If you're planning a new home or renovation, one of the first decisions you'll face is who should design it.
You’ll often hear terms like architect, building designer, and draftsperson used interchangeably - but they don’t mean the same thing. The right choice depends on your project, your site, your budget, and how much design involvement you want.
To help clarify the differences, we spoke with Troy Newman, Director at Interlock, an award-winning Sydney-based practice that combines a registered architectural studio with construction delivery.
What is an architect?
In NSW, the title architect is legally protected under the Architects Act 2003. Only professionals registered with the NSW Architects Registration Board (NSW ARB) can use the title.
To become registered, an architect must complete:
- A recognised university degree
- Supervised professional experience
- A formal registration examination process
Architects are trained not only in drawing plans, but also in spatial design, environmental performance, planning law, construction detailing, and contract administration.
According to Troy, the value of an architect often becomes most apparent on more complex projects:
"A skilled architect has the ability to navigate and balance complex site constraints - from topography, access and orientation through to council compliance and broader planning overlays including heritage, flooding and infrastructure requirements.
The real value of architecture lies in synthesising these often competing demands into a cohesive design outcome that responds to the client brief, budget and the unique qualities of a site.
It’s this process that allows exceptional moments to emerge at the intersection of space, function and experience."
Architects are often especially valuable for:
- Constrained or complex sites
- Architecturally ambitious custom homes
- Projects requiring DA negotiation
- Homes where sustainability and orientation are priorities
- Clients seeking strong design leadership
Troy also believes great architecture operates at every scale: "The best architecture is meaningful whether it’s a single dwelling that provides comfort, safety and belonging for its occupants, or a public building that becomes a cultural landmark. In both cases, great architecture balances beauty, emotion and function with clarity and purpose."
What is a building designer?
A building designer provides residential design services but is not registered as an architect.
In NSW, the title building designer is not legally protected in the same way as architect, and qualifications can vary significantly - from diploma-level study through to advanced design degrees.
Many highly capable building designers specialise in:
- Residential homes and renovations
- CDC-compliant projects
- Cost-conscious custom builds
For straightforward sites or projects with clearly defined parameters, a building designer can be a strong and appropriate choice.
The key difference is generally the level of formal regulation, training pathway, and scope of services offered.
What is a draftsperson?
A draftsperson typically prepares drawings based on instructions from a builder, designer, architect, or client.
They may:
- Translate an existing concept into documentation
- Prepare CDC plans
- Draft builder-designed homes
Drafting services can be well suited to:
- Simple alterations
- Standardised projects
- Situations where design decisions are already largely resolved
However, draftspersons generally do not provide broader design strategy, planning negotiation, or architectural oversight.
How to verify if someone is a registered architect in NSW
Because architect is a protected title, registration can be verified through the NSW Architects Registration Board online register.
If someone uses terms like architectural designer or architectural consultant, they may not be a registered architect. That doesn’t automatically mean they lack skill or experience - but it’s important to understand the distinction.
Troy says registration carries both accountability and ongoing professional obligations:
"Registered architects operate within a regulated professional framework and are held to strict standards of ethical and professional conduct.
Unlike non-registered practitioners, architects are required to undertake ongoing Continuing Professional Development each year and maintain professional indemnity insurance, ensuring continued competency, accountability and protection for clients."
He notes that the pathway to registration is intentionally rigorous: "Becoming a registered architect involves accredited tertiary education, extensive industry experience and completion of the formal registration process. That depth of training equips architects to lead increasingly complex projects with a balance of technical expertise, design thinking and professional responsibility."
What about cost?
Architectural fees in Australia are not governed by a standard scale. Fees can be structured in several different ways, including:
- A percentage of construction cost
- A fixed lump sum
- Hourly rates
- Stage-based fees
The most important comparison is not the headline percentage - but what is included. Full-service architectural engagements may cover concept design, DA documentation, consultant coordination, and construction oversight. Drafting-only services typically cover documentation without broader advisory input.
Troy believes homeowners should think about design fees in the context of long-term project outcomes:
"Architects are highly trained professionals, regarded alongside trusted practitioners in the medical, legal and financial sectors. Their role is not simply to design buildings, but to guide clients through complex planning, regulatory and construction processes with expertise and accountability.
The cost of engaging an architect should therefore be viewed not simply as an upfront expense, but as an investment in a skilled partner capable of balancing constraints, navigating approvals and delivering a built outcome that adds lasting value."
If you’re engaging an independent architect or designer, it can also be worthwhile comparing proposals carefully and understanding exactly what services are included.
Why early builder involvement matters
Regardless of whether you engage a registered architect, building designer, or drafting service, one consistent theme across successful projects is early builder involvement.
When design decisions are made in isolation from construction input, budgets, buildability constraints, or compliance issues can emerge later - sometimes requiring redesign.
Engaging a builder early helps align creative intent with realistic construction costs, timelines, and site conditions from the outset.
Troy explains that this is one of the biggest advantages of integrated design and construction models:
"Engaging a builder early in the design process is critical in aligning buildability, construction methodology and cost planning while the client brief and architectural design are still evolving.
Early contractor involvement allows practical construction knowledge to inform the design process from the outset, helping identify opportunities, manage constraints and provide greater certainty around project delivery."
He says integrated practices can help reduce the disconnect that sometimes occurs between design and construction:
"By integrating design and construction expertise from the beginning, clients gain clearer visibility into how their vision is being translated into a built outcome while remaining responsive to project constraints, timelines and budget expectations."
Final thoughts
The difference between an architect, building designer, and draftsperson isn’t about hierarchy - it’s about training, regulation, and suitability for your project.
Understanding who you’re engaging - and verifying credentials where relevant - can help align your design team with your goals, site conditions, and budget.
Whether you choose a registered architect, building designer, or builder-led design process, clarity at the beginning tends to reduce surprises later.