Building Designer vs Architect: What's the Difference?

Many people assume new homes are usually designed by architects, but that’s not typically the case in Australia. In fact, around 75–80% of residential design work is done by building designers, according to the Building Designers Association of Australia.

Architect

An architect is a registered professional who designs and oversees the delivery of buildings, balancing creative and functional considerations. They complete a university degree, with a strong focus on design theory and architectural history alongside technical building knowledge. They are qualified to prepare detailed drawings and specifications to ensure projects comply with relevant regulatory requirements.

An architect typically integrates interior design throughout the design process, coordinating layout and natural light, and specifying materials and finishes in line with the overall design intent to create a cohesive, functional interior that aligns with the architecture.

An architect can also be engaged to provide contract administration, managing the contractual relationship between the client and the builder throughout construction. This may include site inspections for quality, assessment of progress claims, management of variations and defects, and oversight of practical completion.

Building Designer

A building designer is a registered professional who designs buildings and provides the drawings and documentation required to obtain a building permit. They typically complete an advanced diploma of Building Design (Architectural) and gain practical industry experience before becoming registered. They are qualified to prepare detailed drawings and specifications to ensure projects comply with relevant regulatory requirements. 

A building designer creates functional and aesthetically considered building designs tailored to a client’s brief, site conditions, and budget. Their design work balances liveability, compliance requirements, and constructability, ensuring the building is both visually appealing and ready for building approval and construction.

They also advise on materials and construction methods, and coordinate with consultants such as engineers to support the design process. They assist with building permit applications by liaising with building surveyors, and produce documentation suitable for builders to price and construct from.

In some cases, they also provide project administration and oversight on behalf of the client throughout the design and approval process.

Which one do you need?

Residential design is highly personal, and the choice between an architect and a building designer depends mainly on how much creative control, detail, and budget you want.

Architects are typically more expensive because they offer a more comprehensive service with a higher level of documentation and detail. This can elevate the uniqueness and quality of a home, potentially increasing its value when executed well. However, if clients heavily restrict the design direction or modify materials and finishes during construction, the original architectural intent—and some of the value of using an architect—can be diminished. Architects are best suited to projects where the client wants a highly refined, fully developed design and is comfortable investing more for a premium result.

Building designers, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and cost efficiency. They can work closely with a client’s existing ideas, refining them while considering site orientation, natural light, and layout to improve the design. Their strength lies in balancing aesthetics, functionality, and budget, often delivering more cost-effective solutions. They are also versatile across residential and smaller commercial projects and commonly coordinate with other professionals to ensure smooth project delivery.

In short: architects tend to suit clients seeking a highly curated, design-led, premium outcome, while building designers are often better for cost-conscious, client-led projects, translating the client’s ideas into thoughtful, compliant, and practical design solutions.