Design and Build vs Architects. What’s the difference and which is the right choice for your dream property?

You’ve been shopping around for the right firm to build your dream home. You have the right piece of land, you just need the right design for the block and your dream lifestyle. You’ve been looking at architects on the Sunshine Coast and there are some amazing options. But what about Design and Build companies? What can an architect do that a building designer can’t do? What’s the difference and which is the right choice for your project?

What’s the difference between an architect and a building designer?

An architect has a master’s degree in architecture and two years of practice experience before passing a board exam. The qualifications are almost as complex as a medical qualification. Architects generally work on highly complex builds that may require specialist engineering to support their designs. While architects do provide home design, they may also focus on large commercial and infrastructure projects. You may need an architect if your project is highly complex, conceptual, a high-rise building, or if your site has significant legal or geographical challenges.

A Designer / Builder is a qualified builder with additional qualifications in design and certification by the QBCC. Designer / Builders typically work on residential projects rather than large-scale public works or commercial projects. Unlike a standard builder, they’re able to provide planning, drafting and modelling for unique designs, in accordance with homeowner’s requirements. Designer / Builders are “construction lead” and are well placed to give more accurate cost estimates and can project-manage the build in a practical manner. Generally, for a residential home build, where you have a vision for the finished project, a highly experienced Designer / Builder can deliver a similar outcome to an architect.

What does an architect deliver?

Both architects and Designer / Builders deliver “ready to build” plans for clients that ensure a safe and beautiful building. Architectural working drawings typically include floor plans, elevations, construction specifications, interior and exterior design and may also include specific research like environmental impact and community use. Architectural working drawings must then be approved by Council. The process for approval may differ depending on the local council. Generally, architectural firms work across multiple city council districts. Your Designer / Builder will generally work in one or two key council catchments. This means they’re more familiar with the requirements of each council. If choosing an architect, make sure that they’re aware of council regulations and balance design priorities with council requirements. Your architect may participate in this process or refer it externally. It’s vital to engage an architectural firm with a solid understanding of local regulatory bodies to avoid delays and cost blowouts. Once you have Council approval, the plans must be scoped by a suitably capable builder (your architect may have options). Not all builders will provide architectural project management as the process, materials sourcing and delivery can be complex. It’s vital to source specialist home builders on the Sunshine Coast in advance, as lead times for projects can be months or even years.

What does a Designer / Builder deliver?

Designer / Builders work with you to create the design that you want while offering expertise and design ideas to enhance your project. A quality design and build service will have expertise in surveying and a source for specialist materials, to keep a project on budget and on your timeline. Your Designer / Builder will then submit plans to Council on your behalf. A highly experienced Designer / Builder will know Council regulations backwards, to maximise your chances of a simple and straightforward approval process. Once approved, your Designer / Builder will have a “ready to go” project management plan for your new home. This means a faster and more streamlined build.

What about costs? Architects vs design and build services

The cost of your project will depend on the complexity and specifics of the job. Typically, an architect could charge up to 60% more for the design process than a Designer / Builder. This can mean a significant cost, and the percentage may be higher on building projects under $2 million.

Scoping process costs

Architectural firms generally take projects where budget is secondary to design. This means that your beautiful design will be estimated at a cost per square meter. However, these costs cannot be fully scoped until the build stage begins. This can mean cost blowouts, especially for smaller jobs. An experienced Designer / Builder will work with a budget per square meter to create your vision. Choosing a Designer / Builder with extensive experience scoping jobs means you have a far more accurate costing from the outset. It’s important to provide an accurate budget from the beginning of the project so that your Designer / Builder knows exactly what is achievable. Changing your budget mid-project means “going back to the drawing board” which may incur additional costs and delays.

What does Morcraft do differently?

Our Designer / Builder is supported by a team of highly experienced professionals, including surveyors, specialist trades and decorators. We’ve been a trusted builder on the Sunshine Coast for over two decades. We focus on carefully scoping projects so that our clients feel confident that they can achieve their dream design within their budget. We have a textbook knowledge of Sunshine Coast City Council’s requirements and have a stellar history of hassle-free approvals. You’ll find our designs all across the Sunshine Coast from luxurious waterfront homes to upgraded forever homes, to multi-generational home design in the hinterlands. After two decades, we can guide you in the design elements that will make your new house the perfect place to live, and warn you of any issues in your design ideas that you may regret later. Mostly though, we’re as committed to your new home as you are. Every design, every build, every beautiful new home makes us just as proud as you. That means better scoping, better communication and a better building experience because there’s nothing worse than a bad building experience!

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Before you book an architect for your project, book a 100% free consultation with our team. It makes sense to know all your options.

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