We look at the different types of designers: architect, architectural designer and architectural draughtsperson.

Who does custom designs?

Custom designers design your home and draw up plans to your specific instructions. You can choose:

• A registered architect.
• An architectural designer.
• An architectural draughtsperson.

Each generally offers a different level of qualification, expertise and design flair. It is worth mentioning, however, that the skill set, and scope of work performed by each of these service providers can overlap.

Architects

An architect is a person who is registered with the Architects Education and Registration Board (AERB). Only a person who has met the registration requirements of the AERB can call themselves an architect, and they must hold a practising certificate issued by the AERB to be able to practice.

Most architects have studied architecture at university and gained an architectural degree. An architect is competent in the design and coordination of all building elements, services and site works, as well as the management of each stage of the building process, from concept to completion. An architect will be able to consider your ideas and come up with distinctive and innovative solutions for you that can be built within agreed cost and time parameters.

Many architects in New Zealand belong to the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) www.nzia.co.nz.

Architectural designer

An architectural designer is someone who specialises in building design and construction, from conception to final certification. They can provide a service that includes design, full working drawings, contract documentation and contract administration. 

Although architectural designers are entitled to practice ‘architecture’, they cannot call themselves ‘architects’.

Architectural designers will probably have studied at a tertiary institution, and are specifically trained in the technical aspects of design and detailing. They should also be familiar with all the Building Code and local authority requirements (such as building and resource consents).

Many architectural designers are represented by Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) www.adnz.org.nz.

Architectural draughtsperson

An architectural draughtsperson can draw up plans from your basic ideas. They will be cheaper than an architect or architectural designer but you may not get the same design flair.

This is a good low cost option in many situations. For example, if you want your laundry redone, a draftsperson can prepare the drawings and instructions for the builder, plumber and electrician.

They usually have technical institute training and some may be members of ADNZ, while others may be connected to the Design Association of New Zealand (DANZ) www.danz.co.nz

Licensing of design practitioners from 2007.

A national licensing system for building practitioners will start to be phased in from 1 November 2007. It will cover designers, building site supervisors and specialist tradespeople. The licensing system aims to set national standards for work carried out by anyone involved in the design and construction of building work.

For more information about the proposed licensing system, visit the Department of Building and Housing website.