Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Building Designer?
Building Designer is the term used in the United States for people involved in the design of buildings who are not registered architects. 

Anyone may legally call themselves a building designer, however the term building designer is usually used by persons, such as an architectural draftsperson who has been working as a building designer and persons who have exactly the same or similar qualifications and experience as registered architects; ie, a Bachelor of Architecture degree from an accredited course and many years of experience. The only difference, in many cases, is that they have chosen not to take the examination required for registration.

Many of the states within the United States have exemptions in the Business and Professions Code allowing persons to design residential buildings and light commercial buildings without having an architectural license, given certain guide lines. Those who have chosen to specialize in that discipline are legally allowed to call themselves Building Designers. Building designers are also commonly known as residential designers due to the fact that many of the people in this field specialize solely on Residential Design and Residential Remodeling.

Because the focus of a building designer's practice may primarily be residential in nature, this particular class of design professional may or may not have the same or similar qualifications and experiences as registered architects. Building and residential designers in the United States seeking credentialing for their skills may qualify to sit for a certification exam administered by the National Council of Building Designer Certification. Those who have successful passed the NCBDC exam are given the title Certified Professional Building Designer.

What is an AIBD Professional Building Designer?
An AIBD Professional Building Designer is a member of the American Institute of Building Design who has fulfilled the education and experience requirements of that level of membership and has pledged to abide by all AIBD requirements, By-Laws and Code of Ethics. Only an AIBD member that has proven competency in design and construction methods has earned the right to use the title of AIBD Professional Building Designer.

What does a Professional Building Designer do?
The Professional Building Designer provides a client with design services for a proposed residence or building, ranging from the initial concept to complete working drawings and specifications that will comply with all applicable building codes, covenants and restrictions.
The type of projects that a Professional Building Designer undertakes is varied and depends on the experience of the individual designer, and may consist of residential projects, both single family and multi-unit, or commercial projects as permitted by the architectural statutes of each state.
Working closely with the client, the Professional Building Designer can provide design solutions that respond to the particular needs and requirements of each client.
A Professional Building Designer may supply or arrange for additional services such as structural or mechanical consultants, or provide assistance in selecting contractors and overseeing construction. These additional services are subject to the policies and services of the individual designer.

What is the American Institute of Building Design?
A member of the Texas Institute of Building Design is also a member of the parent national organization, the American Institute of Building Design, and has met the requirements established by the American Institute of Building Design for that member's level of membership.
For more information about the American Institute of Building Design, go to the AIBD website, www.aibd.org, or call (800) 366-2423.

What is a Certified Professional Building Designer?
A Certified Professional Building Designer has attained the highest level of competency and professionalism as a building designer. Recognized nationally, the title of Certified Professional Building Designer can only be used by those designers that have been granted that title by the National Council of Building Designer Certification.
The National Council of Building Designer Certification administers a comprehensive exam for the building designer applicants aspiring to use the prestigious title of Certified Professional Building Designer. The eleven part exam takes two days to complete and covers; Ethics, Building Materials, History of Architecture, Structural Design, Administrative Procedures, Specifications, Building Systems, Electrical Systems, Mechanical Systems, Problem Solving and Design.

For more information about the National Council of Building Designer Certification, go to the NCBDC website, www.ncbdc.com, or call (888) 726-7659.