Architect or Building Designer - what's the difference?

[@bigted92]

Depends on what state you're in, building designers are heavily regulated in Queensland and have similar levels of scrutiny based on their license class and require same level of insurances etc. It should also be known a building designer for instance whom holds a medium rise licence is likely to be affiliated with the BDQ which is an advocate for CPD programs with the QBCC, but importantly to stay on with the BDQ requires CPD each year. However, there are other states in Australia where you don't have that same licencing authority and for many years this was NSW

[@talalbyt]

Thank you so much Rebert for the useful information

[@richardkretschmer4839]

Whilst your knowledge on Architects and what it takes to become an Architect appears fractal, because this is obviously your foundation. On the other hand your knowledge on Building Designers (at least for Queensland), is extremely lacking. 2 years full time study in the Diploma. $30-40k much more if you defer your fees. 5 years in the Bachelor of Architecture. You’re best to advise but my best guess is- $100k - $140k And for what? There are also fundamental core subjects that differ. To become a Building Designer, you need to demonstrate competency in the licence class with the Queensland Building Construction Commission (QBCC). Minimum is 2 years, which I believe primarily exists for ex-Builders, ex-Carpenters and the like who may have substantial experience in the industry but they maybe transitioning off the tools and need to get their feet wet in design and contract administration. For the far majority it’s closer to 5 years minimum experience working under an Architect, Licensed Building Designer or a Builder. You need three licensee’s in the relevant class to also sign you off as competent. Licence Classes consist of Low Rise, Medium and High and they are additional restrictions on type of construction and square meterage when it comes to building classes 2-9. And you cannot specify structure but have to engage a Structural Engineer. Architects however have no restrictions but most refer to a Structural Engineer too because of the risk profile. In Queensland, only Registered Practicing Engineers of Queensland (RPEQ) Engineers can sign off on structure. There’s also the debate what Architects charge compared to a Building Designer. Suffice to say it’s significant. But it’s not a fair comparison because it typically comes down to contract administration and approach. For instance, a Building Designer for residential construction typically goes as far as Building Approval (BA) and hands the project over to the Builder. Whereas Architects are more than likely to control the entire engagement right through to interior design and handing the completed project over to the client - turn key is the catch phrase. We are not comparing apples and apples. Both are competent but the culture between the two differs. On the matter of how much detail is drawn when comparing Architects and Building Designers, I feel you lack experience in this qualifying statement. The Builder is the client in this respect and not the actual fee paying client. As a licensed Building Designer for low rise I also have to have public liability and professional indemnity, just like an Architect. And last and not least, The word “Architect” is a protected name. Only qualified Architects can adopt the precious “A” word. I can say I love architecture but I can never ever refer or inference I’m an Architect. Oh, and a drafter is not licenced. A drafter either works for an Architect, licensed Building Designer or a Builder and they don’t require insurance, because they are not licensed.

[@joeblo9510]

Sporting a beard. You look so much older than the days when you were teaching at TAFE. You should tell the people how difficult it is to even get your foot in the door to get some work experience in this country. It really is a joke. I spent the time & money studying at TAFE & when I came out looking for the opportunity, there was none! What a waste of time & money that was. All employers are interested in hiring are people with experience because it saves them money. It's all about greed. How much profit can a person or company make in as short a time as possible.

[@diamonddog662]

I'm currently undertaking the course and I was also worried about this. Is it really that difficult to get any opportunity in this field of work? It also makes me question if I should complete the course and give up a year..

[@joeblo9510]

@@diamonddog662 That was just my personal experience. Other people had more luck than me but of course not all. I'm just telling my side of the story & my views on this government & all other organisations out there driven to make a killing. It's all about the $God. Everyone's worshipping it except the REAL GOD. My advice to you, start looking before you complete your course & ask your teachers for help for job placements. Don't leave it to the last minute thinking you'll get lucky.

[@thebigbluelam7958]

Hi @joeblo9510, I think the website of TAFE is a bit misleading, usually said 80% can get further development after obatined the qualification. However, I think we can't blame TAFE, because TAFE is merely a course provider. Some changes need to be made in the industry, to employ more new guy without prior experience, just no one like to take risk. Take it from me, I got cert iv in building construction in 2018, I found it was totally useless when job-seeking concerned. But this course really provide me a lot of knowledge I need to know , for sure. Have a nice day!