Difference between the services of an Architect vs Building Designer

In Australia, both architects and building designers can provide design, drawings, specifications and documentation for building projects, but their qualifications, registration and typical scope differ. An architect is a university-trained professional who must be registered with the relevant state or territory Architects Registration Board. Architects can provide comprehensive architectural services, including concept design, detailed documentation, planning advice, consultant coordination and contract administration, and can work across complex building types.

A building designer generally focuses on practical building design and documentation, particularly residential and smaller-scale projects. Their permitted scope and licensing requirements vary between states. For example, in Queensland, building designers require an appropriate QBCC license, with separate low-rise, medium-rise and open categories. 

In simple terms: An architect generally offers a broader, more comprehensive professional service, while a building designer can provide a more focused and potentially cost-effective design and documentation service for projects within their permitted scope.