7 differences between Architects and Draftsmen

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between an Architect and a Draftsman? What services can each provide? What training have they undergone? and who offers better value for money?As an overview, the training received varies significantly between the two. An Architect is required to study at a university for five years with a minimum of two years practical experience in an Architect's office before they can sit registration exams, allowing them to practice independently. In comparison a Draftsman will typically study a two year diploma in drafting at a technical school or college, and the focus and content of these courses has noticeable differences.A degree in Architecture will focus on studying form, functions and the three dimensional interpretation of space. Whilst also covering subjects, such as, technical design, history and contract law. Comparably a Draftsman will learn about technical drawing and general construction knowledge.The approach in designing a building will also be very different when using an Architect or a Draftsman. An Architect will listen to their clients and interpret what they need intuitively, creating solutions that they would never have thought of. A Draftsman, being trained in technical drawing and construction, will produce drawings that will work, but may lack the creativity and ingenuity in design.When working with an Architect you also have the peace of mind of knowing that they are governed by the Architects Registration Board and are working to strict codes of conduct set by them. These regulations require an Architect to act honestly and professionally, whilst also stipulating how they should protect and safeguard their clients, and manage their business effectively - this includes the requirement to have appropriate levels of insurance in place to cover all work carried out.But does employing an Architect take longer than a Draftsman? The short answer is yes. An architect may spend several months on the design process, refining a brief with the clients, analysing the site and its context, and revising a design until fully resolved, through consultation with the clients and other relevant professionals. Typically a Draftsman may take just a few weeks to produce a set of drawings for construction with little emphasis placed on the context and the sense of place.This extra work at the design stages has an implication on the cost - an Architect will be more expensive than a Draftsman, but of course this is due to the additional training an Architect has received in both design and construction and the amount of time and care that will go into designing a building.However an Architect will provide long term value for money, as you will receive a well thought out building that functions according to its brief, that is well constructed using good quality materials, and perhaps most importantly - it will look beautiful. All this will mean that you should not need to spend additional money remodelling ill-functioning areas of the building. There is also the added benefit that 'Architect designed homes' are typically worth more than other houses - should you ever wish to sell.In comparison a poorly conceived building design, that does not function as the users require it to, could end up costing you a lot more in the long term, as you may need to make adjustments and improvements to it.A big advantage to using an Architect in a construction project, is that they have the ability and skills required to be involved in the project through from initial concept design to the project completion. They will have knowledge of construction on site and be experienced in project management - which should mean the project runs smoothly. This is a service that you will not receive from a Draftsman, who will be trained to produced the drawings and get them through the planning process and building regulations as quickly as possible.

Ultimately the choice of whether to use an Architect or a Draftsman will depend on many factors and different client's priorities. Through the design process, is speed important? Or cost? Perhaps you place importance on the design and aesthetics? It is important to note that although both are involved in the construction industry, the services that each can provide will be very different.