Planning Consultant vs Architect: Understanding the Differences
Embarking on a development project comes with many challenges, including the design and planning permission. If you haven’t done it before, it might not be immediately obvious who you need to ask for help. This ties into a question we are often asked: whether a planning consultant is the same as an architect, and if not, what are the differences?
Firstly, let’s explain why a planning consultant is not the same as an architect. Here’s a simple overview of their roles and responsibilities.
Is a planning consultant the same as an architect?
An architect designs buildings, with a focus on style, functionality, and safety. Architects create a detailed plan and specification of the development and also may oversee the construction of buildings to make sure they align with the plans.
A planning consultant advises on land use and helps clients to comply with planning policies and regulations. They then help secure the approval for the development. A planning consultant ensures that planning proposals comply with legal requirements and regulatory matters, plus satisfy any community and environmental goals, as well as setting out the context of the development and its benefits to the Council
As you can see, both roles play an important part in the building development process, from start to finish, but each person does have distinctly different roles and responsibilities. Below is more detail on the differences between a planning consultant and architect.
Planning consultant vs architect
The key responsibilities of a planning consultant vs an architect in the UK.
| Planning consultant | Architect |
| Advise on planning policies, regulations, and the potential for land use. | Design buildings that are functional, visually pleasing, and meet safety regulations. |
| Prepare and submit detailed planning applications to local authorities. | Develop detailed plans and drawings using design software. |
| Conduct site appraisals to assess development potential and compliance with planning permission rules. | Ensure designs comply with UK building regulations, planning policies, and environmental standards. |
| Manage the planning process, liaise with local councils and other stakeholders. | Work with clients to understand their needs and budget constraints. |
| Offer advice on how to succeed with planning permission challenges and development proposals. | Manage the building development project from planning through to construction and completion. |
| Represent clients at planning appeals, hearings, and / or public consultations. | Work with contractors, engineers, and other professionals during construction. |
| Ensure plans are compliant with environmental and sustainability regulations and initiatives. | Conduct site visits to oversee the progress and quality of work once the construction starts. |
| Work with architects, engineers, and others to align building and development plans with local policies. | Advise on what materials to use, sustainability practices, and recommend cost-effective solutions. |
Please note that either the architect or planning consultant can submit a planning application to the local authority. Both will work closely together.
The difference in their qualifications
Another difference between a planning consultant and architect is their qualifications.
Architects in the UK are regulated, so must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). To become registered as an architect, they will need to complete different stages and qualifications:
- a degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)
- a year of practical work experience
- a further 2 years’ full-time university course like a BArch, Diploma, MArch
- a year of practical training
- a final qualifying exam
- membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Many planning consultants will typically have a degree in a relevant subject matter such as Town Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, or Environmental Planning.
Planning consultants can also become accredited members of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). It is internationally recognised symbol of expert proficiency and is responsible for maintaining professional standards and accrediting world class planning courses.
All of the planning consultants at Intelligent Land are RTPI accredited.
Do you need help with development and planning permission?
If you are thinking about a development project and are yet to employ an architect or planning consultant, please get in touch with us today.
Intelligent Land is a multi-disciplinary practice of chartered surveyors, town planners, housebuilders and investors specialising in the financial optimisation of development projects. We also work with a number of different architects, so can introduce you to an architect suitable for your project.
We are based on the south coast of England, and primarily work on successful planning applications in the Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, and Wiltshire areas
Here are just a few benefits from working with our planning consultants:
- A smoother planning application process from start to finish.
- Getting over hurdles no matter how complex the development project.
- An increased chance of success due to our track record and experience.
- Help and support with the appeal process.
- The cost benefit of using a planning consultant.
Our clients’ needs sit at the centre of what we do, and our team is successful because our relationships are built on honesty, respect and trust.
You might also like: We recently wrote a blog post addressing the question of whether it’s worth using a planning consultant. It is always worth it, but if you want to see the details reasons why, click here.