A Building Designer is first and foremost a professional familiar with all facets of the building trade, whose plans and designs represent the particular needs, style and budget of the client.

The work of a Building Designer is varied and may consist of residential, both single and multi-unit, and commercial structures as permitted by the architectural statues of each state. A Building Designer's approach to any problem is based on the practical, functional and economical solutions that will best fulfill the client's requirements, while translating these factors into a concept that is both aesthetic and utilitarian.

A qualified Building Designer offers a complete array of professional services. The Building Designer's prime task is to furnish preliminary and detailed designs for the proposed structure, ranging form the initial concept to complete working drawings and specifications that will comply with all applicable building codes and regulations.

A Building Designer may supply or arrange additional services such as selecting a contractor and overseeing construction. A Building Designer may be retained to provide all or any part of the planning, design and construction process as the client desires. These services are subject to the policies and services of the individual designer.

During the initial planning stage, the designer confers with the client to ascertain type, size, and ultimate usage of the structure. The Building Designer may offer recommendations regarding the site interior and exterior layouts, materials to be used, the range of services, and architectural and exterior treatments.

The Building Designer may provide estimates of time and costs to be incurred in preparation of the drawings, specifications, and construction estimates.

When the design concepts are accepted by the client, the designer may present a contact detailing the extent of the service to be furnished and outlined the related responsibilities, fee's, and structural, mechanical and electrical considerations.

When retained to do so, a Building Designer may assist the client by preparing and publishing bid proposals for construction, and may also interpret and explain bid proposals to the client with any recommendations. As the client's agent, a Building Designer may in some states conduct on-site inspections of construction, ensuring that all work meets the recognized standards and protects the client's interests.

A member of the American Institute of Building Design has met the requirements of the AIBD bylaws and the work experience standards deemed necessary to gain comprehensive knowledge of the profession of building design.

The American Institute of Building Design maintains a registry of Building Designers who have demonstrated outstanding competence in the field. Those persons so certified are permitted to use the title of Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD), which can only be appointed by the National Council of Building Designers Certification (NCBDC). Certified members are deemed qualified to perform services required in any portion of planning, design and construction, as permitted in their state of residence or practice.