Whether you want to design your dream home or working on a construction project, you need to decide whether you want to select a design that already exists or create a custom-made design. Not everyone is skilled at designing a building, which is why you need an architect or a draftsman to do the technical work. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between an architect and a draftsman.
Training and Qualification
The methods of training are very different for an architect and a draftsman. An architect is required to study at a university for at least 5 years with an additional 2 years of practical work experience at an architectural firm or an office. Once they have completed their work experience, they are eligible to register for exams. Architects can practice independently once they clear these exams.
A draftsman, on the other hand, is required to study for 2 years minimum with a diploma in drafting from any reputable college or technical school. There is also a difference in the content of the courses.
For example, an architect will study the interpretation of space in three dimensions; whereas, a draftsman will learn about technical knowledge and construction knowledge.
Design
Architects have the ability to be intuitive and creative with design and construction. Draftsmen, on the other hand, are not as creative since they only have the technical knowledge and understanding of construction. One important factor in design is that architects usually ask their clients about the type of look they want and interpret it accordingly.
Time
An architect usually takes longer than a draftsman to understand and work on the design process. Architects create several drafts for their clients to get their approval, and any revisions that need to be made also take time. A draftsman only takes a couple of weeks to prepare the drafts for the client’s approval and does not focus much on the context.
Cost
An architect is usually more expensive than a draftsman. The man reason behind the difference in cost is due to the amount of education that the architect has and the extra care they take after they begin the construction process.
Value
An architect has more long term value because of their skillset and training. Architects are cost-effective in the long term as you won’t have to spend extra money when it comes to remodelling or renovating the building or home from time to time.
The choice of using an architect or a draftsman depends on several factors and also mostly on what the client wants. For example, if you place more importance on the looks and the overall design of the building, then you should go for an architect. But if you want to save money and are on a budget, then a draftsman can do the job for you.
3070 Design Studio can help you figure out what would be the right choice for you. Contact us here if you have any questions.