Architect Services

Architecture stands as one of humanity’s most enduring professions, blending art, science, and law into a discipline that shapes the built environment around us. Licensed architects are far more than designers of attractive buildings—they are highly trained professionals who bear legal responsibility for the safety, functionality, and compliance of structures that may stand for generations.

What Architects Do

At its core, an architect’s role encompasses the comprehensive planning, design, and oversight of building construction. This begins with understanding a client’s needs, site conditions, and budget constraints, then translating these into a cohesive architectural vision. However, the work extends far beyond creating appealing sketches or renderings.

Architects are trained to address both the aesthetic and technical dimensions of buildings simultaneously. They determine spatial relationships, select materials, coordinate mechanical and electrical systems, ensure structural integrity, and verify that every aspect complies with applicable building codes and zoning regulations. This dual focus on beauty and functionality distinguishes architecture from pure art or pure engineering.

One of the architect’s most critical responsibilities involves producing construction documents—the detailed drawings and specifications that contractors use to build. In most jurisdictions, only licensed architects (and engineers for their specific disciplines) can legally sign and seal these documents for permit submission. This signature represents a professional guarantee that the design meets all legal requirements for health, safety, and welfare.

On larger or more complex projects, architects typically serve as the leader of a multidisciplinary design team. They coordinate with structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, and various consultants to ensure all building systems work together harmoniously. Throughout construction, architects often provide periodic site visits to verify that the builder is executing the design as intended, though they do not typically supervise the day-to-day work of contractors.

What Architects Do Not Do

Despite their comprehensive training, architects have clear professional boundaries. They are not contractors or construction managers—they design buildings but generally do not build them or manage construction crews. While they understand structural principles and coordinate with structural engineers, architects themselves do not perform structural calculations or engineering analysis unless they also hold an engineering license.

Architects do not typically handle real estate transactions, property financing, or investment analysis, though they may work alongside professionals who do. They are not interior decorators focused solely on furnishings and finishes, although they often design interior spaces and may collaborate with interior designers. Additionally, architects cannot practice in areas outside their expertise without appropriate consultation—for example, specialized hospital equipment planning or advanced acoustic engineering usually requires dedicated consultants.

Importantly, unlicensed individuals cannot legally call themselves architects or offer architectural services in most jurisdictions, even if they have design skills or architectural education. The title and practice are protected by law due to the public safety implications.

Education and Licensing Requirements

Becoming a licensed architect requires substantial education and experience. Prospective architects must earn a professional degree in architecture from an accredited program. In the United States, this typically means a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) following an undergraduate degree in another field. These programs provide rigorous training in design theory, building technology, structural systems, environmental controls, construction methods, professional practice, and architectural history.

After graduation, candidates must complete a period of practical experience—usually around three years under the supervision of licensed architects—through programs like the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) in the United States. Following this apprenticeship, candidates must pass a comprehensive licensing examination. In the U.S., this is the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), a multi-part test covering practice management, project management, programming and analysis, project planning and design, project development and documentation, and construction and evaluation.

Only after completing education, experience, and examination can someone apply for licensure in their state or country. Many architects pursue additional credentials throughout their careers, such as LEED accreditation for sustainable design or NCARB certification for easier licensure across state lines.

Studying Architecture in Miami

Miami offers several pathways for aspiring architects to pursue their education. The most prominent program is at Florida International University (FIU), which houses an accredited School of Architecture within its College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts. FIU offers both undergraduate and graduate professional degrees, providing students with a comprehensive architectural education while situated in one of America’s most dynamic urban environments—ideal for studying contemporary architecture, urban design, and climate-responsive building.

Miami Dade College offers an Associate in Arts degree with an architecture track, providing an accessible entry point for students who may later transfer to a professional program. For those seeking alternative approaches, the University of Miami offers architecture-related studies, though students interested in professional licensure should verify program accreditation status.

Miami’s location offers unique educational advantages: exposure to Art Deco historic preservation, tropical climate design challenges, coastal resilience issues, and a multicultural urban context that enriches any architectural education.

Obtaining Professional Licensure in Florida

To become a licensed architect in Florida, candidates must satisfy the requirements set by the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design, which operates under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

The pathway includes earning a degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited program, completing the required experience hours through the AXP, and passing all divisions of the ARE. Florida also requires applicants to pass a state-specific exam covering Florida building codes and laws. Applications are submitted through the DBPR, and candidates must demonstrate good moral character and meet all documentation requirements.

Once licensed, Florida architects must maintain their license through continuing education—currently 20 hours of approved education every two years, including specific courses on building code updates, wind resistance, and other state-mandated topics. This ensures that practicing architects remain current with evolving standards, technologies, and regulations.

The profession demands continuous learning, ethical practice, and dedication to public safety. For those willing to invest in the extensive education and training required, architecture offers the opportunity to leave a lasting, tangible legacy that shapes how people live, work, and experience the world around them.