--- title: What's the Difference Between an Architect and a Residential Designer in Victoria, BC? description: Discover the key differences between architects and residential designers in Victoria, BC, and learn how to choose the right professional for your project. image: https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(5).png --- [Skip to main content](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#main-content) [![New Logo Landscape White PNG](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png?width=250&height=54&name=New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png) ![New Logo Landscape White PNG](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png?width=250&height=54&name=New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png) ![New Logo Landscape White PNG](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png?width=200&height=43&name=New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png) ![New Logo Landscape White PNG](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png?width=200&height=43&name=New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png)](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca) - 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[HOME RENOVATIONS](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/services-we-offer/renovations) - [HOME ADDITIONS](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/victoria-home-additions) - [KITCHEN RENOVATIONS](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/victoria-kitchen-renovations) - [BATHROOM RENOVATIONS](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/victoria-bathroom-renovations) - [BASEMENT RENOVATIONS](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/victoria-basement-renovations) - [COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/victoria-commercial-construction-renovation) - [PROJECTS](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/projects) - Show submenu for ABOUT US ABOUT US - ABOUT US - [OUR PROCESS](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/our-process) - [OUR TEAM](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/about) - [CAREERS](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/careers) - [ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/architects-and-designers) - [BLOG](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog) - [CONTACT](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/contact) # What's the Difference Between an Architect and a Residential Designer in Victoria, BC? ![Tom Labelle - Founder](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Theme%20Build%202025/Logos/Stillwater_LogoOnly%20(Black).png?width=50&height=50&name=Stillwater_LogoOnly%20(Black).png) May 19, 2026, 2:38:37 PM ###### Table of Contents - [The Titles Are Protected, and That Matters](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#the-titles-are-protected-and-that-matters) - [What Each Professional Does and Where They Differ](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#what-each-professional-does-and-where-they-differ) - [When BC Law Requires an Architect](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#when-bc-law-requires-an-architect) - [When a Building Designer Is Permitted and Often a Practical Choice](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#when-a-building-designer-is-permitted-and-often-a-practical-choice) - [How to Choose Between an Architect and a Designer](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#how-to-choose-between-an-architect-and-a-designer) - [The Stillwater Approach](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#the-stillwater-approach) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#frequently-asked-questions) - [What's the difference between a Registered Building Designer (RBD) and a Certified Residential Designer (CRD)?](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#whats-the-difference-between-a-registered-building-designer-rbd-and-a-certified-residential-designer-crd) - [When do I need an architect instead of a building designer?](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#when-do-i-need-an-architect-instead-of-a-building-designer) - [Does hiring a designer instead of an architect save money?](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#does-hiring-a-designer-instead-of-an-architect-save-money) - [Can Stillwater work with both architects and building designers?](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#can-stillwater-work-with-both-architects-and-building-designers) ###### Table of Contents - [The Titles Are Protected, and That Matters](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#the-titles-are-protected-and-that-matters) - [What Each Professional Does and Where They Differ](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#what-each-professional-does-and-where-they-differ) - [When BC Law Requires an Architect](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#when-bc-law-requires-an-architect) - [When a Building Designer Is Permitted and Often a Practical Choice](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#when-a-building-designer-is-permitted-and-often-a-practical-choice) - [How to Choose Between an Architect and a Designer](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#how-to-choose-between-an-architect-and-a-designer) - [The Stillwater Approach](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#the-stillwater-approach) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#frequently-asked-questions) - [What's the difference between a Registered Building Designer (RBD) and a Certified Residential Designer (CRD)?](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#whats-the-difference-between-a-registered-building-designer-rbd-and-a-certified-residential-designer-crd) - [When do I need an architect instead of a building designer?](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#when-do-i-need-an-architect-instead-of-a-building-designer) - [Does hiring a designer instead of an architect save money?](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#does-hiring-a-designer-instead-of-an-architect-save-money) - [Can Stillwater work with both architects and building designers?](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc#can-stillwater-work-with-both-architects-and-building-designers) **Tags:** [Custom Homes,](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/tag/custom-homes) [Passive Homes](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/tag/passive-homes) ![Tom Labelle - Founder](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Theme%20Build%202025/Logos/Stillwater_LogoOnly%20(Black).png?width=50&height=50&name=Stillwater_LogoOnly%20(Black).png) Post by [Tom Labelle - Founder](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/author/tom-labelle) ![Modern home architectural drawings Victoria BC](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(5).png?width=546&height=328&name=Untitled%20design%20(5).png)   When homeowners start planning a custom home or major renovation in Greater Victoria, one question comes up early and often: *Do I need an architect — and is that the same thing as a designer?* It's a fair question, and the titles get used loosely enough that the distinction can feel murky. An architect will sometimes do what a designer does. A designer will sometimes do what most people assume can only be done by an architect. And depending on the size and type of your project, BC law has specific things to say about who is permitted to do what. [In a previous post](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/do-i-need-an-architect-to-renovate-or-build-a-home-in-victoria-bc), we talked about when an architect is, and isn't, legally required for a residential project in BC, and why we often recommend working with one even when the code doesn't demand it. This article goes a step further, explaining what actually separates these two professionals, how BC regulates both, and how to think about which one makes sense for your project. ## The Titles Are Protected, and That Matters The single most important thing to understand is that the title architect is legally reserved in British Columbia. Under BC's Architects Regulation (which came into force on February 10, 2023, replacing the older Architects Act under the new Professional Governance Act), *only a person registered with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) may call themselves an architect, intern architect, or architectural technologist*. Using these titles without AIBC registration is a violation of the regulation. Architects in BC have completed a professional university degree in architecture, typically a five-year program, followed by a structured internship period and licensing examinations. They are regulated professionals with ongoing accountability to the AIBC and a defined, legally protected scope of practice. Building designers and residential designers, by contrast, are regulated separately by ASTTBC (Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC). Their two designations, Certified Residential Designer (CRD) and Registered Building Designer (RBD), reflect a different educational path, typically a technical diploma program focused specifically on residential and small commercial construction. They are qualified, experienced practitioners, but they operate under a different regulatory framework and cannot use the title architect in any form. This distinction isn't a judgement of quality. It's simply the law in BC, and it's worth understanding before you hire anyone.   [![how much does a custom home cost in victoria](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/48326631/interactive-196265586275.png)](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJdXqvD42pUKnx8bK8mLi7ww9CfbpP%2BkQnCsUePYq2Bh4g56b9PSe2g%2Ffj98HWW5eGL%2BjmRNCEnPkFd0v%2FAjtf2ns5dn0V31NXZ3X48FWGFpqhxbkS2R5dC%2FHXb0eO%2FHhpemqfQa74rtRBIXNvptdNX0VOdeUYt2aVEqcSjC08cSFBqRAgTl0f%2BAKMl7ZlqnoOEhFBrMBa%2FlxcXT7DzNQPj&webInteractiveContentId=196265586275&portalId=48326631) ## What Each Professional Does and Where They Differ In practice, both architects and building designers can produce the drawings you need to apply for a building permit on most residential projects in Greater Victoria. Both understand the BC Building Code. Both can work through a design from concept through permit submission. The differences tend to emerge in three areas: training depth, legal scope, and project focus. An architect's training covers a broad range of building types and scales, from a single-family home to a multi-storey mixed-use building to a public institution. They are trained to think about buildings as complex systems: structural, environmental, spatial, regulatory, and experiential all at once. Many architects specialize in residential work and bring a level of design exploration and spatial thinking that is genuinely difficult to replicate through any other training. A Registered Building Designer or Certified Residential Designer typically specializes deeply in the types of buildings they're permitted to design. For residential work in the Part 9 range, single-family homes, duplexes, small multi-family, they often have years of focused, hands-on experience and a practical fluency with permit processes, local zoning, and construction details that can be every bit as valuable on a straightforward project. The meaningful difference, from a regulatory standpoint, comes down to scope. [Read more:](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/do-i-need-an-architect-to-renovate-or-build-a-home-in-victoria-bc)[Before You Build A Custom Home in Victoria, BC](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/before-you-build-a-custom-home-in-victoria-bc) ## When BC Law Requires an Architect Under the BC Architects Regulation, a licensed architect must be involved in the design of: - Residential buildings with five or more dwelling units - Any building with a footprint greater than 600 m² or a total gross floor area greater than 2,400 m² - Buildings taller than three storeys (not counting a basement where the top of the first floor is 2.0 m or less above grade) - Buildings with both common exit systems and firewalls — even if they would otherwise fall within Part 9 limits - Institutional buildings, schools, hospitals, and most assembly occupancies For these project types, the involvement of an architect isn't optional, it's a legal requirement, and a building permit cannot be issued without it. The Architects Regulation also specifies the Letters of Assurance framework in the BC Building Code: for Part 3 buildings (generally those falling outside the residential exemptions above), a registered professional, typically an architect for the architectural discipline, must provide a Schedule B, confirming that the design was carried out under their responsible charge and meets the requirements of the code.   ## When a Building Designer Is Permitted and Often a Practical Choice For most single-family homes, duplexes, carriage houses, garden suites, and small renovations in Greater Victoria, a registered building designer or certified residential designer can produce permit drawings for these project types as they fall outside the architect's reserved scope under the Architects Regulation. Specifically, the regulation allows building designers to design: - Single-family and other residential buildings with up to four dwelling units, a footprint of 600 m² or less, a total gross area of 2,400 m² or less, and a height of three storeys plus basement This covers the majority of the residential work we see in our region. Everything from a new custom home in Saanich to a basement suite addition in Oak Bay to a full home renovation in Sidney. For these projects, a qualified building designer can take you from concept through permit application without any legal requirement for architect involvement. Whether a designer is the right choice for your project is a separate question; one that deserves honest consideration beyond just the regulatory threshold.   ![Pre-construction in Victoria BC](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(23).jpg?width=1248&height=832&name=Untitled%20design%20(23).jpg) ## How to Choose Between an Architect and a Designer The regulatory question: *who can do the work*, is separate from the strategic question: *who should do the work?* For a straightforward renovation, a secondary suite, or a practical new home build where the priority is executing a clear program within a defined budget, an experienced residential designer often delivers excellent results efficiently and at a lower fee than a full architectural engagement. Their focus on the Part 9 building type means they've done this hundreds of times. For a project with a strong design vision, complex site conditions, a desire for spatial creativity, passive house performance integration, or a building that will push boundaries in some way, an architect often brings a depth of design exploration that makes a real difference in the outcome. The fee reflects the additional training and scope, but for the right project, it's an investment that pays back in the quality of the result. At Stillwater, we work with both comfortably. Some of our best projects have been built alongside skilled residential designers who know every nuance of Victoria's permitting process. Others have involved an architect whose design transformed a challenging site into something the client couldn't have imagined at the start. What matters is assembling the right team for your specific project, not defaulting to either profession out of habit or cost pressure.   ## The Stillwater Approach We start every project by understanding the scope clearly before recommending a design team. If your project legally requires an architect, we'll tell you that directly. If you have a choice, we'll help you think through which path makes sense given your goals, your site, and your budget. What we don't recommend is beginning construction-level planning without a qualified professional in that design seat, whether that's an architect or a registered building designer. The permit drawings that go to the municipality need to be accurate, code-compliant, and produced by someone accountable for them. Getting that right from the start is far less expensive than correcting it later. If you're in the early stages of planning a custom home or renovation in Greater Victoria and you're not sure where to start with your design team, we're glad to help you think it through. That conversation costs nothing, and it can save you from making a decision you'll spend months undoing. [Let's talk about your project. →](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/contact)   [![how much does a custom home cost in victoria](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/48326631/interactive-196265586275.png)](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJdXqvD42pUKnx8bK8mLi7ww9CfbpP%2BkQnCsUePYq2Bh4g56b9PSe2g%2Ffj98HWW5eGL%2BjmRNCEnPkFd0v%2FAjtf2ns5dn0V31NXZ3X48FWGFpqhxbkS2R5dC%2FHXb0eO%2FHhpemqfQa74rtRBIXNvptdNX0VOdeUYt2aVEqcSjC08cSFBqRAgTl0f%2BAKMl7ZlqnoOEhFBrMBa%2FlxcXT7DzNQPj&webInteractiveContentId=196265586275&portalId=48326631) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What's the difference between a Registered Building Designer (RBD) and a Certified Residential Designer (CRD)? Both are credentials offered through ASTTBC (Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC). A Certified Residential Designer (CRD) specializes in residential buildings only; single-family homes, duplexes, and similar. A Registered Building Designer (RBD) has a broader scope that includes certain commercial and industrial buildings within Part 9 size limits, in addition to residential work. For a custom home or renovation in Greater Victoria, either credential signals someone with focused, practical training in the types of projects most homeowners are actually building. ### When do I need an architect instead of a building designer? Under the BC Architects Regulation, an architect is legally required for residential buildings with five or more dwelling units, any building with a footprint over 600 m² or total gross area over 2,400 m², buildings taller than three storeys (plus basement), and buildings that use both common exiting systems and firewalls. For institutional buildings, schools, hospitals, and most assembly occupancies, an architect is always required. If your project falls outside those thresholds, as most single-family homes, duplexes, and small renovations do, you have the choice of working with either an architect or a qualified building designer. ### Does hiring a designer instead of an architect save money? Generally, yes — designer fees tend to be lower than full architectural fees for comparable residential projects. But the right question isn't just about upfront design costs. It's about which professional is best suited to your specific project. For a straightforward renovation or a practical new home build, an experienced building designer often delivers excellent results efficiently. For a project with complex site conditions, a strong design vision, or high-performance goals like Passive House certification, an architect's depth of training may add value that more than justifies the additional fee. We're happy to help you think through which path makes sense before you commit to either. ### Can Stillwater work with both architects and building designers? Yes — and we do, regularly. We don't have a preference for one over the other. What matters to us is that the design professional on your project is well-matched to its scope and complexity, and that we're working together as a unified team from the start. Some of our best projects have been built with skilled building designers who know Greater Victoria's permit process inside and out. Others have involved architects whose vision transformed a site in ways the homeowner couldn't have imagined at the outset. If you're not sure where to start, [reach out to us](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/contact). Helping you assemble the right team is part of what we do.   [![how much does a custom home cost in victoria](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/48326631/interactive-196265586275.png)](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJdXqvD42pUKnx8bK8mLi7ww9CfbpP%2BkQnCsUePYq2Bh4g56b9PSe2g%2Ffj98HWW5eGL%2BjmRNCEnPkFd0v%2FAjtf2ns5dn0V31NXZ3X48FWGFpqhxbkS2R5dC%2FHXb0eO%2FHhpemqfQa74rtRBIXNvptdNX0VOdeUYt2aVEqcSjC08cSFBqRAgTl0f%2BAKMl7ZlqnoOEhFBrMBa%2FlxcXT7DzNQPj&webInteractiveContentId=196265586275&portalId=48326631) ### Related Articles ##### [![The Real Cost of High-Performance Building in Greater Victoria](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CS_PikeLake-58-Edit.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=CS_PikeLake-58-Edit.jpg) Renovations • Sep 18, 2026, 2:35:34 PM The Real Cost of High-Performance Building in Greater Victoria 5 min read](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/cost-to-build-passive-house-victoria-bc) ##### [![How to Maximize Rebates for an Energy-Efficient Renovation in BC](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(36).jpg?width=520&height=294&name=Untitled%20design%20(36).jpg) Renovations • Sep 2, 2026, 1:31:01 PM How to Maximize Rebates for an Energy-Efficient Renovation in BC 5 min read](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/bc-energy-rebates-renovation) ##### [![Financing a Custom Home Build: Draws, Construction Mortgages, and Budget Timing](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(39).jpg?width=520&height=294&name=Untitled%20design%20(39).jpg) Renovations • Aug 24, 2026, 1:26:49 PM Financing a Custom Home Build: Draws, Construction Mortgages, and Budget Timing 5 min read](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/financing-a-custom-home-build-bc) [![New Logo Landscape White PNG](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png?width=200&height=43&name=New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png)](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca) - [Terms of Service](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/privacy-policy) - [Contact Us](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/contact) ©2026 [Stillwater Custom Homes and Renovations.](https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/)All rights reserved. Address: [10251 W Saanich Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5T8, Canada](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZANda2gNPnrkvHWQ8) Phone: [778-837-1148](tel:1-778-837-1148)[tel:17788371148](tel:17788371148) - - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tom Labelle - Founder", "url" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/author/tom-labelle" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-19T21:38:52.952Z", "datePublished" : "2026-05-19T21:38:37.000Z", "headline" : "What's the Difference Between an Architect and a Residential Designer in Victoria, BC?", "image" : [ "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(5).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hubfs/Theme%20Build%202025/Logos/Stillwater_Landscape_02(Black).svg" }, "name" : "Stillwater Custom Homes and Renovations" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : "Custom Homes, Renovations, Design Process", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tom Labelle", "url" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/author/tom-labelle" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-19", "datePublished" : "2026-05-19", "description" : "Not sure whether to hire an architect or a residential designer for your Victoria home project? Here's what BC's regulations actually say — and how to choose.", "headline" : "What's the Difference Between an Architect and a Residential Designer in Victoria, BC?", "image" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hubfs/Theme%20Build%202025/webp%20Images/listen-introduction.webp", "keywords" : [ "architect vs residential designer BC", "building designer Victoria BC", "BC Architects Regulation", "when do I need an architect BC", "residential designer Victoria", "custom home Victoria BC", "Greater Victoria builder" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Logo%20Landscape%20White%20PNG.png" }, "name" : "Stillwater Custom Homes & Renovations", "url" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca" }, "url" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Both are credentials offered through ASTTBC (Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC). A Certified Residential Designer (CRD) specializes in residential buildings only — single-family homes, duplexes, and similar. A Registered Building Designer (RBD) has a broader scope that includes certain commercial and industrial buildings within Part 9 size limits, in addition to residential work. For a custom home or renovation in Greater Victoria, either credential signals someone with focused, practical training in the types of projects most homeowners are actually building." }, "name" : "What's the difference between a Registered Building Designer (RBD) and a Certified Residential Designer (CRD)?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Under the BC Architects Regulation, an architect is legally required for residential buildings with five or more dwelling units, any building with a footprint over 600 m² or total gross area over 2,400 m², buildings taller than three storeys (plus basement), and buildings that use both common exiting systems and firewalls. For institutional buildings, schools, hospitals, and most assembly occupancies, an architect is always required. If your project falls outside those thresholds — as most single-family homes, duplexes, and small renovations do — you have the choice of working with either an architect or a qualified building designer." }, "name" : "When do I need an architect instead of a building designer?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Generally, yes — designer fees tend to be lower than full architectural fees for comparable residential projects. But the right question isn't just about upfront design costs. It's about which professional is best suited to your specific project. For a straightforward renovation or a practical new home build, an experienced building designer often delivers excellent results efficiently. For a project with complex site conditions, a strong design vision, or high-performance goals like Passive House certification, an architect's depth of training may add value that more than justifies the additional fee." }, "name" : "Does hiring a designer instead of an architect save money?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes — and we do, regularly. We don't have a preference for one over the other. What matters to us is that the design professional on your project is well-matched to its scope and complexity, and that we're working together as a unified team from the start. Some of our best projects have been built with skilled building designers who know Greater Victoria's permit process inside and out. Others have involved architects whose vision transformed a site in ways the homeowner couldn't have imagined at the outset." }, "name" : "Can Stillwater work with both architects and building designers?" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog", "name" : "Blog", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.stillwatercustomhomes.ca/blog/architect-vs-residential-designer-victoria-bc", "name" : "What's the Difference Between an Architect and a Residential Designer in Victoria, BC?", "position" : 3 } ] } ```