Draftsperson vs Building Designer vs Architect. How much do they cost?
Draftsperson vs Building Designer vs Architect
Wondering how much a draftsperson, building designer, or architect costs and who is right for you and your project? Learn the differences, costs, and how to choose the right professional for your project.
When planning a new home or renovation, one of the key decisions is choosing the right professional to bring your vision to life. Whether you need a draftsperson, a building designer, or an architect, each has different levels of expertise, services, and associated costs. But how much should you expect to pay, and what are the key differences between them?
Okay, Let’s break it down, then we will look at influencing factors.
Draftsperson
A draftsperson focuses on preparing technical drawings and plans for construction. They work from sketches or concepts provided by homeowners, builders, or designers, translating ideas into clear and precise documentation.
Cost of a Draftsperson
- Hourly rate: $80 – $150 per hour
- Per project: $1,500 – $7,000 for a small to medium project. $7000- 18,000 + for larger or more complex
- Typical scope: Basic floor plans, elevations, and council submission drawings
- Best for: Homeowners who need plans at an affordable price and need plans for minor building works or approvals or builders/clients who need construction-ready drawings for simple or straightforward projects and sites.
Positives:
✔ Affordable option for simple projects.
✔ Quick turnaround for drafting needs.
✔ Ideal for builders or homeowners who already have a design in mind for small simple add on or ancillary structures like garages, pools, awnings and sheds.
Limitations:
✖ Limited design input or creative solutions.
✖ Typically does not offer assistance with council approvals beyond documentation.
✖ No involvement in project management or construction oversight.
✖ Limited understanding of Building design, Planning controls and Compliance which can result in revisions, RFIs and delays in approvals.
✖ May or may not be qualified or insured. Always check prior work, insurances and talk to past clients .
Building Designer
A building designer provides a more comprehensive service than a draftsperson, offering creative input, design solutions, and documentation. They have formal training in building design and specialize in crafting functional, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective homes. In many states, they must be licensed or accredited similarly to architects.
Cost of a Building Designer
- Hourly rate: $100 – $200 per hour
- Per project: $6,500 – $20,000 small to medium, $20,000-40,000 + for larger or more complex, depends on scope, service level and complexity
- Percentage of build cost: generally 3-10% of the total project cost
- Typical scope: Concept design, planning and approvals, documentation, and 3D visualisations. External Materials, statement of environmental effects and associated reports.
Most will manage consultants and approvals on your behalf, and can provide tender and build support. - Best for: Custom homes, renovations and boutique property development or investment projects. Clients who want professional design services, tailored designs that reflect your specific needs and preferences, without the premium cost of an architect.
Positives:
✔ Offers a strong balance between design, function, and cost-effectiveness.
✔ More creative and tailored solutions than a draftsperson.
✔ Understanding of best practice building design, passive design principles, materials, planning controls, building codes and standards. Enhances the aesthetic and functional aspects of your property but also adds significant value, improving built outcomes and ROI.
✔ Can manage the planning and approval process on your behalf to streamline project.
✔ Ideal for homeowners seeking a high-end design experience and result without the premium architect fees.
✔ Can oversee construction phases and ensure design integrity is maintained.
✔ Most states accredit and regulate design practitioners such as Building designers. They must hold relevant qualifications, experience and insurance to the class of accreditation and services they provide. Accredited Building designers must also be a member of a recognized professional body and participate in continuing professional development.
Limitations:
✖ Some states restrict building designers from working on certain class buildings and large-scale residential or commercial projects.
✖ May not offer the highly intricate detailing and prestige branding of an architect.
Architect
Architects are highly trained professionals with a degree in architecture, masters of architecture, extensive experience, and professional registration. They offer the most in-depth design services, project oversight, and problem-solving for complex projects.
Cost of an Architect
- Hourly rate: $150 – $350 per hour
- Per project: $10,000 – $100,000+, depending on scope and complexity
- Percentage of build cost: 8-15% + of the total project cost
- Typical scope: Comprehensive design, planning approvals, project management, interior layouts, and high-end detailing
- Best for: High-end homes, renovations, complex sites, larger budgets and those seeking a holistic and high-design approach with the prestige branding of an architect.
Positives:
✔ Highest level of design expertise and innovation.
✔ Can create truly unique, custom-designed homes with intricate detailing.
✔ Provides full-service project management from concept to completion.
✔ Ideal for high-end projects with complex design needs.
✔ Architects are regulated by the NSW Architects Registration Board, and bound the Code. They must maintain professional indemnity insurance appropriate to the services they provide and participate in continuing professional development.
Limitations:
✖ Significantly higher cost compared to draftspersons and building designers.
✖ Design-focused rather than cost-focused; projects may require a budget-conscious builder or Client to keep costs in check.
✖ Longer design timelines due to the level of detail and complexity.
Factors Influencing Costs
Several factors influence the cost of hiring a design professional, whether a draftsperson, building designer, or architect.
Here are the key factors:
1. Project Scope and Complexity
- Larger or more intricate projects require more time, expertise, and resources, leading to higher fees.
- Custom home designs, complex renovations, or multi-dwelling developments typically cost more than simpler projects.
2. Level of Service and Expertise
- Draftsperson: Primarily provides documentation and technical drawings only, making their services more affordable.
- Building Designer: Offers both design and documentation and knowledge of planning and building codes, balancing affordability with creativity and expertise.
- Architect: Delivers a full range of design, project management, and oversight services, resulting in higher fees.
3. Approval and Compliance Requirements
- Council approvals (DA), Complying Development Certificates (CDC), and other planning regulations can add costs due to the complexity of local government requirements.
- The need for additional reports or consultant management (e.g., bushfire, heritage, BASIX, energy efficiency,.engineer, geotechnical) can increase overall expenses.
4. Customization and Design Detail
- Highly detailed, custom-designed homes or renovations cost more than standard or pre-designed layouts.
- The level of interior detailing, materials specification, and sustainability considerations can influence costs.
5. Additional Services
- Some design professionals offer extra services such as 3D visualizations, interior design, landscape planning, and project management.
- The inclusion of these services saves time and adds value, but also increases costs.
6. Experience and Reputation
- Well-established professionals with a strong portfolio and reputation may charge higher fees than less experienced designers.
- Their expertise, problem-solving abilities, and ability to navigate regulations efficiently can justify the higher cost.
7. Location and Market Conditions
- Design fees vary depending on the location—Sydney-based professionals may charge higher fees due to demand and cost of living compared to regional areas like the Central Coast or Newcastle.
- Market demand and economic conditions can also affect pricing.
8. Technology and Software Used
- Professionals using advanced technology (e.g., Building Information Modeling (BIM), high-quality 3D renders) may charge more but provide greater accuracy and visualization benefits.
9. Project Timeline
- Urgent or fast-tracked projects often incur higher costs due to priority scheduling and extended working hours.
- Design revisions and delays from client indecision or regulatory hurdles can also increase costs.
10. Contract Type and Fee Structure
- Professionals may charge fees based on different models:
- Fixed Fee: A set price based on project scope.
- Hourly Rate: Can range from $50 to $300+ per hour, depending on expertise.
- Percentage of Construction Cost: Common for architects, ranging from 8% to 15%.
- Per Square Meter: Fees based on total floor area, which can be cost-effective for large projects.
Understanding these factors can help you choose the right professional for you and your project. Let’s look at the value of investing, in what is most likely, your biggest financial asset.
The Value of Investing in your biggest asset
Your home is your biggest asset
Most likely your biggest financial investment in your lifetime.
Choosing the right professionals for your home or build is essential to its success
As you can imagine, there are many things you’ll need to consider during the building process, with budget being at the very top of the list. Another is the professionals and team you will choose to engage to bring this renovation or build to life. A new home or major renovation may be the single biggest financial investment in your life, so you want to ensure you get it right the first time, achieving the space you’ve always dreamed of on time, on budget and without all the stress you hear about.
Your Design professional doesn’t only design your home. They work closely with consultants, planners, interior designers and builders to make sure it is completed on time and on budget. They are a valuable investment that will make it easier to create a finished product you love to live in for years to come.
Generally, a building designers and architects will charge roughly, as a guide, around 3-10% and 8-15% respectfully, of the build cost. Like a sliding scale, the fees percentage reduces as the contract value rises. This is a guide only, fees are determined by the level of services required and other factors such as project scope, complexity, inclusions, site constraints and involvement of the Design professional over the project. Each project is itself unique, naturally each project investment will vary.
Project fees are not based on percentage or budget alone, they are quoted on a case by case basis. Each site, constraints, family, project and client goals are unique and each proposal should be individualised for your renovation or build and personal goals.
When planning a construction or renovation project in Sydney, Newcastle, or the Central Coast, understanding the costs associated with hiring a draftsperson, building designer, or architect is essential. Each professional offers distinct services at varying price points, and selecting the right one can significantly impact your project’s success and budget.
How do I work out which is right for me and my project? We have prepared a table to assist in choosing the right professional for you and your project needs.
Choosing the Right Professional for Your Project
| Factor | Draftsperson | Building Designer | Architect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Design Input | Minimal | Moderate to Comprehensive | Extensive |
| Project Complexity | Simple | Moderate to Complex | Complex |
| Council Approval Assistance | Basic | Moderate to Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Construction Oversight | None | Basic to Comprehensive | Full Project Management |
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you have a simple renovation or a clear idea of your design and just need plans, a draftsperson is an affordable choice.
- If you want expert design input, a high-quality tailored solution, and assistance with planning approvals at a reasonable cost, a building designer is an excellent option.
- If your project is complex, high-end, or requires extensive detailing and project management, an experienced Building designer or an architect is the best choice.
Final Thoughts
The choice between a draftsperson, building designer, and architect comes down to your project scope, budget, and how much design input and project oversight you need. Just like any professional, look for someone with a proven track record, as experience and education vary greatly among individuals. The information provided here is a general guide based on industry averages.
At Sunday House Projects, we specialise in building design, interiors and client project management, ensuring a seamless journey from concept to completion. If you’re planning a new build or renovation, get in touch with us to discuss your project and how we can help bring your vision to life.
Need expert guidance on your project?
Book a consultation with Sunday House Projects today!
