CoPilot guide

Hiring building professionals

Tell us what decision you are working through and BuildPilot will lay out the professionals other South Australian homeowners think about, the registers and bodies where you can verify things yourself, and the BuildPilot tools that can help.

By George Giannakakis · M.Arch · RLA300580 · HIA Industry Judge

Last reviewed: 15 February 2026 · How we research

What are you working through?

Decision

Designing my home

Homeowners at this stage often want to understand the differences between an architect, a building designer and a draftsperson, and what each role typically delivers.

Things people often look at during this stage

Differences in registration, scope of work and fee approaches between an architect, a building designer and a draftsperson.
What documents are usually prepared for a council planning application, and which are prepared later for construction.
How an energy rating will sit alongside design choices.
Whether interior design will be part of the same engagement, or treated separately.

Official registers and bodies you can check yourself

These are the regulators and industry bodies that hold the actual rules and registers. The rules that apply to your situation come from them, not from this page.

BuildPilot tools that can help

When you are ready, BuildPilot can shortlist listed businesses for you. Choose what fits and the next step is a single tap.

Shortlist an architect Shortlist a building designer Check any professional on the public registers Talk to BuildPilot

Want a real person to walk through this with you? One on One Support

Costing out the professional fees alongside the build itself? Our independent Adelaide Build Cost Report 2026 covers per square metre rates and the soft cost items most people forget.

References used on this page

All government data verified against the listed primary sources at time of publication. Figures are reviewed at least quarterly.