Quick Comparison: Architect vs. Building Designer

This table offers a clear side-by-side view. Each point helps explain the level of service and protection you can expect.

Factor Registered Architect Building Designer / Draftsperson Why This Matters for Your Project
Legal Title Protected by the NSW Architects Act. It is illegal to use the title without registration. The title "designer" is not protected and can be used by anyone. The "architect" title is a legal sign of a specific, high level of qualification and accountability.
Training A 5+ year university Master's Degree, 2+ years of logged experience, and a major registration exam. Typically a 1-2 year TAFE or VET diploma. Deeper training gives architects advanced skills for solving complex design problems on difficult sites.
Registration Must be registered with the NSW Architects Registration Board, a state government body. Some designers require a license from NSW Fair Trading for certain types of work. The Architects Board has a public register to check credentials and a formal complaints process.
Insurance Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance is mandatory for every registered architect in NSW. Optional for many designers, depending on the work. PI insurance provides financial protection for the homeowner in case of design errors.
Council Authority Plans accepted by all councils for all project types, including complex heritage or bushfire zones. Councils may not accept plans for complex sites, which can force a redesign. Choosing the right professional first avoids costly delays and wasted fees with council.
Typical Service A complete "end-to-end" service. From first idea to managing the builder and final handover. Often focused on producing plans for council approval (DA or CDC). An architect acts as your expert guide through construction, answering technical questions for the builder.

What is a Registered Architect?

In Australia, "Architect" is a legally protected title. A person cannot call themselves an architect unless they have met three strict criteria:

  • Education: Completed a five-year Master of Architecture degree from an accredited university.
  • Experience: Logged at least two years of supervised, practical experience across all areas of architectural practice.
  • Examination: Passed the rigorous three-part Architectural Practice Examination.

Only after meeting these standards can they be registered with the state-based board, like the NSW Architects Registration Board. They must follow a strict Code of Conduct and complete ongoing professional development each year to remain registered.

What is a Building Designer?

A Building Designer is a professional who also designs buildings. Their training path is different, typically involving a TAFE or private college diploma in building design or architectural technology.

While many building designers are skilled professionals, the title itself is not protected. This means the level of training and experience can vary widely. For certain types of residential work, they must hold a "building design" licence from NSW Fair Trading, which has its own requirements.

The Full Architectural Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

A major difference in service is the total scope. An architect is trained to manage the entire project life, from the very first conversation to long after you move in. This detailed process is designed to reduce risk and create certainty at every stage.

Here is a typical journey with an architect.

Phase 1: Defining Your Project (Steps 1-6)

This is about making sure your project is possible before spending large sums on detailed plans.

  1. Lifestyle Briefing: We explore how you live now and how you want to live in the future.
  2. Feasibility Budget Check: We often involve a Quantity Surveyor early to align your vision with a realistic budget.
  3. Council Controls Audit: We perform a deep review of local planning rules (LEP and DCP) to find any hidden issues.
  4. Detailed Site Survey: Using modern tools like drone and 3D scans gives us a perfect model of your site.
  5. Concept Design Options: We develop initial ideas and use sun studies to ensure beautiful natural light and comfort.
  6. Early Builder Consultation: We can talk with a trusted builder to get their thoughts on the likely cost of the concept.

Phase 2: Council and Authority Approvals (Steps 7-11)

This phase is about expertly preparing and managing your application.

  1. Pre-DA Council Meeting: We can meet with council planners to identify potential issues before lodging.
  2. Consultant Coordination: We lead the full team of experts, including engineers (structural, hydraulic), heritage, and surveyors.
  3. Energy & Sustainability (BASIX): We manage the energy modelling to meet targets efficiently.
  4. Detailed DA/CDC Drawings: We prepare a complete set of documents to minimise council questions and delays.
  5. Fast Response to Council: If council has questions, we are ready to provide answers quickly to keep your application moving.

Phase 3: Preparing for Construction (Steps 12-15)

This phase is about creating total clarity for the builder before a hammer is lifted.

  1. Detailed Construction Drawings: We create highly detailed plans that show exactly how the building fits together.
  2. Written Specifications: We produce a document that specifies every material, fixture, and finish. This prevents pricing arguments later.
  3. Builder Tender or Negotiation: We manage a process to get competitive and fair pricing for your build.
  4. Building Contract Advice: We help you use a standard, fair building contract (like an ABIC contract) to protect your interests.

Phase 4: Construction and Handover (Steps 16-20)

During this phase, the architect acts as your advocate on site.

  1. Regular Site Visits: We inspect the work to check for quality and compliance with the design.
  2. Certifying Builder Payments: We review the builder's monthly claims to ensure you only pay for completed, correct work.
  3. Answering Builder Questions: We provide timely answers to any technical questions from the build team.
  4. Managing Practical Completion: We inspect the finished work and manage the final handover process.
  5. Defects Period Inspection: We return after 6 or 12 months to identify any issues that need fixing under the builder's warranty.

The Big Question: How Do Fees Compare?

This is a very important consideration for every homeowner.

Building Designers often charge a fixed fee or an hourly rate. This can seem appealing for its initial certainty. The fee is typically for a defined scope, such as producing drawings for council approval. You would then pay for other consultants separately.

Architects often structure their fees as a percentage (typically 12-15%) of the total construction cost. This might seem less certain at first, but it serves a key purpose. It aligns the architect's service with the project's entire lifespan and quality. The fee covers the comprehensive management from start to finish, including coordinating consultants and overseeing the build. This model ensures your architect is invested in delivering the best final result within your budget.

Ultimately, the cheapest fee at the start does not always mean the best value or lowest total cost at the end. Good project management during construction can save significant money by avoiding builder variations and mistakes.

Making the Right Choice for Your Project

The best professional depends on the complexity and risk of your project.

A Building Designer is often a great choice for:

  • A straightforward extension on a flat block with no planning issues.
  • A new garage or studio conversion.
  • A standard granny flat on a compliant site.
  • Projects where you are confident managing the builder and budget yourself.

A Registered Architect is essential for:

  • Projects on complex sites (steep, irregular, or with flood or bushfire risk).
  • Work on heritage-listed homes or in conservation areas.
  • High-value new homes or large-scale renovations where design quality is a top priority.
  • Projects that require clever design solutions to meet tricky council rules.
  • When you want one expert to guide the entire process and protect your interests from start to finish.

Expert Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This title can be confusing. In NSW, only a Registered Architect can legally use the title "architect." Someone calling themselves an "architectural designer" is not a registered architect. They are usually a building designer. Always check for registration on the official public register.

An architect cannot guarantee the final cost, as market forces and builder pricing can change. However, an architect's process is designed to control costs. By getting early cost advice, creating detailed documents for builders to price accurately, and managing the project on site, they actively work to keep the project on budget.

Yes, absolutely. We can work with a builder you already know and trust through a negotiated tender. Or, we can run a competitive tender process with a panel of qualified builders to ensure you get a fair market price.

While not always legally required, for very complex applications like those in sensitive heritage areas or involving major planning departures, a council planner may strongly prefer or expect the involvement of a registered architect.

Our Approach: The Value of a Complete Service

Choosing the right designer is a big decision. A beautiful design is important, but so is a well-run project. You want a process that is clear, calm, and free of surprises. That is what a full architectural service is built to deliver.

Since 1998, Michael Bell Architects has guided award-winning home projects across Sydney and regional NSW. Our role is to be your single point of contact and expert advocate. We manage the consultants, the builder, and the contract. We protect your budget and demand quality on site.

This complete service gives you clarity and peace of mind. You can focus on the excitement of the creative process, knowing every technical detail is being guided with experience.

A successful home starts with the right foundation. If your project deserves this level of care, we would be happy to talk.

Book a Complimentary Consultation with Michael Bell

Let's discuss your vision. Our initial 30-minute consultation is a chance for us to learn about your project and for you to ask us any questions.

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