designer usually works.  I use environmental designer.  Master builder is cool too.  It sounds important. 

Something is too exaggerated in this country with this word “architect”

I’ m emigrant from Eastern Europe in Maryland, was graduated back in my country. As far as I know in MD, VA and DC not required to be licensed architect to design single residence or residential and light commercial interiors.

Before I got laid off at the end of 2008 was working as a senior designer for big company.

Half of their project were international, two partners-studio leaders were not licensed architect from England and Colombia (perhaps were licensed in their countries).

I was making more than many licensed young architect in other companies (employed).

Now I’m sole proprietor, calling “design services” under my name in business card, also mentioning “single residence design, landscape and hardscape design, illustrations and renderings” at the bottom of card.

Well, being confused by similar discussion I’ve heard, I work with licensed senior structural engineer. So far his stamp had worker in most cases.

@green34 We should talk,i have a few questions on freelancing if you dont mind. Being an architect is sooo overrated.the term is obsulete. lets just call ourselves BUILT ENVIRONMENT SPECIALISTS. Since this topic is brought up, I was just wondering: how would local architects call themselves on overseas projects?, say, for instance, Richard Meier in China.

I think as far as architects do some overseas projects in the initial phases (schematic design or design development) they can be called architectural designers.Of course the  local zoning rules/restrictions should be provided by developers.

In the design development drawings set might be written some disclaimer which transferring construction technical liability to local developers. Something like "This drawing is not for construction..." meaning CD phase is for local architects

there you go, why not apply the same title (architectural designer) in the U.S. ? I mean I know some European designers had projects here too. 

@ Green34 , are you working at home? or have you registered your business?

stick with intern architect on the business cards, just abbreviate it:

Int. Architect

They'll think you're an interior/international architect or something.

sublimespaces

<@ Green34 , are you working at home? or have you registered your business?>

Yes I've registered as sole proprietor, work from home. Good for tax return.

Some home improvements, gasoline for business travels, car maintenance are deductible from tax