Designing a new squat dental practice is an exciting journey, filled with big decisions that shape the future of your business. One of the first and most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right design professional. In many cases, practice owners find themselves weighing the roles of an architect versus an architectural designer. Though these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same – and understanding their differences can help you make a more informed, confident decision.
At Excel Building Contractors, we support both options and tailor our approach depending on our client’s needs, goals, and budget.
This article explores the distinctions between architects and architectural designers, their respective strengths, and where each is best applied in the context of creating a new dental squat practice. Our aim isn’t to suggest that one is better than the other, but rather to inform and guide you towards the best fit for your specific project.
Understanding the Roles
Let’s begin with a clear definition of both roles:
Architect: An architect is a registered professional who has completed formal education (typically a minimum of seven years in the UK, including university and practical training) and is regulated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Architects have a legal duty to uphold standards in health, safety, and welfare and are qualified to take on complex projects involving structural, planning, and regulatory challenges.
Architectural Designer: An architectural designer may have a similar educational background, including degrees in architecture or related fields, but is not necessarily a registered architect. This role encompasses a wide range of design professionals who can provide architectural services, often with a strong emphasis on layout, aesthetic, and spatial planning.
Key Differences in Practice
While both professionals work with clients to shape spaces, the key differences often come down to scope, regulation, and complexity.
Table one: key differences between an architect and architectural designer
The Pros and Cons of Working with an Architect
Pros:
· Comprehensive understanding of building regulations, fire safety, and structural integrity
· Ability to handle complex planning permissions or work within listed buildings
· May offer a stronger project management structure
· Ideal for larger-scale or multi-use buildings
Cons:
· Higher fees than architectural designers, reflecting deeper responsibility and oversight
· The process may be more formalised, which can feel rigid for smaller or quicker projects
· Lack of sector-specific knowledge: Many architects, despite their qualifications, may not have specific experience or deep insight into the healthcare or dental sector. As a result, they may overlook the nuances of surgery layouts, HTM compliance, decontamination workflows, or patient journey considerations, which are critical in dental practice design
Pros and Cons of Working with an Architectural Designer
Pros:
· Often more affordable than architects, especially for small- to mid-sized projects
· Flexible and responsive, particularly in creative aspects of design
· Well-suited to straightforward layouts and contemporary, visually engaging practice spaces
· Sector-specific insight: Many architectural designers have honed their skills within the healthcare or dental sectors, offering a focused understanding of the operational, regulatory, and spatial needs unique to dental practices. This specialised experience can prove invaluable when designing efficient, compliant, and commercially viable spaces
Cons:
· May require external consultants for compliance or complex structural decisions
· Not always recognised in formal planning processes (depending on local authority)
Where Architects Shine in Dental Practice Design
If your squat dental practice involves a complex site, listed property, mixed-use space, or unique structural challenges, working with a registered architect is likely to be the right route. Architects are particularly valuable when your project involves:
· Difficult planning permissions or conservation areas
· Multiple storeys or unique architectural forms
· Integration with other services (residential units, retail spaces, etc)
· Large-scale budgets that justify comprehensive oversight
An architect will also help in scenarios where you require strong leadership across multiple consultants and trades, acting as a bridge between your vision and the final build.
Where Architectural Designers Excel in Dental Projects
For many squat practice projects – especially first-time ventures – an architectural designer offers a focused, efficient, and creative approach.
They’re ideal when:
· The site is straightforward with no major planning constraints
· You want to maximise interior layout efficiency and patient flow
· The budget is tighter, and cost management is key
· You already have structural engineers and compliance consultants in place
· You want someone who deeply understands the workflow and compliance demands of a healthcare environment
Architectural designers can provide strong visualisations, mood boards, and CAD layouts, helping you clearly see how the space will work for both patients and staff. Many practice owners find that architectural designers offer an excellent balance of design flair and practical output.
The Overlap: Collaboration and Flexibility
In practice, there is often overlap between the two roles. Some architectural designers have years of experience in dental projects and may work in collaboration with technical consultants
or architects when needed. Similarly, many architects incorporate interior designers or specialist dental planners into their process.
At Excel Building Contractors, we often act as the unifying force – ensuring that whether the lead design is handled by an architect or a designer, the project is delivered to the highest standards.
Costs and Budget Considerations
Naturally, fees can vary significantly depending on project scope and experience.
Here is a general guide:
· Architects may charge between 7% and 12% of the total project cost (or offer fixed fees for certain stages)
· Architectural designers often work on a per-hour or per-project basis and may cost between 30% and 50% less than architects
However, cost shouldn’t be the only consideration. The right choice should be driven by the complexity of your project, the planning landscape, and the level of design innovation or compliance required.
Regulatory Awareness and Compliance
In dental fit-outs, compliance is non-negotiable. HTM01-05, CQC requirements, and local planning guidelines all come into play. While architects are trained and obligated to meet these standards, experienced architectural designers familiar with healthcare and dental sectors can also navigate these regulations effectively – often with the support of specialist consultants.
This is where working with a knowledgeable contractor like Excel Building Contractors makes a difference. We ensure that no matter who leads the design, compliance is integrated from day one.
Which Option Is Right for You?
To summarise, here are some guiding questions:
· Is your site complex, constrained, or listed? → Consider an architect
· Is your priority a fast turnaround with cost-effective layout planning? → An architectural designer may be ideal
· Do you need end-to-end planning support and construction oversight? → An architect will offer full-service coordination
· Do you already have planning permission or technical consultants? → An architecural designer can lead creatively and collaborate
· Are you seeking someone with deep experience in dental workflow, HTM01-05, and compliance? → An architectural designer with sector-specific experience may add more value
Ultimately, there is no single correct answer – only the right fit for your vision, budget, and site conditions.
Excel Building Contractors: Offering Both Solutions
At Excel Building Contractors, we are uniquely positioned to offer both solutions. Depending on the project brief, we can provide:
· Full architectural services with registered professionals
· Design-led solutions with experienced architectural designers
· Hybrid approaches that combine creative design with regulatory oversight
This flexibility means we don’t push clients toward one option or another. Instead, we listen to your goals, assess the site, and recommend the most appropriate team structure. Our aim is to make the process seamless, informed, and tailored to your business ambitions.
Conclusion: An Informed Choice Is a Powerful One
The decision between an architect and an architectural designer is not about choosing better or worse – it’s about matching the right skill set to your project’s needs. Both roles bring immense value to the process of designing a new squat dental practice. What matters most is understanding your requirements, your site, and your aspirations.
With the right partner – and a contractor who understands the nuances of dental environments – you can be confident that your practice will not only look great but perform brilliantly.
Whether you lean towards a comprehensive architectural service or a creative design-led approach, Excel Building Contractors is here to guide and support your journey from first sketch to final surgery chair.
For more information please call us on 020 8820 0853 or simply complete our contact form and we’ll be right back in contact with you.