Choosing between an Architect, Building Designer or Draftsperson
In Victoria, there is no legal requirement to engage a professional designer, Draftsperson, or Architect when constructing single-residential homes. Instead, people are confronted with numerous options and decisions that can differ significantly – both in costs and outcomes. The proliferation of ‘cookie cutter’ houses in some outer ring suburbs shows that people make do with just a house rather than a tailor-designed home for their family.
The decision of whether to employ the services of a building designer, architect, or similar is a very personal choice and is often driven by socio-economic elements and the desire not to blend their family into every other house on the street and in the neighborhood.
The key differences between the three main professions associated with the design and drawing of homes – architects, building designers, and draftspeople are outlined here:
Architects
These are the specialists in their field. Their focus of their skills and experience is to maximize the design opportunities for your home or site and your budget. For an architect to legally be able to use the title of ‘architect’ in Australia, they must be Board-Registered. This means they’ve completed a recognized university degree – usually five or six years of study, have completed a required level of job experience (usually 2 years), passed an exam, and have been deemed fit to practice each year to renew their annual registration as well as continuing their Continuous Professional Development obligations.
Architects may cost more than other design consultants; however, it’s claimed that their involvement in projects yields greater returns for clients in terms of the financial value of their homes and the performance of properties. Architects also consult and engage with a variety of other professionals ranging from engineers, soil testers, energy consultants, and builders. Architects will usually handle all aspects of the building approvals and development application process.
There are several different ways architects can choose to charge for their work, from a percentage of a project’s value (generally 10 percent of the total build cost), fees based on time, and fixed-rate fees.
Building Designers
Their expertise usually stems from technical drafting skills. In the past, they were considered draftspeople, but their role in the industry has evolved. A Building Designer is not an architect but provides similar professional design and documentation services in residential or commercial construction. They can sketch building plans, prepare documentation, calculate labor and material requirements, and examine relevant building codes. Building Designers may need to be formally registered depending on the state in which they operate.
To be registered as a building designer in Victoria, it’s required to complete an Advanced Diploma in Building Design (Architectural) and attain at least one year of professional experience. The difference in building designers’ qualifications between states is often a source of confusion for consumers and industry members alike. A formally licensed building designer can charge between 2.5 and 8 percent of a project’s construction costs depending on the scope of services and complexity of the project.
Draftsperson
Draftspeople have either studied at TAFE or learned on the job how to draw (document) buildings. A draftsperson generally charges an amount per square meter of a home and is the cheapest option for property design. Please note: the information in this article is general in nature.
