13/01/2019
003 / PART 1, PART 2, ARCHITECT, RIBA, ARB, DRAUGHTSMEN WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
​

With a multitude of different titles for architectural professionals (or in some cases not professionals) clients are often confused on the credentials of the people they are employing to work on their building projects. So we have created a summary of the typical education and experience level associated with each title so that you can make an informed decision when employing your architectural professional (or non professional in some cases).

---

+ Part 1 Architectural Assistant

Education:
I have typically completed a 3 year Bachelors in Architecture Degree at an Architectural School which is accredited by the RIBA.

Experience:
I typically have between 0-12 months experience working within an architectural practice.

Exceptions:
It is possible to find more experienced Part 1's whom may have decided to stay and work in practice rather than going back to university to start their Part 2 Master's Degree.

---

+ Part 2 Architectural Assistant

I have typically completed a 3 year Bachelors in Architecture Degree and a 2 year Masters in Architecture Degree at an Architectural School that is accredited by the RIBA.

Experience:
I typically have between 12-24 months experience working within an architectural practice between my Bachelors and Master's Degrees.

Exceptions:
It is not uncommon to find experienced Part 2's with similar levels of experience to fully qualified Architects whom for various reasons have not yet taken their Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture (Part 3).

---

+ Architect

Education:
I have typically completed a 3 year Bachelors in Architecture Degree (RIBA Part 1), 2 year Masters in Architecture Degree (RIBA Part 2) and a 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture (RIBA Part 3) all at Architectural Schools accredited by the RIBA.

Experience:
Newly qualified Architects have a minimum of 24 months experience working in an Architects practice.

Letters:
All qualified Architects have to be registered with the ARB, if they are not registered they do not have the legal right to use the title Architect. Some Architects also choose to apply to become an RIBA Chartered Architect.

---

+ Draughtsman / Designer​

Education:
Whilst some draughtsmen or architectural designers may have some architectural education. Anyone can call themselves a draughtsman or architectural designer and there are no regulations on them. 

Experience:
You tell me as this is unregulated. 

Exceptions:
As with anything there will be exceptions but the point is there are no minimum experience or education that they have had to complete within the industry before working on your project.

---

Last updated: 13/01/2019

back to blog & resources