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  4. How to Become a Building Designer: Your Creative Career
Published 21 Sep 2023

How to Become a Building Designer: Your Creative Career

Avatar photo Michael Yi

 
 

There’s a common misconception that working a creative job isn’t a viable option for most. However, with the right information and attitude, you can direct your creative energy into a sustainable and fulfilling career! Becoming a building designer and creating new homes is one way to achieve just this.

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What is a building designer?

Once known as draftsmen or draftspeople, a building designer can offer several professional services to their clients. However, first and foremost, they are responsible for designing and planning functional, efficient and creative homes. Building designers work to translate their clients’ ideas and dreams into reality. Hence, thorough knowledge of design, the building trade and relevant construction laws is required.

Building designer versus registered architect

Architects and building designers are similar in their responsibility to their clients: aiding the design, planning and sometimes construction of homes. Architects, however, undergo extensive tertiary education and practical placement to advise their clients both creatively and practically.

Building designers, on the other hand, can operate without any formal qualifications. This makes it a fantastic option for those looking to enter a creative career without a long study commitment. Thorough knowledge and invested interest in any formal design field can help you get started on this career pathway.


“I worked as a real estate agent and later a communi­­cations manager before I finally turned my passion into my profession and got a design diploma.”

—Martina Hayes, building and interior designer specialising in renovation


Although building designers may not have the licensing restrictions that architects must operate under, they are permitted to operate within local building and planning regulations.

What does a building designer career look like?

Building designers may help prospective homeowners through several steps concerning the planning, designing, renovating, construction and interior design of their dream homes. Hence, these professionals need a wide range of skills to meet their professional responsibilities effectively.

Some essential skills include:

Design

  • Creative and conceptual thinking
  • Producing working drawings
  • Drafting
  • Thorough understanding of design concepts

IT

  • Good understanding of design programs
  • Computer-aided design and rendering (ArchiCAD)

Construction Business

  • Data analysis
  • Ability to write business plans and budgets
  • Market research (for suppliers and resources)
  • Project management (liaising with local councils and contractors)
  • Thorough knowledge of building sites, building plans, floorplans, permits, and protocols

Communication

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Active listener
  • Good written and oral communication

A building designer’s clients are the most crucial piece of the puzzle. Hence, although practical design skills and knowledge of building work are imperative, your ability to join your creative flair with another person’s vision is central!


“It’s ALL about the client, finding out what they love, who they are, and finding the perfect balance between their budget and their dreams.”

—Susannah Schulz, building designer at Lockhart Drafting & Design

An industry overview

Building design has strong projected industry growth. Job opportunities are projected to rise by 19.5% in the next five years.


Very Strong

growth predictions for next five years

Source
 
building designer
$0k
typical average salary
Source

Furthermore, building design is financially stable, with an average annual salary of 80k. This figure can rise with more years of experience and positive referrals under your belt! Building design is also reported to have high job satisfaction, due to high rates of job security and the ability to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Becoming a building designer

As mentioned above, building designers technically don’t need any formal qualifications or accreditations to operate within Australia (this means no required university degree!).


  • You may be required to register yourself with your Australian state’s building designers association.

Many people who have previously worked within the design industry, or just have an interest in architecture have oriented themselves to building design with ease. Others have entered the field after completing a design course, such as an Advanced Diploma or Diploma of Building Design, as a pathway into the field.


“I didn’t thrive in a school environment, but when I started on this path, I knew I had found my calling.”

— Kris Aird, building designer and owner of Designer Homes Perth


A fantastic way to develop the skills required for this pathway is to complete a qualification tailored to building design.

Building a portfolio

People choose a building designer based on their previous work and their projected ability to bring their ideas to life practically and economically. An aesthetically-pleasing, well laid out portfolio coupled with excellent customer service skills can set you apart from not only other building designers — but architects as well!

Make sure you:


  • Bookend your folio with your best house designs
  • Choose a well-formatted, visually appealing layout
  • Always keep the folio updated
  • Tailor your folio to the client if possible

Your portfolio can display to prospective clients your ability to bring their home to life no matter the foundations you’re given to start with.



My favourite part of being a Building Designer is the initial stage, where I get to sit down with the client and really get to know them, what their values are and how they would like their home to suit their lifestyle.

I love being able to sit with them and see the stress start to leave their faces, as they begin to trust me as their designer.

—Susannah Schulz, building designer at Lockhart Drafting & Design

Working as a building designer can be a viable, financially secure and fulfilling career path. By upskilling your current design skills and building your portfolio with confidence, you’ll be well on your way to landing your first Building Designer role!

Take the First Step

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Michael Yi
Michael Yi

Michael is a writer in the education industry who is enthusiastic about revealing industry trends and insights to assist professionals and students in advancing their careers.

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