Put simply, if someone doesn’t have “Architect” or “RA” after their name, they are not an architect.
Architectural means like an architect. So an Architectural Designer/Consultant/Technician is like an architect but isn’t one. Architects are registered, regulated, continually trained and properly insured. The registration of Architects exists to safeguard you, the client.
Before a person can be called an Architect, he or she will have completed at least a five year accredited architecture degree,have a minimum of three years of real experience, completed the Intern Development Program and will have passed the seven architect registration exams which are the final stage of training.