BuiltForm
DesignAcademy
02 9589 2342
BFDA trains residential drafters and building designers through project-based, nationally recognised qualifications you complete from anywhere in Australia. New students start on the first of every month.
Diploma of Building Design (CPP50921) student project, curved-form building
100%
Delivered online through our digital campus
1st
New intakes the first of every month
3 days
Average turnaround on assessment feedback
Start with the Certificate IV to build your technical foundation, then step up to the Diploma to design small-scale buildings.
Course structure: 6 modules
The technical foundation of the industry. You learn to model, draft and document Class 1 & 10 residential buildings in BIM software, leaving with portfolio-ready project work.
Investment
$9,250 · paid course-by-course
Where it leads
Drafting support roles within architecture and building design practices, working alongside architects, building designers, developers and councils.
Entry requirements
No formal prerequisites. Year 10 English & maths and basic computer skills are recommended.
Who you could work for
Design and manage the documentation of small-scale buildings, from sustainable residential concepts through to Class 2–9 commercial work, plus the business skills to run your own practice.
Investment
$13,900 · paid course-by-course
Where it leads
Building designer roles with architects, developers and builders, or running your own design practice, subject to licensing in your state.
Entry requirements
A Certificate IV in Residential Drafting, or a minimum of five years' relevant drafting or building design experience.
Who you could work for
Course structure: 9 modules
01
Your technical foundation. Draft and document residential buildings, and work as drafting support.
02
Design small-scale residential and commercial buildings and manage the documentation process.
Depending on your location, your eligibility and funding availability at the time of enrolment, subsidised training may be available. Our team can assess your eligibility during the enrolment process, just ask.
Trainer support by phone & email
Talk directly with the trainers marking your work.
Live webinars & learning resources
Scheduled sessions and a full resource library to keep you moving.
Online student community groups
Learn alongside a cohort of students working through the same projects.
Tailored CAD support
Hands-on help with ArchiCAD and Revit when a drawing or model isn’t behaving.
Assessment feedback
We average 3 business days.
Extensions & deferments
If circumstances affect your progress, extensions and study deferments are available.
“I felt very supported, and it got me all the way through.”★★★★★ Melissa, Graduate, Certificate IV in Residential Drafting
“The diploma set me up to explore opportunities down the track… even starting my own business.”★★★★★ Jake W, Graduate, Diploma of Building Design
“Sometimes we were in a national park in the middle of nowhere and I’m doing coursework.”★★★★★ Michael, Graduate, Certificate IV in Residential Drafting
“The feedback was fantastic, clear and concise. It felt like it was setting you up to succeed.”★★★★★ Silka, Graduate, Certificate IV in Residential Drafting
All BFDA qualifications are delivered fully online through our digital campus, so you can study from anywhere in Australia while keeping your work, family and other commitments.
Most students begin with the Certificate IV in Residential Drafting. It builds the technical foundation of the industry. From there, many progress to the Diploma of Building Design to design small-scale buildings and manage design projects.
The Certificate IV takes around 9 months full-time (up to 18 months part-time). The Diploma takes around 13.5 months full-time (up to 27 months part-time). Because study is self-directed, students who progress quickly may finish sooner.
As a guide, full-time students study around 20 hours per week and part-time students around 10 hours. The structure is flexible, so you can adjust your pace to suit your schedule.
You will work in BIM software (ArchiCAD or Autodesk Revit), plus standard tools like Microsoft 365, email and video conferencing. BIM software needs a computer that meets the vendor’s performance requirements, so check your device specifications before enrolling.
BFDA qualifications provide the education pathway. Licensing requirements vary between states and territories, so confirm what applies to you with your state’s licensing authority.
Yes. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), your existing qualifications, skills and industry experience can be assessed against the course requirements, which may reduce the amount of coursework you need to complete.
Government funding may be available depending on your location, your eligibility and funding availability at the time of enrolment. The BFDA team can assess your eligibility during the enrolment process.
Contact the BFDA team on (02) 9589 2342 or info@bfda.edu.au. We will guide you through course selection, funding eligibility and next steps. New students begin on the first day of each month.
Talk to the BFDA team about course selection, funding eligibility and your next steps.
Please provide details about any problem you encountered or suggestions you might have. Thank you!