When you need to engage someone to assist you with turning an idea into something real and tangible, it can be very confusing trying to work out whether you need an architect, an engineer or a draftsman.

While it may seem that they all do similar things, or at least work together, there are some clear differences between each role. Here’s a quick summary of what each position does and how they differ from each other.

Draftsmen

A draftsman is essentially trained and qualified to create accurate technical drawings that are to-scale and include detailed specifications. More often than not these drawings are created using CAD, or computer-assisted design software, such as archiCAD, and are three-dimensional representations of the object or the building in question, such as house plans or building plans. Drafting training is completed as a Certificate at TAFE colleges. Because drafting is a lot more technical than architectural design, drafting can also be applied to engineering and mechanical designs. Draftsmen usually work with architects or engineers, depending on their expertise, and take instruction from them to produce templates, blueprints and 3D visual models. Draftsmen are often employed in a drafting service, and can be engaged by architects or engineers to produce blueprints for a variety of projects. Draftsmen often continue their study and experience to include design.

Architects

Architects are tertiary trained and qualified designers and are qualified to design houses and buildings. Architects start with the initial design, including a building’s appearance and function. They will create designs that incorporate building regulations and council regulations and will often consult with structural engineers to ensure all standards are met, and are safe and functional. Architects see a whole project through to completion, whereas a draftsman will just be required to produce the blueprint from the architect’s original design. Architects also use CAD tools and software, but don’t include the detail and specifications that a draftsman will include. Architects must be registered and accredited with the Australian Institute of Architects, and they must hold professional indemnity insurance. Architects are the ‘big picture’ designers, while draftsmen and engineers specialise in detail and practicalities.

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 designing and building of structures such as roads and bridges, and will often work in conjunction with architects and draftsmen to create and complete plans for such structures, and usually engineers will be answerable to an architect. Engineers apply scientific principles in a practical context, and use mathematics more than architects. They will also use CAD software to create their designs, which will then be fleshed out with the detailed specifications by a draftsman.

The nature of your project and the stage it is at will determine whether you need a draftsman, an architect, an engineer, or a combination.