This well written article below describes the relationship between Architects and Bulding Designers in Australia; well worth a read!



AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUILDING DESIGNERS INCORPORATED
PO Box 30 North Beach WA 6920 T: (08) 9246 3779 F: (08) 9246 3789 E: admin@aibd.asn.au
Promoting the building design and architectural drafting professions
and advancing the quality of the built environment


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ARCHITECT AND A
BUILDING DESIGNER?


In Australia the term “Architect” is reserved by legislation for those
persons who are registered with State based authorities or ‘Boards’.
There is no requirement for a building designer to be registered as an
architect and there are generally no limitations on the work that can be
performed by a building designer (with the exception of some State based
restrictions for certain building types).
In many cases, building designers offer a similar range of services to
architects, so the terminology can be difficult for the layperson to
understand. Architects also regard themselves to be building designers
and consider the generic term of building designer to be appropriate (as
can be evidenced by the many architects who advertise in the Yellow
Pages under the “Building Designer” category). Current legislation also
encompasses the term “building designer” as a generic definition of the
vocation.
While it is typically argued within the architectural profession that building
designers do not have the same qualifications as registered architects,
building designers may in fact have exactly the same qualifications. The
only distinction in many cases is between those who may have taken the
examinations conducted by the Architects Boards and those who have not.
Of course, a degree in architecture is not necessary for a person to use
the term building designer. In fact anyone can use that term. Many
professions do not share the same legislative exclusivity of a reservation
of title as architects do (for example accountants, engineers, economists,
etc). A reserved title is certainly not considered a prerequisite to the
ability to design and document buildings and it could be argued that those
who choose to call themselves building designers remain in business by
continually demonstrating their ability to perform the task satisfactorily.
When arguing good design versus bad design the definition of good design
must be examined and as good design is subjective (in the eye of the
beholder), what may be “good” design to one person may be absolutely
awful to another. Just because a person may use a particular industry
name doesn’t necessary make them “good” at that vocation.
Building designers and architects will always contribute successfully to the
built environment. Only the level of competency of the individual should
be considered.