What is a 'Building Designer,' anyway??

I'm glad you asked!  Many people refer to me as their 'Architect' and I proudly correct them.  I am a Building Designer.  More precisely, I am a Certified Professional Building Designer.  Most of us came to the profession some way other than through a degree in architecture.  For instance, I have a degree in art education (taught art in schools for 12 years) and became interested in construction after we built our first house in 1982.  I took a lot of college courses in construction and design, then spent several years drawing and working under another certified designer.

Just because someone owns a drafting table, or took a course in AutoCAD doesn't make them a true building designer.  To earn the right to put the National Council of Building Designers certification seal on my plans I had to prove my abilities. This proof came from references, examples of my work, and (most importantly) from the results of a grueling, two-day test!  In fact, I had to prove my abilities before I could even take the test!  My seal is recognized in all 50 states, even though I hope to never have to use that formula to figure snow-loads for a roof in Wisconson!

Now, something most people don't know is this: more than 90% of residential construction, and many commercial projects are designed by building designers! Architects would love to put us out of business.  But our clients won't let that happen.  You see, building designers tend to leave their egos out of the process.  We don't dictate to our clients; we guide them.  And, our fees tend to be much more reasonable.

For more information check out this website:   www.ncbdc.com 

I'd love to talk with you more about what I do if you're searching for a designer for your new construction or remodel project in the Dallas, Fort Worth, or Denton Texas areas! Take a look at my website: 

http://www.ellensullivan.net/