If you've ever wondered, “What kind of architect do I need?”, you're not alone. Architects don’t all do the same job. Just like doctors have different specialties, architects also focus on different types of buildings and design goals.
There are 8 main types of architects, each with a unique skill set. Whether you’re building a house, an office, or even a park, understanding these can help you choose the right expert for your project.
At Archiconnect, we work with a variety of architectural professionals in Bangladesh and beyond—each trained to meet different client needs.
Residential Architect
Answer: A residential architect designs homes and places where people live.
These architects focus on making living spaces comfortable, functional, and customized to your daily life. This is one of the most common types of architecture work.
What They Do:
- Create layouts and floor plans
- Choose finishes, materials, and furniture plans
- Design for comfort and energy savings
- Work closely with homeowners to meet personal lifestyle
Common Projects:
- Private homes
- Townhouses
- Apartment buildings
Commercial Architect
Answer: A commercial architect designs buildings for businesses—like offices, hotels, or stores.
Commercial architects focus more on safety codes, building systems, and efficient space usage. These buildings are usually larger and used by many people.
What They Do:
- Ensure buildings meet commercial codes and safety rules
- Plan for customer flow and employee workflows
- Work with engineers to design strong and functional buildings
Common Projects:
- Malls
- Corporate offices
- Hotels and restaurants
Landscape Architect
Answer: Landscape architects design outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, and public areas.
They mix nature and design to make outdoor spaces beautiful, usable, and eco-friendly.
What They Do:
- Plan green spaces and pathways
- Choose plants and outdoor materials
- Design with nature, people, and climate in mind
Common Projects:
- Public parks
- School or office grounds
- Rooftop gardens
Interior Architect
Answer: Interior architects design the inside of buildings to make them both beautiful and useful.
They work on everything from lighting to furniture layout, making sure interiors work well and look good.
What They Do:
- Rearrange space for better use
- Choose colors, lighting, and materials
- Focus on comfort, safety, and energy efficiency
Common Projects:
- Home interiors
- Office interiors
- Shops and showrooms
Urban Design Architect
Answer: Urban design architects plan how entire neighborhoods, cities, or districts will look and work.
These professionals think on a big scale, designing for traffic, green space, housing, and business areas.
What They Do:
- Plan zones for buildings, roads, and parks
- Consider how people move around a city
- Focus on public spaces, safety, and sustainability
Common Projects:
- City master plans
- Smart cities
- Urban renewal projects
Industrial Architect
Answer: Industrial architects design buildings like factories, warehouses, and power plants.
These spaces need to be super functional, safe, and able to handle heavy work and equipment.
What They Do:
- Plan for big machines and storage areas
- Work with engineers to meet safety laws
- Design systems for smooth industrial workflow
Common Projects:
- Factories
- Power plants
- Distribution centers
Sustainable / Green Design Architect
Answer: These architects focus on creating eco-friendly buildings.
They use green building materials, reduce energy use, and add features like solar panels or green roofs.
What They Do:
- Use natural light and ventilation
- Select renewable materials
- Help buildings meet eco-labels like LEED
Common Projects:
- Eco homes
- Green office buildings
- Schools and hospitals designed for sustainability
Conservation / Restoration Architect
Answer: Conservation architects work on old or historic buildings to protect and fix them.
They make sure the building keeps its history but is also safe for people to use today.
What They Do:
- Study building history and structure
- Use traditional and modern techniques together
- Follow heritage and landmark protection rules
Common Projects:
- Old mosques or temples
- Colonial-era homes
- Museums and cultural sites
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of architects is key to getting the right help for your project. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy home, a modern office, or restoring a piece of history—there’s a specialist for that job.
If you’re planning a construction or renovation project in Bangladesh, Archiconnect can help you connect with the right architect. We’re experienced in matching clients with the best architectural talent for their specific needs.
FAQs
How many types of architects are there?
There are 8 main types of architects, including residential, commercial, landscape, interior, urban design, industrial, sustainable, and conservation architects.
What is the highest paid type of architect?
Usually, commercial or sustainable architects earn the most, especially those who work on large-scale or high-budget projects.
What is a level 7 architect?
A Level 7 architect usually refers to someone with a master's degree in architecture and full professional certification, ready to lead major projects.
What are the 7 major architectural services?
The main services architects provide are:
- Pre-design consultation
- Schematic design
- Design development
- Construction documents
- Bidding or negotiation
- Construction supervision
- Post-construction services


