RESIDENTIAL DESIGNER
vs. ARCHITECT

No. To be completely clear, MASTRIDICASA is not an architecture firm, and we are not licensed architects.In California, the word “architect” is a protected legal title. It can only be used by individuals who are licensed to practice architecture by the California Architects Board. We respect that distinction and take our legal obligations seriously.What we are is an experienced residential design firm. We help homeowners with custom home design, remodels, ADUs, feasibility studies, construction documents, and permit-ready plans for residential projects throughout the Tahoe–Truckee region and California.You can call us residential designers, design consultants, or simply the team helping you shape your home. Just don’t call us architects.Under the California Architects Practice Act, “architect” refers to a person licensed to practice architecture in the state of California. For more information, see the California Architects Board’s guidance on use of the title.The Legal Note:California Architects Practice Act (§ 5500): Defines an "architect" strictly as a person licensed to practice architecture in this state.California Architects Board Fact Sheet: For more on how the state protects these terms, you can check out their official Fact Sheet.

In California, “architecture” and “architect” are legally regulated terms. The California Architects Board makes clear that anyone using the title “architect” or advertising architectural services in California must be licensed by the Board.That distinction matters, and we respect it.We provide residential design services, including site planning, feasibility studies, design development, construction documents, and permit-ready plans for residential projects. We also coordinate with engineers, consultants, building departments, and contractors as needed to help move projects from early ideas toward construction.What matters most to our clients is not the label. It is whether the work is thoughtful, buildable, code-aware, and clearly communicated.With more than 45 years in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry and over a decade leading MASTRIDICASA, we bring practical wisdom to the decisions that shape successful residential projects. Our plans have been reviewed by building officials, used by contractors, and trusted by homeowners throughout the Tahoe–Truckee region.So yes, we do substantial design work. We simply do it as experienced residential designers, not licensed architects.Legal note: For those who want to see the fine print, the California Architects Practice Act 2025, § 5500.1 defines "The Practice of Architecture" as everything from site planning and preliminary studies to code compliance and construction observation.

Yes. California law allows unlicensed individuals to design and prepare plans for certain residential projects, including many single-family homes, small multi-family dwellings, garages, barns, and related structures.For most typical residential projects, a licensed architect is not legally required.Under California Business and Professions Code § 5537, non-architects may design single-family dwellings of wood-frame construction up to two stories and a basement in height. The same section also allows design of wood-frame multiple dwellings containing no more than four dwelling units, along with certain garages, agricultural buildings, and other appurtenant structures.That does not mean the work is casual or unregulated. Under § 5536.1, the person preparing or taking responsible control of plans, specifications, and instruments of service must sign those documents. We work within those legal boundaries and take responsibility for the plans we prepare. When a project requires structural engineering, specialized calculations, or other licensed professional input, we coordinate with the appropriate consultants.The practical answer is simple: yes, we can legally design many residential projects without being licensed architects. We know where the lines are, we respect them, and we bring in the right professionals when a project requires it.Legal Note:BPC § 5537: Outlines exemptions allowing non-architects to design single-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, and appurtenant structures.BPC § 5536.1: Requires all persons preparing plans to sign their work and contracts, establishing legal responsibility and liability for the documents.