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- Building and Construction Trades
- Diploma of Building Design
Overview
About this course
Gain real design skills used by builders and architects every day. Take confident steps toward a job as a building designer or CAD technician. Open doors to study in architecture, construction management or interior design.
Outcomes
What you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
use 3D CAD programs like Revit and ArchiCAD to create 3D building models
understand the basics of sustainable building design
draw plans with specifications for planning and building approval
create designs that meet the rules for Class 1 and 10 buildings, and Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys
understand legal requirements and risk management for new business ventures
manage contracts for small building design projects.
Course outcomes
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
Experience using digital models and 3D CAD software for building design projects.
Confidence working with clients and other people involved in a project.
Practice using real examples of construction and building design documents.
Strong pathways to further study and better career opportunities.
Suitability
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
You must demonstrate that you have achieved one of the following:
a Certificate IV in Residential Drafting as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate or
work experience that shows you can use the skills and knowledge taught in the Certificate IV in Residential Drafting. You must provide a portfolio of work, a resume, employment letters and references from clients or employers.
Completion requirements
During your study, you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
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 skills to use 3D CAD software
a good understanding of how to prepare a building drawing package
strong communication skills
good problem-solving skills
the ability to notice small details
planning and organisation skills to manage construction projects
the commitment to the participation requirements of the course.
The following foundation skills:
You can plan your learning, change your plan when needed and keep going until you reach your goal.
You can understand technical texts and understand what they mean.
You can write long and detailed texts that are easy for others to follow.
You can speak with confidence in many situations and help lead the conversations.
You can solve hard maths problems using different methods.
You can use digital tools to do everyday tasks like writing or finding information.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
Find Your Fit
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
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 study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study0 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 study0 Courses
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
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 - 9
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 venturesBSBESB402
Prepare specifications for all construction worksCPCCBC4015
Produce digital 3-D models of building designsCPPBDN5101
Produce compliant designs for Class 1 and 10 buildingsCPPBDN5102
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