Browse Projects, find Products,connect with Professionals.

Building Designers

Residential and commercial building designers prepare concept designs and building plans, so check their experience against your project type.

Can't find it? Describe what you need and matching suppliers will come to you.

Architecture & Design

Use my current location

Nothing matches those filters

Try widening one of them, or start again with the whole category.

Clear filters

Learn about Building Designers

Building designers prepare concept designs and building plans for projects across New Zealand. They work alongside architects to understand the client’s brief, coordinate the design and meet relevant building regulations and safety codes.

Building designers work alongside architects and contractors on various constructions. These professionals are responsible for meeting with the client, hearing their vision and then designing a construction plan to realise that vision. Commercial building designers can assist in designing and building commercial constructions while residential building designers are responsible for creating new house designs and plans. ArchiPro features only the best building designers in New Zealand.

Types of services that a building designer provides

Professional building designers believe in a build-by-design concept. To them, buildings are more than just a square box with a roof; constructions should be beautiful and functional. Therefore they work alongside other professionals such as architects, architectural designers and contractors to achieve these goals. Their services include:

Concept art and plans

Building designers are responsible for meeting with the client to discuss their project and vision. Then they’ll create initial concept designs and building plans for approval. Once approved, an architect will ensure that all safety and construction code regulations in New Zealand are met.

Recommending building materials

Building designers are part of the architecture and design team and can make recommendations on construction materials to contractors and others involved in the building process.

Overseeing construction

These professionals can also oversee construction to ensure the project progresses according to the plan and timeline. They’ll also be available to solve any unforeseen issues that may come up.

Furnishing buildings

These skilled professionals can also assist in selecting the furniture, appliances and fixtures for the building based on the client’s needs and budget.

The advantages of hiring a skilled building designer

Having a skilled residential or commercial building designer as part of your team ensures that your project is being expertly handled. These professionals are good at bringing even the most complex visions into reality while also navigating any complications that the property or land may have. By choosing a building designer as a member of your team, you’ll have a trusted professional to oversee the construction and design, every step of the way and resolve any issues to ensure the project stays on budget and doesn’t fall behind schedule.

How to choose the best building designers for your project

Choosing the best building designer in New Zealand can be an overwhelming task. At ArchiPro, we aim to make it easier. Go through our list of professionals and look at their portfolios and customer testimony. Once you’ve shortlisted a few candidates, you can arrange a meeting with them to discuss the project in more detail and see if they understand your vision. Here are some questions to ask in the initial meeting before hiring a building designer:

What’s your fee structure?
Do you see any issues, considerations or complications in my project?
If so, what are your suggestions?
How will you show your concept art and design plans?
Will you be on-site every day during the construction?

What’s the difference between a building designer and an architect?

Both building designers and architects are involved in designing construction plans for homes, businesses and other constructions. However, a building designer is more focused on ensuring the client’s vision is brought to life through the architecture and interior and exterior decorating. Architects focus on ensuring that any designs and building plans meet any regulations or construction codes.

What data is needed before the design of buildings?

Before professionals can start on their designs, they will need a full site analysis. This will show them the size of the property, topography, vegetation, infrastructure, existing structures, and weather. They will also need the client’s requirements and an understanding of their vision.

How long does it take to design a building?

Once the designer has received all the data they require to start planning a building, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to create the design. For simple designs, the time frame is usually six to ten weeks. More complex structures can take longer.

What is a design and build contract?

A design and build contract is one that’s often used in construction projects. With this contract in place, the client pays an agreed-upon amount for the design and construction of the project. There is no altering the amount if the project gets delayed. This type of agreement gives clients better price certainty when choosing the professionals they work with.