect or registered architect without a valid license is a first-degree misdemeanor (481.223). Some home designers work legally without being architects, but they can't use the title.

How do you verify an architect?

In Texas, search the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. In Florida, architects are licensed through the Board of Architecture and Interior Design; search the DBPR license search.

What about engineers?

Structural questions may call for a licensed engineer instead. Houston notes that state architecture and engineering boards require some buildings to be designed by a registered design professional, but not every project (Houston Permitting Center). Ask your building department what your project needs.

How to choose a provider

Ask your building department whether your project needs sealed plans.
If you hire an architect, verify the license with the state board.
Be wary of anyone using the title architect without a license.
Get the scope of design services and the fee structure in writing.
Ask who owns the drawings and how many revisions are included.

Residential architects guides by state and city

Questions people ask

Do I need an architect to build a house in Texas?

Generally not. Texas exempts plans for privately owned single-family or dual-family dwellings by people who don't call themselves architects.

Do I need an architect for a house in Florida?

No. Florida exempts one- and two-family homes, townhouses and their outbuildings, regardless of cost.

Can a home designer call themselves an architect?

No. Only licensed or registered people can use the title in Texas and Florida.

How do I check an architect in Texas?

Search the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners' registrants.

How do I check an architect in Florida?

Search DBPR's license search; the Board of Architecture and Interior Design licenses architects.

Is misusing the architect title a crime in Florida?

Yes, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

Do you need an architect for your home project?