BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

The principle purpose of the BDA is to be recognised as the leading professional design force in the building industry.

The association offers fellowship, networking, service and leadership to its members, together with a platform for professional recognition. The BDA’s objectives are to promote and protect the interests of building designers and increase public awareness of the benefits of design excellence.

Members are bound by a Code of Ethics and encouraged to operate at the highest professional level at all times. To this end, the Association facilitates a continuing professional development program, for the benefit of its members. In addition, the association conducts annual design awards to promote excellence in building design.

The BDA is active in the development of education and training standards relevant to the building design profession and is now recognised by governments and educational institutions as the leading professional body for building designers in Australia

The BDA offers a number of different membership categories. There is a category to suit all persons involved in the building industry. These vary from State to State, but generally range from "Member" for those with their own practice, through to Associate, Affiliate, Student and Corporate. The "Chartered Member" category is reserved for members who have proved their capability of offering full building design services, including supervision and project management. The BDA recognises not only the formal qualifications of its members, but also their experience and expertise.

The BDA offers services to its members which can assist them to promote their business, improve their income and reduce their overheads.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:

1) Network with other building designers

Benefit from regular Trade and Professional Speakers. Chapters and Branches throughout Australia hold regular meetings.

2) Annual Conference

The National Conference is the highlight of the BDA year. Network with Building Designers Australia-wide.

3) National Building Design Awards

Participation in the annual design awards will promote your business. Winners from State Awards go on to compete in National BDAA design awards.

4) Consumer Awareness

BDA fosters consumer awareness and confidence in its members and actively promotes Building Designers to the public via the media and exhibitions.
The BDA runs a referral scheme - the public are now increasingly aware of the importance of using the services of a BDA member.
BDA Members may use the BDA name & logo on their business stationery and are entitled to use the appellation MBDA(state) after their name.

5) Professional Development Scheme

Regular seminars assist members to stay up to date with the rapid changes in the building industry

6) Insurance

Highly Competitive Professional Indemnity Insurance is available to members.

7) Regular BDA publications

The BDAA publishes our national magazine "The Designers Brief" quarterly . Most State Chapters also publish a newsletter or magazine at regular intervals.
Stay up to date with new laws, regulations and products.

8) BDA Documentation

Quality Assurance Package, Design Contracts
Fee Guidelines, Office Procedure Forms
Building Construction and Supervision Contracts

9) Discount Purchases

BDA offers discounts on Australian Standards and other publications

10) Legal Services

In some States, members benefit from advice through the BDA solicitors scheme and regular articles on copyright, contracts etc.

11) Special Interest Groups

Environment, Heritage, CAD, others

12) Education

BDA is active and vocal regarding education and training standards.

13) BDA support for members

BDA is active in lobbying governments on behalf of its members interests. BDA will protect the rights of building designers against restrictive trade practices. Members who become the subject of victimisation, suffer prejudice or are detrimentally affected by the actions of others are supported by the BDA.

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