Here in Washington state, I can only design residential structures, and I cannot use any form of the word 'architect' in the operation of my business. I'm not big on titles personally, but 'residential building designer" is something simple that a client understands and is in keeping with the law.
Agreed, it is not uncommon to have to explain to a client that I am not an architect or an engineer when I sense that they are under the impression I am. They rarely understand the distinctions. However, this is always during that initial contact and I don't feel like doing so has ever changed anyone's mind about working with me.
I've always taken the approach that if I cannot design the structure prescriptively, then the engineer is to design everything, rather than trying to mix up the two methods. So my engineer knows that when I send them a set of plans they are responsible for all the structural aspects of the design.
As a business, I don't make money correcting plans, getting stuck in plan review, or dealing with 3rd parties having trouble using my plans. I make money by making satisfied clients, building officials and contractors. I work online, almost exclusively, I rarely meet clients anymore...who are invariably referred to me by someone else. None of them can see the certificates, diplomas and degrees I don't have hanging on my wall. They only want to know whether I can do the job properly. How I learned how to do that job is never a concern.
I am always overbooked...
