Can You Legally Design Buildings Without Being A Licensed Architect? Well, the short answer is ‘yes’, however all design and construction documents created must follow the standards and requirements set forth by the International Code Council (ICC) and outlined within the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC). Because each US state is relatively similar but, in many ways, uniquely different, one must always verify each state local amendments and jurisdictions with building department before beginning design. Also check with the State Boards of Architecture United States of America that applies to the specific area and locality that your building design will be in.
The Design of single-family dwellings and/or House Plans across our nation are primarily exempt from licensure and do not need to include the stamp of an architect on the plans, but again specific requirements should be verified with each building department and state boards prior. Construction referred to as light-frame construction is the repetitive system of cold-formed steel or wood framing members that form the elements of floor, wall, and roof. When preparing design and construction documentation, following specific framing requirements prescribed by the International Residential Code (IRC) precludes the need for an engineered design.
Each buildings framing system must adequately transfer loads through a complete load path to the foundation of the building, therefore with its bracing and connections it must resist the code-prescribed lateral and vertical forces that act on it. When we design a single-family home, we make sure that each area of design and construction documentation are prepared in accordance with the prescriptive provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC). Code knowledge is a product built from several years of evolution and accretion, therefore it is extremely imperative for all participants involved in the preparation of design and construction documentation follow code guidelines to aid in ensuring the protection of safety, public heath, and welfare.
Question: Do You Require Your House Plans and/or Home Plans to Be Prepared in Accordance with Your States Required Building Code?