Do You Need an Architect for a New Home Build?

For many Australians, having the opportunity (and finances) to build a home of their own is a dream come true. Building a new home is a complex undertaking with many considerations, the first of which is whether an architect is needed for the new home build.

The straightforward answer is no - there is no legal requirement to work with an architect when building a new home; new homes in Australia can also be built by a building designer.

While custom home builds are commonly associated with architectural design, the vast majority of new homes built in Australia are actually designed by building designers. According to the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), only 3-5% of new home builds involve an architect’s expertise.

To help you make the right decision for your future home, let’s look at the differences between architects and building designers.

What Does an Architect Do vs a Building Designer?

Architects and building designers both create plans and designs for new homes, but specialise in different types of residential building projects.

Architects must hold an accredited university degree in architecture and practical experience. In Queensland, architects must be registered with the Board of Architects of Queensland (BOAQ). Architects are experts when it comes to creating complex or unconventional building designs that often follow a theme or concept.

Building designers do not always hold the same qualifications, but have significant years of practical experience in designing residential projects. The Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) estimates that 75-80% of all new homes are designed by building designers. In Queensland, building designers must hold BDAA accreditation as proof of quality of service.

Is an Architect or Building Designer Better for a New Home Build?

Building designers and architects offer a range of services and expertise to suit different types of new home building projects. While building designers service the majority of new home builds, the decision to work with one instead of an architect will come down to your design preferences, financial circumstances, and expected timeline.

Cost Comparison

In terms of cost, architectural services for a new home can be as high as 7-10% of the build cost, while building designers typically charge 3-5%.

With the average cost to build a new home in Townsville at $625,000 for a standard 4-bedroom house, choosing to work with a building designer over an architect can mean a difference of over $40,000 for a new home build.

Building Timeline

Building designers usually have a selection of pre-designed home layouts to choose from. This simplifies and shortens the process for many people who already have some idea about what they want (e.g. number of bedrooms, placement of rooms).

This is opposed to the architectural process for a custom home, which involves a lengthy design process from concept to detailed drawings.

A pre-designed home layout is already planned to meet building regulations, making it more likely to obtain development approval quicker and experience fewer complications during construction.

Ease of Process

Building designers often work closely with local builders, providing more quality control over the final outcome of the build.

Architects usually outsource the construction to external contractors through a bidding process, which can add to the complexity and timeline of the build.

For most aspiring homeowners, a building designer can deliver a beautiful, functional home design without breaking the bank. If you have the idea (and budget) for a one-of-a-kind custom home, an architect will be a better choice for the project. 

At John Munro Builder, we have refined our building design services over 20 years of experience delivering new homes in Townsville. We have a team of building designers that walk you through the entire process of creating your dream home, from the initial design consultation to the final fittings and finishes. Enquire with our new home builder consultants to find out more about our packages.