Myth-busting: Architects VS Building Designers

Below is a collection of numerous misconceptions about the differences between Architects & Building Designers. 

Myth 1: “I need an architect to design my house and a designer/draftsman to draw it up”.

This is a statement I hear very often from prospective clients and in social circles, and would be the comment that infuriates me most. 

Yes, some Architects do some amazing work, which I truly admire and aspire to, however there be just as many examples of great works by Building Designers worldwide. Our website and the BDAV website showcase some these works.  Architects do spend a great deal of time at university theorizing design and the use of space, however even with all this theoretical knowledge there are still Architects who won’t achieve a result to the level of a designer, and there are Designers that will achieve a great design result compared to an Architect. 

The most important advice is to choose an Architect/Designer based on previous (completed) projects, and most importantly, on your personal perception of them. This choice if correct will make the design and building process an exciting and seamless process. 

Myth 2: “An architect will provide us with more detailed plans”

Yes, there are Designers who will provide minimal drawings only to obtain planning and building permission, however there are also Architectural firms who will provide minimal information also. 

Numerous times I have been approached by clients who have paid exorbitant fees to Architects, only to find that they information is not adequate to be built from. We have then provided and redrawn the projects to be suitable for construction. 

Not once has one of our own design projects come back for inadequate information on site. I have had continual positive feed back from builders and clients in regards to documentation from our office. The Project Architect will design a project for a client in their practice, however he will then “handball” the project to a Draftsperson in the office to complete the detailed documentation for construction. In my practice, we take a hands-on approach, so that the Designer will follow through on the project and do the majority of the detailed documentation also. 

Some Architects will also over-detail a simple project, to justify their exorbitant fees. This process can be extremely expensive as builders become wary of such specific detailing, if it something out of there comfort zone. They will over-price the projects accordingly, hence blowing the original budget from the client. Through experience I find it easiest to work with the selected builder, to adapt or explain the detailing required, so as to minimize the construction costs for our clients. Communication with the builder and client is the key to success. 

Myth 3: “An Architect is registered and insured and a Building Designer is not ”

In some states of Australia, the above statement is actually correct, however in Victoria, Building Designers and Architects are governed by the exact same laws and both need to have accreditation, relevant registrations and insurances. 

A Building Designer has to comply with all the same building regulations governing the standard of documentation (plans) as an Architect, and is also liable in all the same ways under the building and civil acts as an Architect. Due to this we as Designers have the same responsibilities to the relevant authorities and also the responsibility to our clients to provide them with a building which meets their brief, whilst adhering to the local building and planning regulations.

Myth 4: “I need an Architect to manage my project on site ”

Construction Project Management is a very recognised and required profession on large building projects. Architects and Building Designers can both provide these services if required by clients. 

Through experience in the residential sector of the building industry, I have found that the most important thing for a project to run smoothly is the relationship between the builder and the client. In selecting a builder, the cheapest is not always the best. I always advise my clients to select the builder they are most comfortable with. Choosing the wrong builder can make the building process very painful! 

During the selection process we always advise and assist our clients where necessary and liaise with all builders involved, but it is the clients’ decision at the end of the day. If the relationship between client and builder is sound then a third party, Architect or Designer, involved on site may only complicate site issues as they occur. 

Occasionally there are issues which arise that require input from our office, however we leave the on-site process to the builders. Our projects range from very high end residential projects to entry level housing, and over this range can recommend the correct builder for the job. 

So, why pay an extra service fee to a person that can get in the way on site? Residential projects can be over-complicated where the process should be quite simple if documented and communicated correctly. Afterall, builders are trained to run and manage building projects. There is no need to over-complicate their job by adding a third party. 

Myth 5: “Architects charge more than a Designer”

This is another great misconception, as there are plenty of examples of Designers who charge more than Architects and vice versa. 

There is definitely a place for high design and documentation fees to justify involvement in a project through its duration, in complex commercial developments. However I find that the residential sector can be over-complicated and over-priced. 

All firms price projects differently based on numerous criteria. As all projects are different and require different permissions (i.e. town planning approval) and levels of documentation. 

Through experience we base our fee schedules on the level of documentation required per project. In some instances we nay charge more than an Architect and in some less. The biggest discrepancy in fees in our office will be in the project management fees. As stated earlier, the selection of a quality builder and a sound relationship between the builder and client will ensure a smoothly run building project, without our involvement. Project Management fees can really increase the budget of a project and in residential construction I see it as overkill. Approximately 7% of your contract price with the builder will end up in the Architects/Designers pocket for “managing” a relatively simple construction process. 
​

There are good Architects and bad Architects, there are good Building Designers and bad building designers. Select the right fit for you by, ensuring you head to consultations armed with questions, as remember – you are interviewing them for the job!! 

 

In summary, through experience and industry knowledge I feel that our D3 Building Design provides over and above the services required to design, document and construct projects at all levels of the residential building sector. Our fees to design and document your building project will be project specific and you will find them to be very competitive. 

Once again I stress that the design and building process should be a seamless and enjoyable one, the selection of the right team will make this a reality.  Armed with a team of amazing consultants D3 will make this happen for you.