Architect vs Draftsperson

Architects and draftsperson are two terms that are used almost interchangeably, but the roles themselves are quite different. While both can prepare your home's technical design, there is a vast gulf in their responsibilities. And, indeed, their price tag!

Read on to find out the main differences and which is best for your project.

1. Education / Training

This is one of the main differences.

An architect's education lasts 7 to 8 years. Three to get their undergraduate degree, two to obtain their Masters of Architecture and another two years of practical experience in the field. A wide range of topics are covered in the course of their education- including maths, computer science, physics and engineering.

By contrast, a draftsperson's qualification is nowhere near as rigorous- a two-year TAFE course(or equivalent) heavily focused on Computer-Aided Design and the initial aspects of the planning process- blueprint reading, mechanical drafting etc.

2. Responsibilities

Again, the two roles vary considerably here.

The planning work they do at the start is broadly similar; however, the scope of the architect's responsibilities is much broader.

The draftsperson produces designs for construction, and their role is typically more limited after the planning phase; an architect can be involved from start to finish- from the idea's original conception, planning and costing, right through the management of the project itself. It can encompass everything from aesthetics and functionality, to safety and accessibility.

3. Licenses and authority

In Australia, architects must be registered with their state's Architects Registration Board. They have the authority to offer a wide range of services and may be held legally responsible for their work. An architect can ensure a building will meet the council approval criteria; their approval will be needed to sign off most commercial projects.

Draftspeople are not required to have a license, needing to work with or under a fully-licensed architect/architecture firm.

4. Cost

Last, we have the all-important cost...

Of course, if they were both the same price, you would plump for the architect's skill set every day of the week. However, with all those differences in education, responsibility and authority, it's no surprise that their fees have a significant disparity too.

Architects usually charge a percentage of the total building cost, between 8-15% of an entire build, or 6-8% if their role was primarily drafting the plans.

Draftspeople's fees are much lower, between 1-3%.

So, which is best for you?

This depends on your budget and the complexity of your project.

If you have a large commercial build, you will need an architect to meet all the necessary regulations.

If you have a residential project with complex demands, an architect is preferable if your budget allows it.

However, if you're just renovating your home or the project is relatively simple, a draftsperson should be able to provide you with everything you need at a much friendlier price!

Getting quotes from both before making the call is never a bad option.