On the surface, the roles of a building designer, a draftsman, and an architect may seem quite similar. After all, they all play a part in developing plans for new buildings. However, within the field of building design, each of these professions fulfills a slightly different role. In different states within Australia, there are also different regulations and licensing requirements. Let's delve into the distinctions between building designers, draftsmen, and architects.
Building Designers
A building designer's role is pretty self-explanatory. They are responsible for designing buildings. Although building designers are not registered architects, they perform many of the same tasks, except for full project management including project administration, which is restricted under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Building designers create designs for new buildings and renovations/extensions. They also document these designs for approvals and construction and provide advice to builders regarding design materials. Building designers may hold qualifications like a degree in architecture (without being registered with the Board of Architects), a diploma in building design, architectural technology, or a similar field. There are three categories of licenses for building designers – low rise, medium rise, and high rise. The category a designer holds determines the type and scale of projects they can undertake.
Draftsmen
Draftsmen specialize in producing the documentation of building designs and plans. They do not engage in design work themselves; their primary responsibility is accurately representing the intended design within the plans. Draftsmen often receive training at TAFE to acquire the necessary skills for design documentation. However, it is also possible to become a self-taught draftsman and find work without additional licensing or certificates. In Queensland, draftsmen are not permitted to design buildings according to QBCC regulations.
Architects
Architects and building designers share many similarities in terms of their job responsibilities. The main difference lies in the level of qualifications required to be legally recognized as an architect. To work as an architect, not only do you need a university degree, but you must also complete a level of field experience and pass a licensing exam to become a registered architect under the Board of Architects. Architects are also required to renew their licenses annually, which contributes to the higher cost of hiring an architect compared to a building designer. The additional training received by architects justifies their higher fees. Whether you choose to hire an architect or building designer depends on the nature of your project.
So What’s the Go?
For most private residential projects, such as new homes and renovations, along with many larger projects like townhouses or units, a skilled building designer will be more than capable of achieving a fantastic result. They can guide you through all aspects of the project. On the other hand, if you're considering significantly larger projects such as large commercial developments or high-rise complexes, it would be advisable to hire an architect. Many people perceive owning a home that is "architect-designed" as prestigious. However, it's important to note that, just like in any industry, there is both good and bad. A quality, well-considered design by a building designer can not only meet your functional needs but also provide that "wow factor" many look for. Moreover, building designers often take a more grounded approach to constructability and budget and closely consider your needs, likes, and dislikes.
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