If you're thinking about a custom new home, one of the first forks in the road is who actually designs it. People often use "architect" as a catch-all, but there are really three options out there — architect, building designer, and draftsperson — and each suits a different kind of project.
A registered architect has done a long degree and is licensed by their state board. They tend to shine on complex, unusual or high-end projects, particularly when the build pushes engineering limits or sits on a tricky site. They charge accordingly. If you've got the budget and the brief calls for something genuinely bespoke, an architect can be brilliant.
A building designer is more practically minded. They've usually come up through the industry and understand how a house gets built — what costs money, what doesn't, what materials behave well together. For most family homes, especially in regional spots like Young, a good building designer hits the sweet spot. They'll give you something thoughtful and liveable without throwing the budget into orbit.
A draftsperson is more of a technician. They take a clear brief and turn it into the drawings you need to get a build through council. If you already know exactly what you want, that can be enough. If you need someone to help shape the idea, you'll probably want a designer or architect first.
The other piece worth knowing is that whoever you pick, they need to play well with your builder. A beautiful drawing that ignores buildability is no fun for anyone. It leads to changes, cost blow-outs and frustration on every side. The best results almost always come from a designer and builder who've worked together before, or who at least agree on what's realistic on the block you've bought.
For most of the family homes we put up around Young, Bathurst and Yass, a good local building designer working alongside us produces the best outcome at a sensible price. Different briefs need different approaches though, so it's always worth a chat about what's right for your project.
If you'd like to talk through which path suits your build, head over to inh.com.au/Young.
