Building designer, architect or draftsperson?

What does a building designer do?

A building designer develops a brief into a building design and its drawings. In Queensland, check the relevant QBCC licence and whether its scope covers your project. Licence classes have different limits; the QBCC explains these on its building design licence page.

Scott Eccles operates Haven Building Design as a licensed building designer, with QBCC licence number 15310559. The studio's residential service includes site assessment, concept design and construction drawings. You can meet Scott and view his work before discussing a project.

What does the title architect mean?

Queensland protects the title “architect”. The Board of Architects of Queensland explains the registration requirements and the distinction between practising and non-practising registration. Use the Board's register when checking someone offering architectural services.

Haven offers building design services. When comparing professionals, ask each person about their experience with work like yours, their design process and the documents they will provide.

Where does a draftsperson fit?

People often search for a “draftsman” when they need house plans. That request might mean drawing an agreed design, developing a concept or documenting alterations. Explain which of these you need and check the provider's licence and scope, rather than assuming that everyone offering drafting includes the same service.

Haven's drafting and building plans service develops residential designs into documentation for the next stages of a project.

Questions to ask before you appoint someone

• Does your licence or registration cover my proposed work?
• Who will design the home, and who will I speak with as it develops?
• Which drawings, revisions and meetings does the fee include?
• Who arranges engineering, certification and other consultant work?
• Can I see examples of your completed projects?

Neither a job title nor a lower fee tells you whether a proposal suits your needs. Compare the actual scope and how well the designer understands your brief. The guide to building design costs can help you prepare for that conversation.