When Danielle Kruschel stepped into the sales department at Newcastle Office Interiors, she didn’t imagine she’d soon be producing detailed drafting plans that would impress architects. But a sudden vacancy in the company’s drafting role sparked a career pivot — and Danielle grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Armed with a background in product design and a natural ease with CAD programs, Danielle was encouraged by her team to step into the vacant role. “I kind of slipped into it,” she recalls. “It was a bit of a trial, but I grasped everything really quickly.” What she didn’t yet have was formal training in drafting — and that’s when Built Form Design Academy (BFDA) entered the picture.

Learning with Purpose, Studying with Direction

Danielle knew she needed structure and depth — not scattered online tutorials. “I needed to learn properly and quickly. I didn’t want to figure it out all on my own.”

A Google search led her to BFDA. From the very first call with student advisor Dale, she felt confident. “The website looked professional, not like a small dodgy place. And Dale really cemented my decision. He answered all my questions and was so easy to talk to.”

That first impression carried through the course. Danielle found the teaching clear, the feedback detailed, and the support both prompt and practical. “The turnaround on marking was really quick — and the feedback was personal and incredibly useful. You’d get explanations, not just corrections. That was something I never got at uni.”

Practical Learning, Professional Confidence

Danielle didn’t just study to pass — she studied to perform. Working full-time while completing the course, she applied her new skills in real time to commercial projects. “Even though our company works in the commercial space, a lot of what I was learning linked up — DA submissions, construction certificates, plans. It helped immediately.”

One of her proudest moments? Completing the construction detail drawings. “I printed them out, brought them home, and showed my partner. I said, ‘Look at this!’ and he was like, ‘Whoa, I don’t even know where to start looking at this.’ But I understood all of it.”

That deep technical ability is exactly what sets BFDA graduates apart. “I’ve shown student details to registered architects who were shocked that someone with just a year or two of training could produce that level of work,” says Teresa, BFDA’s Head of School. “You just don’t get that from typical uni design courses.”

Balancing Study with Work — and Life

As the only CAD user in her office, Danielle had to take ownership of her learning. With no one to lean on for technical help, she relied on a mix of YouTube research, BFDA’s support, and her own determination. “I booked out 2–4 pm each day to study at work. It was hard at times, but I was driven. I didn’t want to bring work home, so I just knuckled down when I could.”

The flexibility of BFDA’s online platform made all the difference. “I even went to Japan for two weeks and didn’t fall behind. That’s the beauty of it — I could go at my own pace and still stay on track.”

Advice for Future Students? Just Start.

Now looking ahead to further studies with the Diploma of Building Design, Danielle is excited for what’s next. “I can see myself in this industry until I retire. I want to do everything I can for my future — this qualification helped me get where I am, and I know the diploma will take me even further.”

For others considering a career pivot or formal training in drafting, Danielle’s message is clear: “If you’re already working, or want to level up quickly, this course is it. It’s not just theory — it’s skills you use every day.”

Could This Be Your Turning Point Too?

Whether you’re a creative professional looking to formalise your skills, a woman stepping into a technical field, or a full-time worker needing a course that works around you — Danielle’s story shows that the right course can make a real difference.

BFDA’s online Cert IV in Residential Drafting is designed for people like you. People who want to do more — and do it well.

Ready to upskill with purpose? Discover the course that turns potential into practice.

Explore the Certificate IV at BFDA