How to Choose the Right Architect and Avoid Fake Architects under the Architects Act 1972
Building a home, hotel, school, office, clinic, farmhouse, or commercial space is not only a design decision. It is a legal, safety, and financial decision. The person who plans the building affects how your money is spent, how the space performs, how approvals move, and how safe the structure feels for years.
That is why hiring someone who merely “does drawings” is risky. In India, the title Architect has legal meaning. Under the Architects Act, 1972, only a person registered with the Council of Architecture, commonly known as COA, can use the title and style of “Architect”.
A fake architect may speak confidently, show attractive 3D images, and quote a lower fee. But if they are not registered with COA, they are not legally allowed to call themselves an architect. The difference matters, especially when your project involves permissions, technical drawings, safety coordination, and long-term value.
This article explains who architects are under Indian law, how to verify one, what can go wrong with fake architects, and why choosing a professional practice such as AB Architects & Planners can protect your project from costly mistakes.
What the Architects Act 1972 says about architects
The Architects Act, 1972 was enacted to regulate the profession of architecture in India. It led to the formation of the Council of Architecture, which maintains the official register of architects.
In simple terms, a person can call themselves an architect only when they meet the required educational standards and are registered with COA. Registration gives the person the right to use the title “Architect” in India, subject to the provisions of the Act and applicable rules.
This distinction is important because many people use similar-sounding labels, such as:
architectural designer
building designer
plan maker
elevation designer
CAD drafter
3D visualiser
interior consultant
vastu consultant
contractor with design services
Some of these professionals may be skilled in their own areas. A drafter may prepare neat CAD drawings. A 3D visualiser may create good-looking views. A contractor may understand construction work. But these roles are not the same as a COA-registered architect.
An architect is trained to think about design, function, safety, climate, structure, services, byelaws, materials, movement, accessibility, and future use together. The architect’s role is not limited to making a front elevation look attractive.
Under the Architects Act, 1972, the title “Architect” is regulated. Before hiring, ask for the COA registration number and verify it.
This post is for general information only. For legal interpretation or a dispute, it is best to consult a qualified legal professional or the relevant authority.
Who is a real architect in India
A real architect in India is a professional registered with the Council of Architecture. The registration shows that the person has met the educational and professional requirements recognised under the law.
A registered architect may work independently, with a firm, as part of a larger design practice, or in collaboration with engineers and consultants. The key point is that the person using the title “Architect” must be registered.
What architects actually do
Good architecture is much more than making drawings. A competent architect can help with many stages of a project, such as:
understanding the plot, location, road access, climate, views, and site constraints
preparing concept designs based on needs, budget, and future use
planning room sizes, circulation, light, ventilation, privacy, and comfort
coordinating with structural engineers and service consultants
preparing drawings for approvals, tendering, and execution
guiding material selection and construction details
reducing wastage through better planning
checking whether the work follows the design intent
helping avoid design mistakes that become expensive during construction
For a homeowner, this may mean fewer surprises on site. For a developer, it may mean better space use and stronger market appeal. For an institution or commercial owner, it may mean safer planning and smoother coordination.
How architects differ from fake architects
A fake architect often focuses on selling a quick package. The offer may sound simple: plan, elevation, 3D, and drawings at a low price. But a building is not a poster. It has to stand, breathe, function, comply with rules, and support real people.
Here is a practical comparison.
What to check | COA-registered architect | Fake or unregistered “architect” |
Legal title | Can use the title “Architect” if registered | Cannot legally use the title “Architect” |
Registration | Has a COA registration number | Usually avoids sharing one |
Accountability | Works under a regulated professional identity | Accountability is often unclear |
Design approach | Looks at function, safety, byelaws, structure, services, and cost | May focus mainly on appearance or quick drawings |
Documentation | Provides stage-wise drawings and records | May give incomplete or generic drawings |
Long-term value | Plans for use, maintenance, comfort, and resale value | May create hidden future costs |
How to verify an architect before hiring
Choosing the right architect starts with basic verification. Do this before paying an advance, signing a contract, or sharing full project details.
Ask for the COA registration number
A genuine architect should be able to share their COA registration number. If someone avoids the question, gives vague replies, or says registration is not needed, treat it as a warning sign.
You can also ask them to show their registration certificate or current proof linked to COA records. The name on the registration should match the person who is offering architectural services.
Check the name, not just the firm
Some firms use the word “architects” in their name, but the person handling your project may not be registered. Ask who the principal architect or responsible architect is.
The agreement or proposal should clearly mention:
the name of the architect or firm
scope of services
fee structure and payment stages
deliverables at each stage
revision terms
site visit scope, if included
consultant coordination responsibilities
expected timelines
exclusions
A proper written scope protects both sides.
Review past work carefully
Do not judge only by 3D images. Ask to see completed or ongoing projects similar to yours. A real project reveals more than a rendered image.
Look for:
sensible planning
usable room sizes
natural light and ventilation
climate response
clean circulation
practical kitchen and toilet layouts
parking and entry planning
quality of details
understanding of local rules
If possible, speak to past clients. Ask whether the architect was responsive, clear about fees, practical during construction, and honest about limitations.
Notice how they ask questions
A serious architect will ask about your needs, lifestyle, budget, plot, family size, future plans, approvals, and construction priorities. They will not jump straight to elevation style.
Good questions may include:
How many people will use the building daily?
Do you plan to expand later?
What is the construction budget?
What are the local authority requirements?
Which spaces need more privacy?
What is more important, lower cost, premium finish, faster construction, or long-term durability?
If the discussion only revolves around facade design, discounts, or how quickly drawings can be delivered, slow down.
Be careful with unusually low fees
A low fee may look attractive at the start, but poor planning can create much larger costs later. Wrong dimensions, weak coordination, approval problems, bad drainage slopes, poor ventilation, and impractical structural grids can lead to rework.
The architect’s fee is usually a small part of the total project cost. Good design can often save money by reducing wastage, avoiding errors, and improving space use.
This is especially true when comparing Architects in Jaipur for residential, commercial, hospitality, or institutional projects, where local climate, plot size, authority norms, and material choices can affect the final outcome.
What can happen if you hire a fake architect
Hiring an unregistered person who claims to be an architect can create legal, financial, and construction risks. The damage may not appear on day one. It often appears after approvals are delayed, construction starts, or changes become expensive.
Legal consequences for misuse of the title
Under the Architects Act, 1972, an unregistered person cannot use the title and style of “Architect”. Misuse of the title can attract legal consequences under the Act.
For clients, the direct legal issue may depend on the facts of the case, the contract, the authority involved, and the nature of the work. But the practical problem is clear: if a person is not legally recognised as an architect, their professional standing and accountability are weaker.
Approval and documentation problems
Authorities may require proper drawings, signatures, or documents as per local rules. If the project documentation is incomplete, incorrect, or prepared without proper understanding, approvals can get delayed.
Common issues include:
wrong plot setbacks
incorrect ground coverage
parking miscalculation
poor staircase planning
missing fire or safety considerations where applicable
incorrect built-up area calculations
mismatch between drawings submitted and work done on site
These mistakes can lead to redesign, penalties, rework, or disputes.
Poor space planning
A fake architect may create a plan that looks acceptable on paper but fails in daily use. For example, a bedroom may have no proper wardrobe wall, a kitchen may have poor work movement, a toilet door may open awkwardly, or a staircase may feel unsafe.
Once construction begins, small planning errors become permanent or costly to fix.
Weak consultant coordination
Buildings need input from different experts. Structural engineers, MEP consultants, contractors, soil experts, landscape designers, and interior teams may all be involved depending on project size.
A trained architect knows how to coordinate design intent with technical requirements. Without this coordination, conflicts happen on site. Beams may disturb ceiling heights. Plumbing shafts may be missing. AC outdoor units may have no place. Electrical points may not match furniture layouts.
Higher cost over time
Cheap drawings can become expensive buildings. Poorly designed spaces may need more artificial lighting, extra cooling, unnecessary structural changes, or repeated repairs.
A good architect thinks about the life of the building, not only the first drawing package.
How to choose the right architect for your project
Selecting an architect should feel like choosing a long-term project partner. The person or firm must understand your goals and also tell you the truth when an idea is impractical.
Define your project clearly
Before meeting architects, write down your basic requirements:
plot size and location
type of project
approximate budget
number of floors
key spaces needed
style preferences
timeline
approval status
expected level of involvement
This helps the architect give a more realistic proposal.
Compare scope, not only fee
Two architects may quote different fees because their scope is different. One may include concept design, approval drawings, working drawings, consultant coordination, and limited site visits. Another may include only basic plans and elevation.
Ask what is included and what is not included. A clear scope prevents misunderstanding later.
Look for communication and honesty
The right architect explains ideas in simple language. They do not confuse clients with jargon. They also point out risks early.
For example, if your budget is too low for the desired specification, a good architect will say so. If a plot has planning restrictions, they will flag them. If a design idea may cause maintenance problems, they will offer alternatives.
Check local and climatic understanding
India has different climates, materials, municipal rules, and construction practices. A home in Jaipur needs a different response from a home in a heavy rainfall region or a cold hill area.
For Rajasthan and nearby regions, design decisions around heat, shading, ventilation, courtyards, wall thickness, roof insulation, and orientation can make a major difference in comfort. This is one reason many clients search for the Best Architects in Jaipur when they want design that is practical, elegant, and locally aware.
Why choose AB Architects & Planners
AB Architects & Planners can be a strong choice for clients who want professional architectural planning with a clear process. The value lies in combining design thinking with practical execution awareness.
A good architectural practice should not only ask, “How should it look?” It should also ask:
How will the space be used every day?
How will the building handle heat, light, and ventilation?
How will structure and services fit into the design?
How can the project stay closer to budget?
How can future maintenance be reduced?
How can the design meet both personal taste and practical needs?
AB Architects & Planners focuses on this wider view of architecture and planning. For homeowners, that can mean a residence that feels personal, comfortable, and efficient. For commercial clients, it can mean better space planning, stronger user experience, and smarter circulation. For developers and institutions, it can mean clarity from concept to construction documentation.
What makes the choice safer
When choosing AB Architects & Planners, clients can expect the kind of professional approach that matters in real projects:
COA-aware practice Work guided by the legal and professional expectations of architecture in India.
Design with purpose Plans that respond to site, use, climate, budget, and long-term needs.
Clear documentation Drawings and details that help contractors understand what needs to be built.
Practical planning Space layouts that support daily life, movement, storage, comfort, and maintenance.
Coordination mindset Better alignment between architecture, structure, services, and site realities.
Client-focused process A step-by-step approach where decisions are explained, not forced.
The right architect protects the project before problems reach the site. That is the real value of professional design.
A practical checklist before you sign
Before finalising any architect, use this checklist.
Ask for the COA registration number.
Verify the name and registration details.
Check completed work, not only renders.
Ask for a written scope of services.
Confirm what drawings will be provided.
Discuss approval responsibilities clearly.
Understand the fee stages.
Ask about consultant coordination.
Confirm site visit terms.
Avoid anyone using the title “Architect” without registration.
Do not choose only on the lowest fee.
Trust clear communication over big promises.
A building is a long-term asset. It deserves trained planning, legal clarity, and professional responsibility.
Choosing a COA-registered architect is not a formality. It is a safeguard for your money, your time, and the people who will use the building. Fake architects may offer speed and low cost, but the risks can follow the project for years. Work with a qualified professional, verify credentials early, and choose a team that treats design as both a creative and responsible act.
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