Building Designers Victoria

Why choose a Victorian building designer?

Building designers blend creative vision with deep technical know-how. Registered in Victoria under the Building Act 1993, they can prepare plans, energy reports and documentation ready for your builder or architect. Compared with full architectural services, they often provide a more cost-effective path to compliant, bespoke buildings—ideal for renovations, new homes and light-commercial developments.

Key services offered

• Concept design: Site analysis, mood boards and preliminary floor plans.
• Planning & permits: Navigating local council overlays, ResCode and bushfire (BAL) assessments.
• Construction documentation: Working drawings, schedules and specifications for tender.
• Sustainability consulting: NatHERS energy ratings and passive-design strategies.
• Contract administration: Liaison with builders, certifiers and the Victorian Building Authority.

Typical project stages & costs

1. Pre-design consultation (1–2 meetings) – $500–$1,500
2. Concept & schematic design – 2–4% of build cost
3. Town-planning submission – From $3,000 plus council fees
4. Construction drawings & specs – 3–5% of build cost
5. Site & contract administration – Hourly or 1–2% of build cost

Rates vary by complexity, site constraints and whether heritage, flood or bushfire overlays apply.

Regulation & accreditation in VIC

Only registered building design practitioners (Class LL) may legally offer design services in Victoria. Always confirm that your shortlisted designer carries current Professional Indemnity insurance and is listed on the VBA register.

How to shortlist designers on ArchiPro

Use the filters to sort by location, project type and budget. Each profile shows:

• High-resolution galleries and 3D renders
• Client testimonials and star ratings
• Licences, associations (BDAV, AIBS) and insurance
• Estimated response time

Save favourites to your dashboard, then send one brief to multiple designers—no duplicate data entry required.

Questions to ask before signing

• Have you completed projects in my municipality (e.g. Yarra, Mornington Peninsula)?
• Will you manage the planning application or hand over drawings only?
• What 3D visualisation tools do you use—Revit, Archicad, SketchUp?
• How do you approach cost control during documentation?
• Who owns the copyright on the plans?

Related professionals

Need complementary expertise? Explore our wider Architecture & Design network—or go straight to specialists:

• Architects – holistic design and contract administration
• Architectural Designers – alternative design route with advanced BIM skills
• Interior Designers – spatial planning, FF&E and styling
• Photographers – capture finished projects for your portfolio
• Kitchen & Bathroom Designers – joinery, fixtures and ergonomic layouts
• Lighting Designers – ambience, compliance and energy efficiency
• Colour Designers – palettes that enhance mood and resale value
• Architectural Visualisers – photorealistic renders for approvals and marketing

Next steps

Whether you’re planning a coastal retreat on the Surf Coast or a mixed-use project in inner-city Melbourne, the right building designer will maximise liveability, compliance and resale value. Start exploring profiles now, refine your shortlist, and request a tailored fee proposal—all directly through ArchiPro.