What Does a Building Designer Do?

Your Building Designer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Building Designer will:

  • Draft your initial Concept Plans based on your brief
  • Prepare floorplans, elevations, and basic site layouts
  • Adjust designs based on your feedback
  • Issue updated versions as needed
  • Prepare the design for the next stage (DA, CDC, or Construction Documentation) (NSW only)


They’ll also be your main point of contact for all design-related queries and updates during this stage.


A good building designer must produce documents based on best practices. Click the button to download Build Buddy's Building Design and Documentation Standards.

Before You Begin: What You'll Need Ready

To start and manage your Concept Plans, you’ll need:

  • A signed agreement with your Building Designer
  • Your completed Design Brief
  • Any approvals or due diligence already obtained
  • A clear point of contact and shared method for communication
  • Access to the Build Buddy quality checklist (via your dashboard)


You should also clarify:

  • Payment milestones (e.g. 50% on draft, 50% on final)
  • Turnaround times for revisions
  • How feedback should be submitted (e.g. comments on PDFs, markups)

What Is the Concept Plan Stage?

The Concept Plan stage is where your Building Designer translates your brief into a tangible set of early plans. These drawings form the first version of your future home — giving you a visual layout of the rooms, dimensions, and flow of your build.


Concept Plans are used to:

  • Review the initial layout before detailed documentation begins
  • Align on major design elements (rooms, facades, site orientation)
  • Identify potential challenges early
  • Get feedback from other consultants (e.g. surveyors or certifiers)


This is a collaborative phase that sets the direction for all future work.

Tip: Stay Organised and Communicate Often

Keep a shared folder or email thread with your designer — it helps track progress and decisions.


Set weekly check-ins or agreed communication points to avoid delays and last-minute surprises.


Make notes when reviewing drafts: don’t just react to the overall look — think about room sizes, flow, and storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s included in Concept Plans?

    Typically: floorplans, basic elevations, and site layout. These are not construction-ready — they’re a starting point for refining your design and getting consultant input.

  • Can I make changes after I see the first draft?

    Yes. Most designers include 1–2 rounds of revisions at this stage. Be clear and specific in your feedback to avoid misunderstandings.

  • What’s an RFI?

    RFI stands for Request for Information. If your designer needs clarity on something (e.g. ceiling height, material choice), they’ll send an RFI to you. Answer these promptly to avoid delays.



NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.