There are 2 main types of drawings:
1. design drawings
2. construction drawings
There are many options to obtain drawings:
∙ Architect
∙ Architectural Technologist / Technician
∙ Designer
∙ Draftsperson
∙ Design-Build Contractor
∙ Stock Plans
∙ Building Kit
Which option is best for you depends on:
(a) what you want to achieve
(c) if you want design help
(c) how important design is to you
(d) your priorities & goals
Below is an generalized explanation of the possibilities, credentials, & differences. Please note that some of what is shown here may be specific to Ontario, Canada.
ARCHITECT
∙ this title is regulated in Ontario
∙ specifically trained to design buildings
∙ must meet stringent qualifications, be licensed + registered
∙ academic education is heavily focused on the design of buildings
∙ schooling is generally at a university school of architecture
∙ generally will only design select building types (school, commercial, multi-family, public, large-scale buildings ...)
∙ most architects do not design homes or cottages
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST or ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN
∙ these titles are regulated in Ontario
∙ must meet stringent qualifications + be registered
∙ generally, academic education is focused on the technical side of drawing & construction, with less focus on building design
∙ schooling is generally at a community college
∙ are often employed by architects
∙ must be a member of the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario
∙ Registered Building Technologists + Technicians are similar
DESIGNER
∙ literally anyone can use the term
∙ may not have any design training
∙ may or may not have much technical knowledge
DRAFTSPERSON
∙ anyone can use the term
∙ could be someone whom took a few drafting classes in high school
DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR
∙ a general contractor whom also offers a plan drawing service
∙ the drawing preparation is either co-ordinated by the builder, or done in-house
∙ it is highly likely that drawings are done by a draftsman or a technologist - even in spite of some builders incorrectly indicating that it is an "architect"
∙ some contractors indicate that they do not charge for this service (if that's the case, I can't imagine that much time or effort goes into the design / drawings)
STOCK PLANS
∙ pre-drawn plans, available online or through magazines + plan books
∙ basic modifications might be possible - such as mirror the plan, stretch room sizes ...
∙ can be a fairly simple & economical means of getting plans
∙ before purchasing, make sure that they will comply with your local Zoning Bylaws, other regulations, and the Ontario Building Code (including energy efficiency requirements)
BUILDING KITS
∙ this is essentially a package that consists of stock-plans & some construction materials
∙ some materials are / may be custom manufactured, pre-cut & sent to the job site
∙ construction is done by a builder of your choice or from their network
Important Notes:
1. Drawings for building permit application in Ontario are required to be prepared by either:
(a) an individual with a BCI number (ie a technologist), or
(b) an architect or a structural engineer.
Oddly enough, authorities are also required to accept drawings that are prepared by the owner themselves - although most owners would not have the knowledge to do so.
2. 'Architect' - it is quite common for some folks (including builders) to refer to anyone whom draws as being an "architect"; which is obviously not the case. (If it's an architect that you want, make sure they actually are. It's easy to find out.)
3. If your goal is to get competitive quotes from several builders, you need to have someone independent of the builder provide your drawings. (Although some builders will provide drawings, they likely will not have enough detail to allow you to get accurate prices from another builder.)