Buillding or renovating? You’ll need professionals who can turn your big ideas into blueprints. But who does what? Here’s our guide.

They are all responsible for the designs and blueprints that turn our dream homes into reality. To a layman, draftsmen, architects and engineers all seem to do similar things. But there are differences. Here’s our guide to who does what.

Draftsmen

A draftsman will create accurate technical drawings that are to-scale and include detailed specifications.

These drawings are created using computer-assisted design software (CAD). They are three-dimensional representations of a house plan or building plans. But because drafting is so technical it can also be applied to engineering and mechanical designs.

Draftsmen usually work with architects or engineers to produce templates, blueprints and 3D visual models.

Architects

Architects are tertiary trained to design houses and buildings. Their designs, incorporating the form and function of a building, incorporate both building and council regulations. Architects often consult with structural engineers to ensure all standards are met, and the buildings are safe and functional.

An architect will see the building project through from initial concept to completion. Like draftsmen, architects use CAD tools, but their drawings don’t include the detail and specifications of a draftsman’s drawings. Instead, an architect will engage a draftsman to create technical blueprints based on their designs.

Architects must be registered and accredited with the Australian Institute of Architects.

Engineers

Engineers are trained in mechanical engineering, and specialise in mechatronics or electronics. Like architects, they design equipment or objects that are then produced as a blueprint by a draftsman.

Civil engineers are involved in the design and build of structures such as roads and bridges. Engineers apply scientific principles of physics and mathematics to their designs. They use CAD software as a design tool, which will then be fleshed out with detailed specifications by a draftsman.