In Queensland, building designers and architects are regulated under entirely separate legislation by entirely separate bodies. This distinction matters, not just as a technicality, but because it defines who is qualified to do what kind of work, and under what accountability framework.
Only individuals registered with BOAQ can use the title architect in Queensland. A building designer cannot call themselves an architect, and equally, an architect cannot represent themselves as a QBCC licensee unless they hold that licence separately.
For the vast majority of residential building work in Queensland: new homes, renovations, extensions, dual occupancy, and secondary dwellings. A QBCC-licensed building designer is fully qualified and authorised to:
A registered architect can do all of the above, and also take on larger or more complex projects: commercial buildings, multi-storey residential, hospitals, schools, where the complexity and regulatory requirements typically demand architectural registration.
For residential design across Brisbane, Gold Coast and surrounds, a qualified building designer delivers the same service as an architect for new homes, renovations, and dual occupancy, typically with a more direct, personal engagement and a sharper focus on the residential sector.
There are specific project types and circumstances where architectural registration is required or strongly advisable:
For most homeowners across Brisbane, Gold Coast and surrounds building a new home, extending, or doing a renovation, none of these apply, and a building designer is the appropriate professional for the work.
Architectural registration requires a university degree plus supervised experience. That's a significant qualification. But it's worth noting that QBCC building design licences also have qualification and experience requirements. Many experienced building designers have worked in the field for years or decades, developing deep knowledge of local planning schemes, council preferences, and construction detailing that's directly applicable to residential projects.
When choosing who to engage, the relevant question isn't "architect or building designer?" It's "does this person have the specific experience, skill, and track record to deliver my project well?" For a residential renovation in Paddington or a new home in Springfield, those qualities matter far more than the professional title on the letterhead.
Designer Plans holds QBCC Licence 15204075. We are residential building designers, not architects. For new homes, renovations, additions, and dual occupancy across Brisbane, Gold Coast and surrounds, we provide the full design and approval service.
Call 0402 109 167 or request a quote online.
You'll occasionally encounter the phrase "residential architect" or "house architect" used informally. In Queensland, this is legally ambiguous: only BOAQ registrants can use the title architect. If you see a practitioner using the term without BOAQ registration, that's worth noting.
Similarly, a building designer who describes their work as "architectural design" or references "architectural drawings" is using the word as a generic descriptor, not a claim to architectural registration. The drawing style, quality, and process may be equivalent to what an architect produces, but the practitioner's credentials are distinct.
If you're ever unsure about a practitioner's licence or registration, you can verify both on the QBCC website and the BOAQ register, both of which are publicly searchable.