Building design encompasses the broad architectural, engineering, and technical applications involved in creating structures, from residential homes to large-scale commercial complexes. While complex projects are typically led by licensed architects—whose extensive training and licensing are crucial for public safety—smaller or less intricate designs can be handled by various professionals. Among these are "building designers," a distinct profession prevalent in the US, Canada, and Australia, who specialize in designing residential or light commercial buildings often without an architectural license where codes permit. These designers may achieve certification, like the Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD) in the U.S. administered by the National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC), and their profession is sometimes regulated regionally, as seen with "Residential Designers" in Nevada. Other essential roles in the design process include draftspersons, who prepare detailed construction documents, and specialized building engineers focusing on electrical, mechanical, or structural aspects.