If you’re in the process of preparing to build a new home, we don’t need to tell you that there are plenty decisions, considerations, and choices to make. You’re probably already aware! One of these seemingly innocuous considerations is whether to work with an architect or to hire a building designer. Both are perfectly capable of designing and overseeing the construction of a new home – so, what’s the difference?

To determine which is best suited for your project, this guide covers the differences in expertise, scope, and quality in the services offered by architects and building designers. 

Architects

Architects are required to gain an accredited university degree in architecture, extensive field experience, and pass a rigorous licensing exam. This license must be renewed annually, reflecting an ongoing commitment to professional standards.

Architects are specifically trained to design and oversee complex projects, including office buildings, skyscrapers, luxury residences, and master-planned communities. The comprehensive education and experience enables architects to deliver sophisticated and highly functional designs tailored to the needs of each project.

Vs Building Designers

Building designers focus on creating building plans, primarily for residential projects. In Australia, the licensing requirements for building designers vary by state. In states such as NSW, WA, SA, ACT, and NT, building designers can operate without formal registration or licensing, which means that the quality of service can vary between providers. However, building designers often come from practical backgrounds in construction or have the relevant qualifications to back up their service offerings. 

In VIC, TAS, and QLD, building designers must adhere to stricter licensing requirements, such as those set by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

Differences Between an Architect vs Building Designer

Qualifications

Architects possess more qualifications than building designers, undergoing formal education to gain the knowledge and skills to be able to work across different architecture projects. Building designers generally have a qualification in property design, and may not necessarily have formal training.

Architects are more likely to have the training and experience in working with heritage properties, or projects that require specific training and knowledge. Extensive work such as renovations and restorations to add modern amenities will need the expertise of an architect to ensure that the building’s historical integrity is maintained and respected without being damaged by intrusive elements or inappropriate construction techniques.

Scope of Work

Architects specialise in managing large and intricate projects, from commercial developments to customised residential properties, heritage restoration, and high energy efficient designs. Their expertise extends to applying the architectural design process to create unique and high-functioning designs that are not typically seen in standard builds.

Building designers usually focus on standard residential projects and do not offer the same breadth of services or customisation in terms of design. Most building designers offer clients standard design solutions or a collection of pre-existing floor plan options to choose from rather than designing based on the client’s needs or vision.

Cost of Service

Architects have a higher level of training, experience, and technical skills – which means that it can be more expensive to work with an architect over a building designer. Architect fees can range from 7-10% of the project cost, and building designers can charge between 3-5%. 

That being said, costs can vary depending on the firm, individual, and project involved. 

When to Hire an Architect Vs a Building Designer

Choosing between an architect and a building designer will ultimately come down to the scope and requirements of your project. 

If you’re looking to create a customised home design, an architect’s expertise and knowledge are undeniably valuable in designing, creating, and bringing your vision to life. 

Building designers are better suited to standardised residential projects that do not have a requirement for tailored designs. 

At Crush Architecture, we are a team of architects that offer award-winning home designs across all of Sydney, from central Surry Hills to the Northern Beaches. Our architectural services are dedicated to delivering energy-efficient home designs tailored to your vision and preferred features. Contact us today to discover how our architects can bring your vision to life!