What is the Difference between an Architect and a Building Designer

Typically an architect and a building designer handle very similar jobs and it’s common for the role of one, to be confused with the other. They design buildings, have similar skills and the services they offer are very similar too and can help you if you are either building/remodelling/extending your house. In order to understand the difference between these two professions, let’s take a look at what each of these roles entail:

Architect

An architect is one who:

• Has acquired a tertiary education or has a degree in architecture
• Is covered with the required liability insurance (this is a prerequisite for registration)
• Has an official registration as an architect with the architecture body in their specific territory or state

Very simply, it is this registration with the architecture body in the state that defines who an architect is. Regardless of the number of architecture degrees and experience that a person has, he/she cannot function as an “architect” unless they have an official registration as one.

Academic Qualifications

From an academic viewpoint, an architect studies the science and the art of building-design in great detail. Generally, an architect will spend a minimum of 5 years at University and the course will cover subjects such as technical design, contract law and history. Graduates are also required to have 2 years of practical work experience under any registered architect, before they become eligible for registration as an architect

Building Designer

Building designers are also sometimes referred to as draftsmen. But their skills sets and roles are now evolving and the name reflects this change. Today, the role of a building designer has extended into designing energy-efficient, functional and beautifully-structured homes.

A building designer can be from various design-related backgrounds. He/she can be a person with a degree/s & experience in architecture, but who does not have an official registration as an architect. Alternatively the person may also have extensive formal education in various design fields.

Academic Qualifications

In many regions of Australia, a person will be able work as a building designer without any qualifications/credentials whatsoever. But when you are choosing a building designer, look for someone who has the qualification, experience and the expertise to handle your job in an expert manner.

Try to identify a building designer who is a member of any professional association such as the BDA (Building Designers Australia) or any other similar association in the state you live in. In most cases, professionals who belong to these particular associations may have completed continuing professional development (CPD). This means they will be knowledgeable about the changes to local planning laws & other issues that affect their work.

So – Who Should You Hire?

Very frankly, there is no simple answer to this particular question. It is possible to get a fantastic design from either of these professionals. When it comes to cost, you may end up paying similar amounts, regardless of whether you hire an architect or a building designer.

If you are looking for quality services, the professional charges for both will be on par with each other. You should choose either an architect or a building designer who is able to understand your requirement, and match your expectation in terms of the design and budget.

Other Aspects to Consider

To make your choice a little simpler, base your choice on:

• Qualification
• Experience
• Accomplishments
• Enthusiasm
• Communication (in terms of response)

Previous Work Check

Check on the person’s previous work and see if it appeals to you. An architect and a building designer have the freedom to apply his/her own creativity. But to a large extent this depends in the client’s ideas and requirements too. It’s also very important to hire the service of a person who you will be able to sync with.

This aspect is more relevant if that person is also going to help in overseeing the construction and acting as the “contract administrator”, and you will be working with the person for quite some time. Check the person’s credentials by contacting the local building designer’s association. Once you have taken all these factors into consideration and actioned all the necessary checks, hire a person who you feel will be able to handle the job professionally and to your satisfaction.

For some of the best draftsmen in Sydney, contact Elementree Drafting Services on 1300 566 873. You can also connect with us via this contact form.

Thanks for reading,
Elementree Drafting Services
1300 566 873