Should I hire an Architect, Building Designer or Draftperson?

Not only one of the questions I hear the most, but also the least successfully answered in my opinion.

There are plenty of blogs out there talking about the differences between all of the above and interestingly enough, the scale always seems to tip on the side of the person writing the post.

I understand how it may be hard to be objective when writing as one of these professionals, but we have failed to issue a disclaimer about all the different factors for each person practicing the same discipline.

Let's talk about what differenciates each one from the other.

1 - Their qualifications

There are very clear differences in their level of training.

Architect

In Brisbane and throughout Australia the title of ‘architect’ is protected by the *The Architects Act 2002*. The Architects Act gives powers to prosecute persons who use the title "architect" or "registered architect" or who hold out that they are architects when they are not registered as such. The Architects Act provides severe penalties for "holding out " offences. It also ensures that an architect must be registered with the board and meet the requirements for registration such as:

Completing a recognised university degree (usually 5 – 6 years of study)

Completing and logging a minimum of 2 years work experience, under a registered architect.

Passing a written exam

Passing an interview panel exam

Yearly continued professional development (CPD) and study to demonstrate their fitness to practice.

An important note is to always check if your architect is actually a current registered architect, they may be a person ‘holding out’ as an architect. Here in Queensland you can perform a quick search of the register **[here](https://www.boaq.qld.gov.au/BOAQ/Search_Register/BOAQ/Search_Register/Architect_Search.aspx?hkey=b057ad1c-2fc3-4b3b-9cc6-34d238b01569).

Building Designer

Building designers usually have a TAFE qualification, Diploma of Building Design or an Associate degree of Building Design or similar from a university. In Queensland they will hold a licence with the Building Designers Association of Queensland (BDAQ).

In addition, depending on their qualification, level of experience and insurances they may hold a license for Building Design – Low Rise, Building Design Medium Rise or Building Design Open. These determine the size and height of the buildings they are qualified to design.

Draftsperson

Most of the time a person in this role will have a TAFE diploma or would have training in one or several CAD software to draw and produce documentation required for construction. They may have also learnt their skills through their work, and their knowledge might depend on their level of experience.

Currently in Australia there is no requirement for a person offering services as a draftsperson to be a member of any association or board.

2 - Their work experience

Like in most professions, people’s abilities vary vastly even when they have the same qualifications.

Their level of experience and expertise, the type of projects they've worked on previously and even their process might make a difference on how well suited they might be to work in this particular project with you.

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success."– Henry Ford

3 - Their personality

Their style might be exactly what you are looking for. Some may be better at communicating than others.

Another designer might be chattier or just get you.

Whatever it may be, ‘clicking’ with a particular person might play a pretty important role in your selection given that most projects take longer than you would think, it would be best if you picked someone you enjoy working with.

4 - YOU - the client

The most important difference is you, the client.

The requirements and needs of each client can vary as greatly as the qualifications and other traits of design professionals.

When selecting the best professional to work with start with your own needs, other than the affordability and style!

You might be someone who is quite new at renovating or building a new house, you don’t know what pinterest is and are not the least bit interested nor have the time to learn this things, you might want to find someone that walks you through every phase of design and construction and even help you bring out your style – then your best match might be an architect who will not only design but will help you navigate the construction phase ensuring the design intent is achieved by the builder.

Or you might be the complete opposite and now your style, you know where you want each room and you are in fact kind of an innate interior designer, have a trusted builder that is great at executing your vision – then your best match could be a drafter as you only needs someone to put you own vision to paper.

It's your choice

Once you have a better idea of the extent of the service you need and the professional you might be best placed seeking out, you should pick someone that you ‘click with’, that you understand and vice versa and that you will enjoy working with.

This is a relationship that might last longer than you think!

For tips on how to select the best architect for you click here.