Most Australians end up either with a building designer or an architect for the design and layout plan of their future property. Yet, not many understand the differences between the two jobs and the services that they provide.

While both building designer and architect roles do fall under the same umbrella of draftspeople, there are important distinctions in the quality and scope of their services — as well as the costs involved.

Building Designers

Building designers have a clear role as stated in their job title, they are responsible for the design of buildings. In Australia, not all states require building designers to hold a valid license, meaning that in NSW, WA, SA, ACT, and NT, building designers can operate without needing any official registration or licencing. At the same time, it’s usually the case that building designers already have some experience or qualification in building homes or construction, such as ex-builders.

In VIC, TAS, and QLD, however, there are much stricter requirements for working as a building designer. For example, in Queensland, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) requires building designers to hold a proper licence.

Architects 

In order to be an architect, individuals must have at least a university degree, a level of field experience, and pass a licensing exam in order to obtain a registered architect licence. This licence must also be re-registered on an annual basis.

Architects usually work on more complex building designs and structures, from office buildings to skyscrapers, custom mansions, and even master-planned communities for an entire area. The type of services a licensed architect offers depends on the project being developed.

Key Differences Between a Building Designer and an Architect

Qualifications

On paper, architects generally have a higher level of qualification compared to building designers. However, qualification is only one side of the coin when it comes to building a home — building designers have extensive experience with residential projects and can deliver similarly detailed designs for a home.

Scope of Work

Building designers generally focus on residential projects, whereas architects generally work on large-scale development projects and designs.

Cost of Service

Costs involved with an architect are generally higher than working with a building designer. With stricter licensing requirements and more qualifications involved, it’s usually more expensive to hire an architect than a building designer.

Building designers typically charge between 3-5% of the building’s costs. Architects charge significantly more, from 7-10% and possibly more, depending on the reputation of the agency or consultant.

When to Hire an Architect Vs a Building Designer

The decision between engaging an architect or a building designer will ultimately come down to the kind of property you are looking to build. In the case of most residential homes, a building designer will be more than sufficient to deliver a quality home design at a reasonable cost for most home builders, especially those looking to build their first home. A larger commercial or development project can benefit from an architect’s expertise but will command a higher budget to meet the scope of work.

The reality is that the customisability of a building design will depend on what the land and area allotment allows for, putting a limitation on the complex designs that architects are seen to offer. This is why most homebuilders often opt to work with the more practical services provided by a building designer, which also has the potential to create a living space that has the hallmarks of a luxury design. 

At Keir Constructions, our building designers have developed award-winning home designs in Townsville for those looking to build their dream home. With over five years as North Queensland’s most professional builders, we are proud to be the trusted home builders in Townsville that you can count on to make a home that you’ll fall in love with. Contact us today to find out more about how you can build with us!