When I first looked into the differences, the Google results were overwhelming. Seemingly biased articles towards both professions appeared and made it even more confusing. And everyone has a story to tell about an architect who designed something un-buildable, or a building designer whose design went way over budget due to unanticipated variations during construction.
The internet is full of articles saying who has what qualifications. But what most of us want to know is - what is the difference in cost, and what is the difference in service? Roughly, and with varying terminology, the phases of design are:
1) concept/schematic design (rough sketches according to brief)
2) design development up to drawings suitable for development application to council (if required)
3) construction documentation (detailed drawings including elevations - for the builder!)
4) tendering (basically - getting quotes from builders)
5) contract administration/project management (helping during construction to make it happen)
So firstly, know how far the services you are being offered extend. Is it just for concept drawings through to a development application? Or does it include full construction drawings? Does it include contract administration and project management? And what extra services will be required? (ie. town planning, engineering, surveying etc...). In addition, do you get any help with choosing hard finishes? And how many elevations will you get drawn up?
In general, most architects will offer a 'full service' including construction drawings, contract administration and project management. Usually this will be a percentage of the build estimate (for us, it consistently came in around 12% but may vary from 10-19% depending on your budget; the lower percentage for a higher build cost). Some may be happy to only proceed to a certain stage (eg. development application). Many building designers will offer drawings up to a development application stage, but may do more or less according to your brief, and can offer additional services on a 'per hour' fee basis. In addition, what you get WITHIN these phases may vary (to make it even more confusing). For example, some building designers may not draw up your electrical schedule for you, preferring you to just place your own lights etc. on a blank plan.
Secondly, all the architects and building designers we have spoken to have been very generous with their time, free of charge. They have been overwhelmingly happy to meet us at the house and spend anywhere from half an hour to over an hour discussing our brief and the scope of their services. So don't be afraid to shop around and examine fee proposals from multiple architects/designers. You are looking at spending a minimum of a couple of thousand dollars on a design so it's wise to know what you are getting for your money!
Thirdly, have a list of questions to ask. Ours included - how familiar are you with the building codes in this area? (more on this to come!) How often do your projects stay on budget? When can you start work on the project? And as above, make sure you get emailed a detailed fee proposal before commencing work.
Lastly, there is no 'right answer'. Choose someone you get along with, whose vision aligns with yours, and whose cost suits your project. We start work with our designer tomorrow!
Please feel free to comment if I've missed anything or you would like to add anything! We would love this to become a resource for people like us, going through their renovation stages.
