What is the difference in the services provided by an architect and building designer?

Often there is very little difference. Academically, it can be the difference between a university degree and, in most cases, a combination of certificate studies and/or practical experience in the building industry. Practically, while both subscribe to the same fundamental building design principles, it is a question of interpretation and application.

In Western Australia there is no difference in the work that can be done by a building designer as opposed to an architect. In fact, some building designers have a degree in architecture. That they choose to be members of the Building Designers Association is a personal preference.

The subjective differences of innate design ability and creativity remain in the realm of the client’s needs.