What is the difference between an architect and a draftsman?
If you’re thinking about designing your dream home or renovating your current house, you may be trying to determine who you need to hire to help make your dreams a reality. Often, the expertise needed will be determined by the project at hand, but many people in the pre-building phase find themselves asking -
“Do I need an architect or a draftsman - and what’s the difference?”
In order to properly understand the distinction between the two, it’s best to look back to how both professions came about.
In the past, it was the architect that took in the bigger picture and designed the structure from scratch. This design was then handed over to a draftsman to be translated into working plans that could then be used by a builder.
This working relationship was efficient, allowing architects to work on several projects at the one time without getting bogged down by the details of the workable drawings. It also meant that draftsmen didn’t have to bother themselves with the design process and could focus on what they do best - getting the plans ready for the builders.
The implementation of Computer Aiding Drafting (CAD) streamlined the process somewhat, often making the need for both an architect and a draftsman unnecessary on a single project. But this advancement in technology has made the lines between the two professions murky and many people no longer know how to distinguish between the two specialities.
Computer Aided Drafting
What’s the difference?
Architect
+ COMPLEX/LARGE PROJECTS
+ INNOVATIVE DESIGN & AESTHETICS
+ TERTIARY EDUCATED
+ MUST BE REGISTERED
Draftsman
+ SIMPLE PROJECTS
+ TECHNICAL DRAWINGS & BUILDING SCOPE
+ TAFE TRAINING
+ NO LICENSE/REGISTRATION REQUIRED
An aspiring architect must endure five years of tertiary education, plus two years of industry experience before they are qualified. They must then register with their relevant Architects Registration Board. Therefore, you can expect high design quality and experience when working with an architect. If you’re looking for head-turning design, cutting edge ideas and innovative aesthetics, employing the help of an architect should be on your radar. Also, if you are after a design that adequately fits in with the rest of the house, then it is also better to get it designed by an architect. Besides design capabilities, architects also manage the approvals process, bringing together the right consultants and making sure the project gets approved by Council. They are also present during the construction process, and are available to answer the builder’s questions.
On the other hand, if your project is reasonably simple, like a house extension or small renovation costing under $100,000, you may only need a draftsman. In a smaller project, a draftsman is responsible for providing the working technical drawings of your building scope. A typical draftsman in Australia spends two years at TAFE or similar institution, and there is no license required to offer drafting services.
Overall, an architect’s work is associated with a better quality design, a smoother project, and a better aesthetic outcome.
How should you choose?
The first step in deciding between an architect and draftsman is understanding your project and the desired outcomes.
Are you intending to add value to your property?
Future buyers are frequently lured to a home when it has been designed by an architect. Keep in mind that you cannot state that a house is “architect-designed” if you haven’t used a registered architect.
Your budget
Cost is not the only consideration when choosing between an architect or draftsman. While an architect may be more expensive because their projects are often more complicated, that is not to say using a draftsman will always be cheaper.
Who is most suitable?
Most importantly, choose the person who you feel best understands the intricacies of the project and who demonstrates relevant experience in delivering the kind of results you are looking to achieve.
