Architect vs Building Designer in Australia

In Australia, architects and building designers can provide many similar design and documentation services, but the main differences are their professional qualifications, registration, scope of expertise and typical role on a project.

An architect is a registered professional who has completed an accredited architecture degree, practical experience and the required registration process. Architects can be involved from initial feasibility and concept design through planning approvals, detailed construction documentation, consultant coordination, tendering and construction administration. They are often engaged as the overall design and project lead, particularly for complex, bespoke or larger projects. 

A building designer generally focuses on the practical design and documentation of buildings. Depending on their registration and jurisdiction, they can prepare building designs, drawings and specifications, assist with planning and building permit applications, tendering and construction monitoring. In Victoria, for example, building designers are registered with the VBA and their permitted services depend on their registration category. 

The distinction is therefore not simply that architects design and building designers draw. A suitably registered building designer can undertake substantial design work. The architect's broader professional education and registration framework generally provides greater scope for complex design, project leadership, consultant coordination and construction administration. 

In practical terms: A building designer may be an excellent choice for a straightforward residential renovation or new home, while an architect may offer greater value where the project is complex, highly customised, constrained by planning issues, or requires extensive coordination. Requirements vary between Australian states and territories.