The architect is a vital component of any construction project. They’re the ones who can pull the vision from your head and translate it to the right people who can then turn your idea—that started in your head—into reality.
What you may not know about architecture is that there is more than just one type of architect; there are even more than two or three. There are eight main types of architects.
Even if you have or haven’t got your own construction project in mind, it’s a good idea to know what each architect does differently and what architectural services each one offers.
As we said earlier, we’ve got eight types of architects to get through, so let’s get right down to it.
1. Residential Architect
Residential architects specialise in home architecture.

These types of architects will work with either private clients, real estate developers or construction companies who also offer architectural services, like us at Bespoke Construction Group.
Sometimes, residential architects are seen as the lowest-skilled type of architect. This is because newly built homes take on a more copy-and-pasted appearance. While the argument has validity, we see house architecture as the talent it is.
You must consider more than just the design of a home. A residential architect has to be competent and knowledgeable in several different aspects of architecture house design, such as:
- They must be creative and highly skilled to turn a client’s dream home into reality
- These architects need to be familiar with the local building codes, regulations and planning permission in the area they are working.
- Creating a home while also sticking to the agreed budget and timeframe is a vital attribute of theirs.
- While they want to create exactly what the client wants, they will have to act as a voice of reason to ensure the home they build is functional.
2. Commercial Architect
When you think of architecture, you may picture iconic buildings and structures that make up famous skylines, the tallest skyscrapers, and landmarks that define a whole country.
Buildings and structures of this stature will have been created by a commercial architect. You could describe this type of architecture as the opposite of home architecture design, as these men and women specialise in designing non-residential properties.

What are some examples of commercial architecture?
- Shops and malls
- Hospitals and government buildings
- Skyscrapers and offices
- Museums and public buildings
- Schools, colleges and universities
When a building that serves a commercial purpose needs to be designed, a commercial architect will be the type of person to call upon.
Similar to a home architect, a commercial architect has more to think about than just designing a building, they will have to be well-informed in commercial building codes, and safety regulations are paramount.
3. Interior Architect
Instead of confusing this type of architect with an interior designer, think of them as an interior designer and architect in one. This is the essence of interior architecture.

An interior architect is someone who is licensed in architecture, and while they will focus on house interior design (like an interior designer), they will also focus on the science behind designing an interior.
Like other architects, they must be well-versed in construction and structural components. This knowledge and base of skill will work hand in hand with their architectural interior design prowess.
Most of the time, interior architects work with other architects, such as commercial and residential ones. Why? Well, when other architects focus on the outside shell of a home or building, an interior architect can be brought in afterwards to turn that base into a home. This is achieved with their amazing interior design abilities and scientific knowledge of how to create a habitable space.
4. Sustainable Architect
Also known as Green Design Architects, this type of architecture has become so sought after in recent years.
That’s because more and more people are increasingly taking our effect on the planet more seriously, especially the effect our usual construction practices have on the environment.

A sustainable architect can be both a residential domestic architect and a commercial architect; they design their homes/buildings with energy efficiency and the environment in mind.
They specialise in greener building methods and so, they must be creative in how they achieve their goal of designing a structure that is functional, practical, eye-appealing and safe, all while keeping to an environmentally friendly design and building approach.
How can sustainable architecture be achieved?
- A green design architect may use sustainable and locally sourced materials
- Create structures that fit around the natural environment instead of cutting through it
- Focus on energy-efficient building by prioritising insulation, air quality and heating
5. Conservation Architect
Conservation architects don’t seem to receive the praise they deserve, though that is down to not many being told of this unsung hero of a role.
In the UK, we have so many beautiful and historical buildings that are still standing today and hopefully will do so for many years to come. This is thanks to conservation architecture.

There are so many gorgeous estate homes, castles, museums and general old homes in the UK, and despite how magnificent they may be, they are still susceptible to being worn down by the elements and time.
A conservation architect must know everything there is to know when it comes to period architecture and applicable building methods, so they can restore and preserve these old and beautiful buildings.
If you own an older property or listed building and wish to extend or renovate that property, you should find yourself a conservation architect to work with.
Interested in modernising your older property? Check out our other blog, HOW TO MODERNISE YOUR OLDER PROPERTY.
6. Urban Designer
This is a very exciting type of architect. An urban designer doesn’t focus solely on buildings, but rather on the design of a whole area, such as a city.
The scope of their work can range from creating additions to an already-standing town or designing and constructing an entirely new area.
Have you ever walked down a street and wondered who put what where? Whose idea was it to place this row of houses over there? What person was responsible for the layout of this city? The answer is likely an urban designer.
The role of an urban designer takes architectural design and applies it to an area, rather than a single structure.
7. Industrial Architect
Factories, depots, warehouses, power plants – what do all of these things have in common? They are all industrial buildings.
The other thing they have in common is that they would have been designed by an industrial architect.
These types of architects are the brains behind industrial buildings. With these buildings, how they function is paramount; they have to achieve the goal of being somewhere a business can run its intricate operations.
Not only is it the actual building the industrial architect has to consider, but they also have to include the relevant machinery and equipment in their plans.
As you can also imagine, health and safety will play a massive factor – a building such as this will have to be mindful that it is safe when there are so many moving parts involved on a daily basis.
8. Landscape Architect
As we have learnt, being an architect isn’t just about designing buildings. With this type of architect, it’s the outside area they specialise in.
What would count as a landscape architecture project?
- Recreational parks
- Public gardens
- Resorts
- Golf courses
And that’s just to name a few! As landscape architects, these pro architects also will have to be horticulture specialists. Horticulture is the practice of garden cultivation and management.
Horticulture plays a massive part in their role as they will decide where trees and other variants of greenery will be placed to thrive.
Landscape architects have been known to work with sustainable architects; you can probably imagine why, as they will likely both share a love for the outdoors as well as a passion for creating amazing spaces, inside and out.
How Do I Find Local Architects Near Me?
So now that you know the eight different types of architecture and architects, you should be more equipped to go out and find the perfect professional for you.

You’ll be surprised how many architects of different types there will be in your local area, so start off by doing some internet research and putting together a list of local architects that you think would match your project.
There is an abundance of Norfolk architects around, and most have created some truly spectacular spaces.
Final Thoughts
Our construction company works with the very best architects in Norfolk. These architects are the beating heartbeat behind our design and build service, where architectural services play a vital role.
To work with Bespoke Construction Group Architects and benefit from our architectural design services, get in touch with our team today.