When you're planning an extension you'll come across several job titles — architect, architectural designer, architectural technologist. They overlap, and for most home projects the design and drawings you need can be provided by more than one of them. Here's what the terms mean and how to choose.
In short
In the UK 'architect' is a title protected by law — only ARB-registered people may use it. 'Architectural designer' and 'architectural technologist' are not protected in the same way. For most home extensions and lofts, the design and drawings can be provided by more than one of these. What matters is the quality of the work and the experience behind it.
Not sure which route applies to your property? Send Sean your postcode, a few photos and a short description for an honest first view — with no obligation.
Reviewed by Sean Corser, SC Design & Construction. Sean Corser helps Wirral homeowners with architectural design and drawing packs for extensions, loft conversions, planning and building regulations.
Last reviewed June 2026
In the UK the title 'architect' is protected by law (the Architects Act 1997) and may only be used by someone registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). 'Architectural designer' and 'architectural technologist' are not protected titles in the same way.
That protection is about the title, not the work. Plenty of skilled professionals who design and draw home extensions are not registered architects, and the law doesn't require a registered architect for that work.
For a typical extension or loft conversion, the work is similar: exploring the design, preparing planning drawings, and preparing building-regulations drawings. Different professionals may emphasise different parts of that.
The right choice depends on the complexity of your project and the relationship — someone local who takes the time to understand how you live is often worth more than a title alone.
Look at the quality of previous work, how clearly they explain things, and whether they understand your property and the local planning context. Ask what's included, what isn't, and how they handle the planning and building-regulations stages.
For larger, more complex or higher-risk projects, a registered architect or a chartered professional may be the right call. For a typical home extension or loft, an experienced architectural designer is a common and sensible choice.
We provide architectural design and drawings for Wirral homeowners — concept design, planning drawings and building-regulations drawings — with 18+ years of experience. We focus purely on design, so our advice stays centred on getting it right for you.
We describe ourselves as an architectural design studio, not as registered architects, unless ARB registration is expressly confirmed.
A few details are enough for an honest first view — with no obligation:
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Send Sean a few photos and a short description of what you'd like to do. You'll get an honest first view with no obligation.