Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

You'll become proficient in the design, presentation and documentation process for residential, industrial and commercial buildings. With this qualification and the required industry experience, you will be eligible to register as a drafting practitioner through the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

This course combines hands-on learning, industry projects and theoretical training.

You will develop specialist skills and knowledge in:

• construction technology
• design solutions and producing working drawings
• building codes and compliance
• computer-aided drafting (CAD)
• designing safe and sustainable buildings
• complex project management
• small business planning.

This course will prepare you to work as a building designer or draftsperson in residential, industrial and commercial areas. After one year of industry experience, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a sole practitioner in Victoria, in Building Design (Architectural) and Building Design (Interior).

Career opportunities for building design professionals are varied. Upon graduation, you'll be ready for entry-level design positions in the building and architecture industry, and even in engineering.

Job prospects are good, with employment for architectural technicians and draftspeople expected to grow strongly over the next five years (Labour Market Insights).

The course is also an excellent pathway to other qualifications in fields such as architecture, building surveying, engineering, project management, town planning, or interior design.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.