What is the difference between a Building designer and an Architect?

An architect is a person who has studied architecture at university, has gained an architectural degree, passed a professional examination and is registered with the Architects Registration Board. At present, only a person registered with the Board can call themselves an architect. A Building Designer or Draftsperson should be registered as a Draftsperson – Building Design (Architectural) and will carry Professional Indemnity Insurance as required under the Act. Builders generally regard Building Designers Construction Drawings as more user friendly. The Building Designer will have completed an Associate Diploma or Certificate of Technology in Architectural Drafting. A Building Designer can provide the same services as an Architect. In fact 80% of Building Approvals are prepared by Building Designers. Some Architects use Building Designers to produce their Town Planning or Construction drawings.  more