Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good ‘Designer’
Just last week, I received a newsletter from Brodie at Lunchbox Architect. (I love his website and content.- You should totally check it out). The title of the newsletter immediately caught my eye: ‘How to Cut Costs on Your Build (Without Sacrificing Good Design)’. Nice.
As I read through his article (you can check it out here), I found myself nodding along, fully agreeing with his insights. Then, I hit dot point six: “Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Architect.”
While I concur, I felt there was more to the conversation. Because really, it’s not just about architects—it’s about good design.
Design isn’t the exclusive domain of architects. Building designers, interior designers, and landscape designers all play critical roles in shaping great homes. What truly matters isn’t the title of the professional—it’s the quality of the design and supporting documentation they produce.
If you Google the difference between an architect and a building designer, you’ll find plenty of heated debates. But at the end of the day, the question shouldn’t be about ranking one profession or title over the other. The real question is: Who is the right designer or design team for your project?
Great architects exist. So do bad ones. The same goes for building designers. What makes a good designer isn’t just their education or registration body—it’s their ability to serve your needs, translate your vision, and deliver a design that aligns with your goals.
Think of design as a spectrum, where the right fit depends on multiple factors, including but not limited to:
✔️ Understanding your brief
✔️ Respecting your budget
✔️ Relevant experience
✔️ Their willingness to listen
✔️ Their design process and problem-solving ability
✔️ Fee structures and service offerings
These are the things that truly determine which designer or design team is the right choice—not just the title on their business card.
So yes, don’t underestimate the power of a good architect. But more importantly, don’t underestimate the power of good design. Who you choose to deliver that design should be the best fit for you, your project, and your vision.
Because a successful home build doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because you plan for it—including engaging the right design team and making the right decisions at the right times.
Next week I’ll tackle Brodie’s Dot Point 7- ‘Get Multiple Quotes and Negotiate like a Pro’. Because I’ve got thoughts on that one too.
PS: I love good design. So regardless of whether you practice as an architect, building designer, interior designer or landscape designer- If you are doing good work in the meaningful residential home space- I want to learn about it. Give me a buzz, or book a ‘Cuppa with Katie’. I look forward to hearing from you.