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National code: CPP50921

Diploma of Building Design

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Overview About this course

Gain sought-after digital design skills to work under an accredited building designer or architect on varied classes of buildings. Pursue pathways in architecture, construction management, interior design and more.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Use 3D CAD software (Revit and ArchiCAD) to produce digital 3-D models of building designs

  • Promote sustainable building design and evaluate construction materials and methods for sustainable building projects

  • Producing compliant designs for different classes of buildings

  • Understand and review government regulations, codes and standards regarding various building projects and document preparation

  • Manage contracts for small scale building design projects

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Experience using digital modelling and 3D CAD software for building design projects

  • Confidence liaising with construction project stakeholders and clients due to simulated experience

  • Exposure to realistic construction and building design documentation

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Building Design Drafting, the Certificate IV in Residential Drafting or the Certificate IV in Residential Building Drafting in the form of an academic transcript, or

  • Demonstrated relevant vocational experience, skills and knowledge commensurate with the scope of work covered in the core units of the Certificate IV in Residential Drafting, evidenced by a portfolio of work, a resume, letters of employment, and client and employer references.

  • Evidence of a valid whitecard (or general construction induction card).

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of 4 across the five bands of literacy and 4 across one band of numeracy. This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs and to provide you with the appropriate support for your study success.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • A computer that can run a 3D CAD software program, such as Revit or ArchiCAD

  • Technical ability to proficiently use a 3D CAD software

  • A solid understanding of a building drawing package, with the ability to prepare one

  • Strong communication skills

  • Problem-solving skills

  • Attention to detail

  • Planning and strong organisation to coordinate construction

  • Good math and computer skills

  • Commitment to completing the training participation requirements

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like:

Architectural Draftsperson

Architectural Draftspersons complete Architects' concepts by preparing drawings and plans, and liaising with builders and contractors.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    89%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    5,400 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    40 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $1,510

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    44 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    High

  • Gender share

    29% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Moderate Growth

Other jobs include: building designer, senior building designer, draftsperson, CAD technician and building information modeller.

Licensing

Building designers in Australia may require accreditation to perform a range of tasks or skills within an occupational framework in the building design industry. The formal recognition of this accreditation typically comes in the form of a license or registration, usually issued by a State or Federal Government department. Each state and territory has its own regulations and licensing requirements pertaining to building designers. For further information check your relevant state and territory licensing and regulatory authorities. A white card (or general construction induction card) is required for any worker who needs to access a construction site. Local regulations should also be checked for requirements. Your teacher will also provide further information.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Diploma of Building Design does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Diploma of Building Design does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Building Design qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 units of competency, including 9 core and 3 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures BSBESB402

  • Prepare specifications for all construction works CPCCBC4015

  • Produce digital 3-D models of building designs CPPBDN5101

  • Produce compliant designs for Class 1 and 10 buildings CPPBDN5102

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.