Building Designers New South Wales | NSW

What a building designer does in NSW

Building designers in New South Wales blend creative vision with deep technical knowledge to turn an idea into a compliant set of construction documents. Unlike architects, who must be registered, NSW building designers hold a Building Designer licence issued by Fair Trading and typically specialise in low- to mid-rise residential and light commercial projects. Their services often include site analysis, concept sketches, 3D modelling, BASIX and NatHERS assessments, detailed plans for council approval and construction-phase support.

Licensing & standards

When you engage a designer, verify that they are licensed and carry professional indemnity insurance. Accreditation with the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) signifies commitment to the National Construction Code (NCC) and ongoing professional development.

When to engage a building designer

• You’re planning a new home or major renovation and need cost-effective design expertise.
• You require BASIX compliance reports unique to the NSW planning system.
• You want one point of contact for concept design, council documentation and coordination with engineers and certifiers.

Typical project workflow

1. Consultation & brief: Establish scope, budget, timeframe and sustainability targets.
2. Concept design: Hand sketches, mood boards and preliminary floor plans.
3. Design development: 3D renders and material selections refined with client feedback.
4. Planning approval: Preparation of DA drawings, BASIX certificates and liaison with council.
5. Construction documentation: Detailed plans, schedules and specifications ready for tender.
6. Site phase: Clarifications, variations and on-site problem solving until hand-over.

Budgeting & fees

NSW building designers generally charge:

• Percentage of build cost: 3–7 % for full-service design on new builds.
• Fixed lump sum: Common for renovations or extensions with a clearly defined scope.
• Hourly rate: AUD 90–160 when engaged for consulting or drafting only.

Clarify inclusions such as site visits, variations and consultant coordination to avoid scope creep.

Complementary professionals you may need

• Architectural designers to extend resources on complex sites.
• Interior designers for space planning and finishes.
• Photographers to document progress and finished work.
• Interior decorators to layer furniture, art and accessories.
• Kitchen & bathroom designers for wet-area expertise.
• Lighting designers to enhance ambience and energy efficiency.
• Design & build firms if you prefer a single contract from concept to construction.
• Architectural technicians for detailed drafting support.
• Colour designers to refine palettes inside and out.
• Architectural visualisers for photorealistic renders and animations.

How to choose the right building designer

• Review portfolios of similar project type, scale and council jurisdiction.
• Ask for client references and completed energy-rating certificates.
• Confirm PI insurance, licence number and BDAA membership.
• Discuss preferred communication channels and turnaround times.
• Request a staged fee proposal with clear deliverables and allowances for revisions.

Next steps

Ready to move from idea to approval? Explore more experts within our Architecture & Design network, shortlist profiles that resonate with your vision and use ArchiPro’s direct-message tool to request quotes today.