When planning your dream home or renovation, one of the first (and most important) decisions you’ll make is choosing the right professional to bring your vision to life. But what’s the difference between a building designer, architect, and draftsman, and how do you know which one is right for your project?
At CU Design, we’re passionate about making high-quality, custom design more accessible. Here’s what you need to know about the three professions and why more Australian homeowners are turning to building designers to bring their vision to life.
What is a Building Designer?
A building designer is a university-qualified professional who specialises in the design and documentation of residential projects, and, depending on their licence class, some can also take on larger commercial work.
At CU Design, we hold a Low-Rise Building Design Licence, which enables us to focus on homes, renovations, extensions, and small-scale developments, such as duplexes or low-rise townhouses. Building Designers are often trained in architectural drafting and construction, and they can:
- Design new homes, renovations, and extensions
- Provide detailed construction documentation
- Ensure designs meet council regulations and building codes
- Offer a cost-effective alternative to architectural services
At CU Design, our team is experienced, creatively driven and deeply collaborative. With access to Brisbane’s largest selection of finishes/products and our immersive virtual reality walkthroughs, your design process becomes something tangible and exciting, not just lines on a page.
What is an Architect?
An architect is a registered, university-qualified professional who has completed a degree in architecture, followed by supervised practical experience and registration through a state architect board. Architects often focus on urban planning, large-scale projects and residential.
What Is a Draftsman?
A draftsman (or draftsperson) is typically responsible for preparing technical drawings and plans based on a design concept, often created by a building designer or architect. While they play a valuable role in the documentation stage, draftsmen generally don’t offer full design services or project guidance. If you’re after creative input, spatial planning, or expert advice on materials, sustainability and lifestyle functionality, a building designer is a better choice.
The Key Differences
| Aspect | Building Designer | Architect |
| Qualification | Bachelor of Building Design / University Degree in Architecture or Diploma of Building Design in combination with a Cert IV in Residential drafting | Master of Architecture Degree + Registration |
| Registration | Licensed (varies by state) | Registered with the Architects’ Board |
| Project Types | Residential, renovations, small commercial, but can do larger projects with a higher license type | Residential, commercial, complex projects |
| Cost | Flexibility in pricing by opting in and out of services like interiors, coordination and project management | Typically higher fees due to the scope and service, and have an all-inclusive fee |
| Approach | Practical, flexible, collaborative | Conceptual, often more involved in project management |
| Availability | Faster and more flexible | May have longer lead times |
Why Choose a Building Designer?
- Many building designers focus on residential design
While not all building designers specialise in homes, many, like the team at CU Design, are deeply experienced in residential projects. From new builds and extensions to renovations and duplex developments, our work is grounded in understanding how Australians live, move and connect within their spaces.
- You’ll get a custom design, without the premium price tag
Building designers can offer bespoke designs tailored to your land, budget and lifestyle, without the high architectural fees. At CU Design, our team works collaboratively to shape spaces that feel personal, practical and beautifully finished.
- They’re highly experienced in construction and council compliance
Most building designers have a deep understanding of construction methods and local planning regulations. We work directly with builders and engineers, ensuring your plans are not just stunning, but buildable and budget-conscious.
- Faster turnaround times, more collaborative process
Because building designers typically work with a focused scope and streamlined documentation, projects often move faster. At CU Design, you’ll work closely with our design team, VR specialists and interior consultants in one seamless journey.
The CU Design Difference
At CU Design, we offer the best of both worlds: the creativity and technical precision of a top-tier design team, with a warm, down-to-earth process that puts you at the centre. Our building designers work hand-in-hand with our interior experts, 3D visualisation specialists, and your builders to ensure every detail aligns with your vision.
With over a decade of experience and a showroom filled with Brisbane’s most unique finish products, we make the decision easy: you don’t have to choose between creativity and practicality, you can have both.
Ready to bring your dream space to life?
Let’s talk. Book your complimentary design consultation with CU Design today.