ARCHITECT · BUILDING DESIGNER · DRAFTSPERSON
Architect vs Building Designer vs Draftsperson in Victoria: Who Do You Need?
The right design professional depends on the complexity of the project, the services you need and who is qualified and registered to provide them.
Short answer
In Victoria, the title architect is legally protected and architects must be registered with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria. Registered building designers can also prepare building design documentation and may coordinate permit applications and consultants within their registration. The word draftsperson describes a type of work rather than automatically proving a particular registration, so always verify the practitioner and scope needed for your project.
Architect is a regulated title in Victoria
Only people registered with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria can represent themselves as architects in Victoria.
Architects may provide concept design, documentation, consultant coordination, tender assistance and contract-administration services depending on their engagement.
Registered building designers can provide broad design services
Building Design (Architectural) is a registered building-practitioner class in Victoria. Registered practitioners can prepare plans and documentation, support permit applications, coordinate consultants and provide project administration within their scope.
For homeowners, the important point is to check the practitioner registration and the services included rather than relying only on a business title.
Drafting may be one part of the design service
Drafting converts design information into drawings, but a project may also need design development, planning advice, engineering coordination, energy assessment and permit documentation.
Ask who is responsible for each part of the process and whether they hold any registration required for the work.
Choose based on project complexity and service level
- ✓Concept design and alternatives
- ✓Planning constraints
- ✓Existing-building complexity
- ✓Structural coordination
- ✓Detailed documentation
- ✓Tender support
- ✓Construction-stage administration
Questions homeowners ask
Is a building designer the same as an architect?+
No. Architect is a protected title requiring ARBV registration. Building Design (Architectural) is a separate registered practitioner class under the Victorian building system.
Can a building designer prepare permit drawings?+
A registered Building Design (Architectural) practitioner can prepare plans and documentation for building work and support building permit applications within the scope of their registration.
Is a draftsperson automatically registered?+
No. The title alone does not establish a particular professional registration. Check the person or business and the type of regulated work they are engaged to perform.
Should the builder be involved during design?+
Early builder input can help test buildability, access and budget while the design is still flexible.
Ready to discuss your project?
Tell EBC what you are planning and we will help you work through the practical next steps.
EBC services Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs. View service areas.