Architects, Draftspeople, Builders: Understanding the Difference (and Who to Call First)
Over the last month I’ve been working hard through the final hurdles of registration as an architect. Even after having near 15 years experience in the industry, and several qualifications in architecture and home energy assessment - the process of becoming an architect is not a quick one, and certainly far from easy.
It made me realise — even though architecture is such a long and specialised journey, for most people starting a project, the role of an architect still isn’t always clear. And it’s no wonder, because when you’re ready to build or renovate, the first big question usually isn’t what you’re building, it’s who you should call. Architect? Draftsperson? Builder?
It can feel like a maze - and if you take a wrong turn early on, it can cost you a lot of time, money, and headaches down the track. If you're feeling unsure, you're not alone. Starting a project is exciting, but it’s often one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. That’s why it’s so important to get it right from the start.
If you're looking for more than just a house that 'ticks the boxes' and a home that's truly designed for you, your site, and your future, starting with the right design professional makes all the difference. A well-designed home doesn’t just feel better to live in — it costs less to run, and saves you significantly over the lifetime of the home.
At Conscious Design Studio, we help everyday people build smarter, more energy-efficient homes - and that starts with helping you understand the process, not overcomplicating it. Let's break it down.
Why It’s So Confusing
Most people assume you call a builder first. Maybe you know you need "plans," but you’re not sure whether an architect or a draftsperson is the better option, then there’s builders offering ‘all-in-one’ design build packages.
And to be honest, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends a lot on what you’re planning, the level of design you’re after, your budget, and even your council’s requirements. But here’s the thing: getting the right person involved early on sets the tone for your whole project. Get it right, and everything else flows.
We’re Here to Guide You
We know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re trying to get started — especially when you just want clear answers without the jargon.
We've helped homeowners across Bungendore, Canberra, and beyond get the right advice at the right time — avoiding the costly pitfalls that so often come with rushing into building too soon. We’re here to make it simple.
Here’s the 3-step approach we recommend:
Step 1: Understand the Roles
Before you can choose who to call, you need to know what each professional actually does (and doesn’t do). We'll run through that in just a sec.
Step 2: Choose the Right Starting Point
Once you know what you need, you'll have a much clearer idea of who to bring on board first.
Step 3: Set Your Project Up for Success
Starting with the right person will save you from surprises later — like massive energy bills, costly design changes, budget blowouts, and endless back-and-forth with council.
What’s the Difference?
Architects
Architects are your big-picture thinkers and problem solvers. They don’t just draw up a house - they design homes that work specifically for you, your lifestyle, your site, and your climate.
Typically, to register as an architect - you need at least 3 year Bachelors degree, a 2 year Masters degree, and 2 years industry experience, before going through a rigourous examination and interview process just to practice. The title of ‘Architect’ is legally protected under the Architects Act 2003, meaning you can’t use it unless you’re a registered architect in that state. For a lot of us, this process ends up taking at least 8 - 10 years of education, hard work, and industry experience.
An architect can help you:
Create a design that feels right for you and your family
Navigate tricky council requirements
Maximise natural light, views, and energy-efficiency
Prepare detailed drawings for approvals, costing, and construction
Resolve complex site and construction problems before starting your build
Guide you all the way through to building completion if you want
Architect’s can save you thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of dollars when you choose the right one. Choosing an architect that is aligned with your values, is cost focussed and works closely with a builder from the start - is critical to getting the right outcome, on one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make.
A well designed home can save you significantly over the life of your home
Draftspeople
Draftspeople are often a great fit for simpler projects. They’ll usually work off a brief you provide and turn it into technical drawings for council or builders.
Some may offer basic design help, but generally:
They’re more about documentation than design innovation
You’ll need to know pretty clearly what you want
They often don’t manage the project beyond the plans
Builders
Builders are exactly that - the people who physically construct your home, usually:
You’ll need plans before a builder can quote properly
Builders are great to engage once you have approvals and clear documentation
Without clear plans, you're often flying blind on costs and expectations
Some builders offer design and construct services, managing the design process in-house. While this approach can suit some projects (such as a simple deck or pergola), it’s important to remember — architects design, drafters document, and builders build. Each brings their own expertise to the table. Working with an independent architect ensures your home is designed around your needs, your site, and your budget — not just to fit a particular building method. A strong, collaborative relationship between your architect and builder means both design and construction work hand in hand, without compromise. Keeping the two roles separate also gives you more flexibility when choosing the right builder for your project, and helps minimise surprises or costly variations down the track.
I like to think of it this way. It’s a bit like a chef and a farmer - each has their role. The farmer grows the ingredients, and the chef brings it all together into something special. You need both, but you wouldn’t expect the farmer to write the recipe or the chef to grow the crops. The farmer knows their field inside and out, and understands how to grow the best food. Likewise, the chef knows how to best prepare a meal and put the ingredients together. You get the best result with collaboration.
We highly recommend to all of our clients to engage a builder as a consultant early in the project, to help guide costs along the way. Engaging a builder as a consultant means they’re still getting paid for their time, without locking you in to one builder. This gives you options as you move forward with the process, and allows you to still get a competitive price with the right result for you.
So, Who Should You Talk to First?
Most of the time, you’ll want to start with an architect or highly experienced building designer (like us).
Especially if:
You’re doing anything custom, major, or involving council approvals
You want the home to perform well (energy-wise and comfort-wise)
You want something that suits you and your needs specifically - not just a ‘one-size-fits all’ solution
You don’t want to leave big decisions up to chance
If it’s a smaller or more straightforward project (like a carport or deck), a draftsperson might be a more affordable option.
And if you’re using a design and construct builder? Just be aware that you might have fewer options for design flexibility — they often design to suit their preferred building methods or cost efficiencies, and are rarely trained to design.
Why It Matters
Starting with the wrong person can lead to:
Blown-out budgets because no one locked down the details properly
Delays with council or certifiers because documentation wasn’t up to scratch
Homes that don’t take full advantage of your site, orientation, or natural climate, and in turn - are incredibly expensive to run. Causing bigger long term cost, well after the builder has walked away.
Costly redesigns mid-build (the worst-case scenario)
Starting with the right guide means:
A design that’s thoughtful, efficient, and fits your goals
Fewer surprises when it comes to costs and approvals
A much smoother, less stressful building journey
Let’s Get You Moving in the Right Direction
If you’re planning to build or renovate, the best thing you can do is get clear, honest advice upfront.
We offer a free 30-minute discovery call where we can help you figure out your best next step — whether that’s working with us or pointing you in the right direction.
👉 Ready to get started? Book your discovery call here.
You deserve a home — and a building journey — that feels good from day one.
Let's make it happen.
