Architect, Building Designer or Drafter: Who Do You Actually Need?

On one of my free consultation calls this year, a homeowner opened with: "I assumed most architects wouldn't be interested in a job this small." A few minutes later she asked the question underneath it: "Do we need an architect, an interior designer, or neither?"

It's one of the most common questions I'm asked, and it deserves a straight answer, including the parts that don't flatter architects.

Three different jobs

It helps to stop thinking about job titles and think about the job.

Deciding what to build. Working out what's wrong with the house, what you actually need, what the site and the rules allow, and which of several possible directions is the right one for your budget. This is the strategic, problem-solving part.

Documenting what's been decided. Turning a settled design into drawings that a building surveyor can approve and a builder can price and build from.

Looking after it on site. Answering builders' questions, checking work against the drawings, assessing payment claims and managing variations.

Architects are trained to do all three. Building designers and drafters vary a lot. Some are excellent designers, and some mainly document. The question is which of those jobs your project needs help with.

What "architect" actually means

In Victoria, architect is a protected title. Only people registered with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) can use it. In the board's own words: "If they are not registered with the ARBV, they are not an architect."

Registration comes with obligations that protect you:

• a code of professional conduct, including being open and transparent about fees
• a written client–architect agreement before any work starts
• compulsory professional indemnity insurance
• ongoing professional development
• a formal complaints process if something goes wrong. Ours is set out on our complaints handling page.

You can check anyone on the ARBV's public register in about thirty seconds. Please do.

Building designers and drafters

To be fair to my colleagues: building designers in Victoria are regulated too. People who prepare building designs for a fee generally need to be registered as building practitioners with the Building and Plumbing Commission. Many are very good at what they do, and on a lot of straightforward projects they're the sensible choice.

The difference is usually in emphasis and training. A drafter is typically engaged to draw what you've already decided. An architect is typically engaged to help you decide what to build, then to document it and, if you like, to administer the contract.

When you probably don't need an architect

I'd tell you this on a call, so I'll write it here:

• The layout already works and you're replacing like for like: a new kitchen where the old one was, a bathroom refresh with the plumbing staying put.
• You know exactly what you want, the site is simple, and you just need drawings for a building permit.
• It's a standard product: a project home on a greenfield block, or a kit garage or shed.

In those cases a good builder, a cabinetmaker or a drafter may be all you need.

When an architect earns their fee

• You know something is wrong but not what to do about it. The house is dark, cold or doesn't flow, and you're not sure if the answer is an extension or just a better layout.
• The site or the rules are complicated: a heritage overlay, a tight or sloping block, a boundary wall, an easement, a neighbour who'll be watching. You can check your overlays with our free heritage check.
• The budget is tight and has to work hard. Good design is often about what you don't build.
• You want someone on your side during construction, assessing the builder's claims before you pay them.

You don't have to choose all or nothing

The middle path is underrated. You can engage an architect for the thinking and take that to a builder or drafter for the rest. That might be a short consultation, a concept or masterplan, or a review of plans someone else has drawn.

That's why our services start small. A Clarity Consultation gives you a scope, likely budget and next steps you can take to anyone. The Big Picture tests a few options properly and lands on one buildable direction. Both are on our Creating your home page. I also review owner-drawn and drafter plans for a flat fee, for people who'd love a professional to look at them and say "yes, this will work", or to catch the thing that won't before it's built.

Questions to ask whoever you're considering

1. Are you registered? With whom? (Then check.)
2. What exactly is included in your fee, and what isn't?
3. Will you help me work out what to build, or are you drawing what I bring you?
4. How will you keep the design on budget while we're designing, not just at tender?
5. Can I see a completed project similar to mine, and speak to the client?
6. Who will I actually be dealing with?

Any good architect, designer or drafter should be comfortable answering all six.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an architect and a building designer? An architect is registered with the ARBV, bound by a code of conduct, must have a written agreement with you and carry insurance, and is trained across design, documentation and contract administration. Building designers are also regulated in Victoria, as registered building practitioners, and range from strong designers to primarily documentation services. The right choice depends on whether you need help deciding what to build, or mainly need drawings.

Can I just pay an architect for concept drawings? Yes. Many architects, including us, offer consultations, concept or masterplan packages and plan reviews that you can take to a builder or drafter.

How do I check that someone is a registered architect in Victoria? Search their name or practice on the ARBV's public register. If they're not on it, they can't legally call themselves an architect.

Is an architect worth it for a small renovation? Sometimes not, if the layout works and you're replacing like for like. Often yes, if you're not sure what the right move is, the site has constraints, or the budget has to stretch. A short consultation is a low-cost way to find out.

General information only. Check current registration requirements with the ARBV and the Building and Plumbing Commission.