What to Expect When Working With a Building Designer vs an Architect

When planning a new home, renovation, or extension in Melbourne, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between a building designer and an architect. Both professionals offer valuable skills in shaping your project, but they differ in training, scope of work, approach, and costs. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.

This guide will explore what to expect when working with a building designer Melbourne residents trust compared to an architect — helping you clarify which expert suits your project best.

Who Is a Building Designer?

Building designers specialise primarily in residential and small-scale commercial projects. They typically have diplomas or certificates in building design or construction-related fields and often bring practical experience from the construction industry.

Their work focuses on creating functional, cost-effective designs that comply with local building codes and council regulations. Building designers prepare detailed plans, drawings, and documentation that builders use to construct your home.

Many Melbourne homeowners choose building designers for their personalised service, quicker turnaround times, and practical solutions that align with budgets.

Who Is an Architect?

Architects undergo extensive university education, usually a five-year degree followed by supervised professional experience, and must be registered or licensed in Victoria to practice. Their training emphasises creativity, innovation, sustainability, and the art and science of designing buildings.

Architects handle a broad range of projects — from residential homes to complex commercial and institutional buildings. They often work on projects that require custom, highly innovative design solutions, and they manage the entire design process, including concept development, detailed drawings, council approvals, and sometimes project oversight.

Key Differences Between Building Designers and Architects

Aspect	Building Designer	Architect
Education	Diploma or certificate; practical experience	University degree plus registration/licensing
Project Scope	Residential and light commercial	Residential, commercial, institutional, complex builds
Design Approach	Functional, cost-effective, compliance-focused	Creative, conceptual, highly customised
Services Provided	Design, drafting, documentation, council approval	Full design, concept development, project management
Cost	Generally more affordable	Typically higher fees
Client Interaction	Hands-on, personalised service	Comprehensive, often collaborative and iterative
Council Knowledge	Strong knowledge of local council processes	Experience with complex regulatory environments

When to Choose a Building Designer

If your project involves a standard residential home, an extension, or renovation with clear requirements and budget constraints, a building designer is often the ideal choice. Their practical expertise helps deliver efficient, compliant designs tailored to your lifestyle and site conditions.

Building designers excel at navigating Melbourne’s council regulations and preparing documentation that facilitates smooth approvals.

Because their fees are generally lower than architects, building designers offer a cost-effective way to get quality plans without unnecessary complexity.

When to Choose an Architect

If you’re aiming for a highly customised home with unique design features, an architect’s creativity and technical knowledge will be invaluable. Architects bring innovative solutions to challenging sites or brief requirements that push design boundaries.

Projects involving sustainability, heritage overlays, or complex multi-use spaces often benefit from an architect’s holistic approach.

Additionally, architects are well-suited for clients seeking comprehensive services — including interior design, landscape integration, and project management.

Working Together: Building Designers and Architects Can Complement Each Other

In some projects, building designers and architects collaborate. For example, an architect might develop the concept and schematic design, while a building designer prepares the detailed construction drawings and council documentation.

This teamwork leverages the architect’s creativity and the designer’s practical expertise, often resulting in cost savings and streamlined processes.

What to Expect During the Process

Regardless of which professional you choose, here’s a general overview of what working with them will look like:

Initial Consultation
 Discuss your vision, budget, site constraints, and lifestyle needs. This helps your designer or architect understand your goals.

Concept Design
 They create initial sketches or 3D models showing layouts, room sizes, and spatial relationships. Expect iterations based on your feedback.

Design Development
 Plans become more detailed, incorporating materials, finishes, and technical elements. Council requirements start to be addressed.

Documentation and Approvals
 Final plans and technical documents are prepared for builders and submitted to council for approvals.

Construction Phase (Optional)
 Some architects offer construction oversight or contract administration to ensure your design is faithfully executed.

Building designers typically hand off documentation at the approval stage but may be available for consultations during construction.

Costs to Consider

While building designers generally charge less than architects, it’s important to compare the full scope of services. Architect fees might appear higher initially, but their involvement can sometimes prevent costly design flaws or delays.

Many building designers charge a fixed fee or hourly rate based on project size, whereas architects often use a percentage of the construction cost.

Be clear upfront about your budget and expectations to ensure your chosen professional can deliver within those limits.

Benefits of Engaging the Right Professional

• For Building Designers: You gain a practical, budget-conscious partner who understands Melbourne’s regulatory environment and can deliver plans efficiently.

For Architects: You get a creative collaborator who offers holistic design solutions and can manage complex projects from concept to completion.