Draftsman vs. Architect: What’s the Difference?
Learn which pro to hire for your next big project
Draftspeople prepare technical designs and blueprints for construction.
Architects are involved with a project from design to build.
Architect fees average 5% to 20% of the total home cost.
Blueprints prepared by a draftsperson average around $1,800.
When you’re building, remodeling, or expanding your home, you’ll need the help of a lot of different pros, including architects and draftsmen—often referred to as draftspeople or drafters. When it comes to an architect vs. draftsman, people often use the two terms interchangeably, but there are some big differences between the two. Learn how to tell when you need an architect, and when you need a draftsperson to keep your project on track.
Draftsman vs. Architect: Key Differences
While architects and draftspeople perform some of the same functions, their jobs are very different. A drafter prepares technical designs for construction for builders to follow and is trained in the specialized knowledge needed to produce accurate and detailed technical drawings. Architects, while also fully trained as drafters, are involved with construction projects from the beginning, encompassing design, engineering, artistic components, and project management. Architects will usually employ drafters to turn their plans into detailed schematics.
| Criteria | Draftsperson | Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Education | None required; usually associate or bachelor’s degree | Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred |
| Licensing | None | Required in all states |
| Job scope | Technical | Design, technical, overall project involvement |
What is a Draftsman?
A draftsperson creates blueprints for construction projects using specialized design software. Builders follow these detailed designs in the construction process. Draftspeople have fewer educational and licensing requirements than architects, and many drafters specialize in areas such as electrical, mechanical, or commercial drafting. For home construction projects, you’ll likely be working with a drafter who specializes in residential construction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less expensive | Limited in job scope |
| Good for smaller projects | Doesn’t design structures |
| Can be highly specialized | Doesn’t make major plan changes |
Best for:
Small projects
Blueprints of existing buildings for construction permits
Drafting drawings from an architect’s plans
Pros of a Draftsman
Hiring a draftsperson can be a budget-friendly option for smaller projects, or when you need detailed blueprints of a structure to apply for permits for remodeling or additions. They’re also an integral part of a design team, turning an architect’s vision into workable blueprints.
Cons of a Draftsman
The scope of work for a drafter is much more limited than for an architect. They lack the artistic and design training that architects receive and, therefore, can’t design buildings or make large changes to existing plans.
What is an Architect?
An architect is a licensed professional who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of an internship. They are responsible for the overall design of a building, including materials, planning, engineering, code and regulation compliance, and more. Architects are usually involved in a construction project from beginning to end, overseeing many aspects of the design and build.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can design and alter building plans | More expensive |
| Considers all aspects of the design | Requires more training |
| Hands-on throughout the project | Must have current licensing |
Best for:
New construction
Large-scale projects
Making changes to existing plans
Pros of an Architect
When building a home, finding an architect to work with is a vital part of the process. This pro will be involved at every stage of the process, from design through the build itself. Architects work closely with their clients to bring their vision to life, and they’re able to update plans and make changes as needed throughout the project.
Cons of an Architect
Because of the extensive training and licensing required, hiring an architect can be a pricy part of your home build. The services that an architect provides, however, are necessary for a successful construction project, and will ensure that everything is planned carefully and executed properly.
Draftsman vs. Architect
Price: Draftsman
Hiring a draftsperson is easier on the wallet than hiring an architect, but remember that the work they can perform is significantly more limited, so save this option for smaller projects without the design components that an architect would need to provide. The cost of an architect’s fees are often 5% to 20% of the total home cost, while the cost for blueprints from a draftsperson averages around $1,800.
Education: Architect
Architects and drafters both receive training on drafting, but architects continue their education through a bachelor’s or master’s degree and complete an internship as well before beginning architecture work on their own.
Scope of Services: Architect
Architects are able to perform a much more complete portfolio of services than drafters. An architect will be involved with a project from inception to completion, and covers everything from design to regulatory compliance to artistic input at every stage.
Licensing: Architect
Architects are licensed by state, and all states require licensing in order to perform architectural work. Draftspeople do not have licensing requirements. State licensing directories are a good way to check that the local architect you’re working with has all the necessary qualifications.
Many drafters go on to continue their education and become architects. Drafting is a necessary skill for architects, so learning drafting is often the first step on a path toward becoming a licensed architect. Drafting can also be a career on its own, with plenty of drafters choosing to specialize and focus solely on drafting.
You likely need to hire an architect for your new house design and build, unless you have the design skills and experience with building regulations and standards needed to get your plans approved. If you are able to meet the design requirements, you can hire a draftsperson to create the blueprints for the builders to follow.
