Design professionals are suitably qualified people that provide a creative service to the public, governments and organisations related to the design and documentation of residential and commercial buildings. Be aware that amongst all disciplines of design there is often a cross over and it may not be as clear cut as it appears, so make your enquiries and interview candidates to see which design professional has the necessary background, experience and the greatest rapport with you and don’t simply select your design professional based on their fee. In this information pack we understand and try to differentiate between the various design professionals and acknowledge that any reference to architects or architecture is simply generic in its application and is not meant to contravene the various applicable acts and by-laws and should therefore be read in the same way.
Firstly let’s start with the Architecture.
Architect:
An architect must be qualified and registered to practice in Australia. They have usually completed a 3 year full time or 6 year part time university degree or similar and have studied subjects such as architectural design, philosophy of design, communications including reports and specifications, graphics, computer applications including 3D modelling and B.I.M. documentation, architectural history, mathematics, physics, structural systems, building or construction methods, materials and their applications, building law and perhaps have completed specialized studies such as interior architecture, or heritage or religious architecture all of which is applied in their architectural service.
Architects will most likely offer design and documentation services covering various issues such as compliance with regulations and structural adequacy and will often include additional services such as tendering, contract preparation and administration along with construction detailing and supervision. Occasionally they will also offer services from other disciplines such as Interior Design and or Landscape Design either in their own right or as part of a design team.
Some architects specialise in areas such as education and institution buildings, hospitals, hotels and resort accommodation etc. Specialist disciplines and consultants are often required for larger projects and together they form a design team that is headed by the architect. An architect will often guide you through the various stages of design and construction through to completion and hand over to the client.
Building Designer:
A building designer is a qualified professional who is usually registered within their state or territory as a building professional and is permitted to contract direct with the public. They are however not architects and not permitted to call themselves architects. They have usually obtained a diploma or similar qualification after study that includes subjects such as construction methods, construction documentation, materials and their application, communication including reports and specifications, architectural history, computer applications and presentation, structural mechanics, building law including building contracts and building regulations.
Building designers tend to have a strong technical background and may have furthered their knowledge base through studying areas of Building Information Management (B.I.M.) documentation or sustainability, passive solar design or interior design all of which can be incorporated into your design. A good building designer can be a very good alternative for smaller projects.
Drafter:
A drafter or draftsman must also be suitably qualified often reaching a certificate level of qualification and is capable of preparing the technical plans and specifications for smaller projects. However in some states and territories they are restricted by way of regulation as to the work they can perform and may not be permitted to contract direct with the public and are usually employed by an architect, building designer or a builder. In the case of using an unlicensed drafter you are not protected under the law should something go wrong.
If you’ve seen a building or residence that you really like for whatever reason then try to find out who designed it and seek them out as you obviously connect with that design professional.
Interior Designer:
Interior Designers are suitably qualified professionals that have studied interior design or interior architecture at either degree or diploma level. They have studied subjects such as architecture history and styles, colour theory, use of colour, space planning, materials and their application, computer graphics and presentation techniques, writing specifications and schedules, application of hard and soft furnishings.
They are responsible for the overall interior of an architectural space and will often help form part of the design team, working with the architect.
Interior designers can specialize in various disciplines such as aged care, institutional and civic interiors, retail and showroom s, hospitality including hotels and resort accommodation, display homes and residential interior design.
Their work will include initial sketches and finishes selections, mood boards and colour schemes, furniture selection and procurement or custom furniture design.
The area of colour philosophy is a very important aspect of an interior designers work. For example a designer that specialised in hospitality can work on resort accommodation that, due to its tropical beach location, uses soft cooling colours to impart a relaxed yet welcoming interior that makes all guests want to stay. While working on an inner city hotel the same designer may well use stronger or darker moodier colours and finishes to impart a high end corporate feel.
Lighting is often overlooked but plays such a big role in determining the mood of the interior spaces. Interior designers will often use various lighting systems to create the right and appropriate interior styling for the function of the various interior spaces.
Interior designers, due to their experience with colour will often assist with the exterior colour scheme of a building, therefore blending the interior and exterior architecture with the landscape to create a harmonious flow of spaces. It’s often a feeling that “Its right”.
Interior Decorator:
Interior Decorators are also suitably qualified professionals having studied at a diploma or certificate level. Some decorators don’t have a formal qualification but they may possess a natural talent for colour, decorating and design. They are very good with colour and through their experience they have developed skills that help enhance the experience of the interior spaces. They may lack the formal knowledge of design principals and may not be as technically minded as interior designers however a good interior decorator can work wonders. Interior decorators tend to be well versed in the latest design trends and assist with things such as accessorising and displaying of artwork etc.
Colour Consultant:
Colour Consultants are designers in their own right that specialise in the use and application of colour. They have studies the psychology of colour and its impact on people. Often used in larger buildings or public structures they will select colour psychology to promote the building or spaces design philosophy. Colour can “Making it a Happy Place” or “A Restful Space” or perhaps a room to invite you in or to appear authoritive. They are often at the forefront of colour fashion and will provide the correct amount of colour into any project. Colour plays such an important role in our everyday life. Don’t underestimate it!
Interior design and decorating is often undervalued and can make a world of difference.
If you see an interior scheme that appeals to you try to find out who did it and make contact with them because you obviously have a connection with their work.
