Understanding the Difference Between a Design-Build Firm and an Architect

If you’re planning a home renovation or thinking about building, it can be confusing to know who to hire first. Many homeowners begin with a contractor or designer, only to discover later that the project actually requires an architect. Knowing the difference early can help you avoid delays, extra costs, and rework.

Design Build Firm vs Architect – The Key Differences

A designer or design-build team is well-suited for updates that change the look of your home but don’t alter its structure. Cosmetic improvements such as refreshing a kitchen or bath, updating cabinetry, or swapping finishes generally don’t require architectural drawings.

You need an architect when the project changes the structure, layout, or footprint of your home. If walls are coming down or being added, if you’re expanding the home or reconfiguring how rooms flow, or if the work affects foundations, load-bearing elements, or building systems, an architect should be involved. Simply put: once the project moves beyond finishes and into structural change, architectural expertise becomes essential.

At Slocum Hall Design Group, we are a fully licensed architecture firm serving Greater Boston and beyond. Our work extends beyond layouts or aesthetics. We assess the structure, manage zoning and permitting, coordinate with engineers, and ensure the design not only looks beautiful but also functions properly and meets code. For example, a recent Back Bay client wanted to merge two small rooms into one open kitchen-living area. While the concept seemed straightforward, removing walls in a historic home required structural analysis, permitting, and thoughtful planning to maintain architectural balance. Without an architect, the project could have resulted in costly issues and design compromises.

Architects Create the Roadmap

Design-build firms focus on executing the construction. Architects create the roadmap that makes construction possible in the first place; we help homeowners make informed decisions about whether to build up, build out, or reconfigure within the existing footprint – choices that have lasting impacts on cost, safety, and long-term livability.

If you’re unsure which path your project falls under, we are always happy to talk through your ideas and point you in the right direction. 

When handled with the right team from the start, the renovation process becomes smoother, more efficient, and far more rewarding.

Contact our team today.