Completing two Building Design qualifications at TAFE NSW has helped Arman Gouniaei start a new life and build a business in Australia after fleeing religious persecution in Iran.

As a member of the Baha’i community, Mr Gouniaei was refused admission to university in Iran. Mr Gouniaei completed his architecture degree in a private institution before seeking work as a refugee in Turkey, where he began designing commercial and residential projects.

Four months after his arrival in Australia in 2018, Mr Gouniaei studied a Diploma of Building Design at TAFE NSW Granville. Mr Gouniaei has since completed a Graduate Diploma of Building Design and established his business, Art DecoLine.

“Studying at TAFE NSW and receiving formal qualifications in Australia, was not the end of my educational journey, but the beginning I wished I had thirteen years ago in Iran,” Mr Gouniaei said.

“The Diploma and Graduate Diploma of Building Design provided me with the practical skills and confidence to launch my own business, providing me with knowledge of Australian Standards and the Development Application process.

“Since my graduation, I have been able to start my own successful business in Australia and currently have contracts to design and manage the build of commercial and residential projects, including a stone and marble showroom in Zetland.”

Two of Mr Gouniaei’s building design projects: ArtDecoline Apartment and Violin House won the Building Designers Association of Australia Sydney Regional Design Awards, with Violin House also winning silver at the 2021 Sydney DrivenxDesign Awards.

​​​​​​​

TAFE NSW Teacher of Architectural Technology Fadi Fadhil said Mr Gouniaei is a wonderful example of how someone can get sought-after technical skills and experience through TAFE NSW to start their own business.

“Mr Gouniaei was a passionate, industrious and skillful student, and his success is a glowing endorsement of the quality of education and training provided by TAFE NSW,” Mr Fadhil said.

“Our Building Design qualifications allows students to develop a professional portfolio of work, through learning how to produce 3D rendered model animations, and industry-standard documentation that supports client requirements.”

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au