Building Designer Accreditation

Building Designer Accreditation

Elevate Your Design Career 

Building Designer Accreditation ensures that professionals are fully equipped to meet the challenges of Australia’s dynamic built environment. With new laws and evolving codes, obtaining accreditation is more important than ever. It showcases your commitment to maintaining the highest standards in design, compliance, and sustainability. The Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) is dedicated to streamlining the accreditation process, offering a clear pathway for designers to become accredited professionals who shape the future of Australian architecture. Begin your journey toward professional recognition and credibility today.

Why Become Accredited?

Accreditation is a critical component in validating your expertise within the building design industry. It demonstrates your competence to clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies, providing the formal recognition needed to build trust and credibility in your work. Accreditation ensures that you are up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices, helping you navigate the evolving demands of the built environment.

In specific states like Tasmania, Queensland, and Victoria, accreditation is a mandatory requirement for building designers, and proof of accreditation is issued as a certified document. Additionally, in NSW, accreditation with the BDAA is required for those undertaking projects under the Low Rise Medium Density Complying Development Code. It is also a requirement for building designers in the child care industry, regulated by the NSW Department of Education. 

BDAA Accreditation is a valuable credential across the country and positions you as a leader in your field, demonstrating your commitment to the highest standards of design and sustainability.

 

 

Voluntary Accreditation

Setting New Industry Standards

In states where formal accreditation is not yet mandatory, BDAA offers a voluntary accreditation program to raise the standards of design documentation and professionalism. Voluntary accreditation allows building designers to showcase their commitment to excellence, industry standards, and continuous learning through the BDAA’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.

BDAA Accreditation is recognised by leading educational institutions, government bodies, and industry groups, ensuring that you have the skills and credibility to succeed in today’s competitive environment. It is also aligned with the national training package for building designers, ensuring the currency and relevance of your skills.

Levels of Building Designer Accreditation  

Low Rise Accreditation

 

Scope: Class 1 & 10 buildings, and Class 2-9 buildings up to 2 storeys with a floor area of 2,000m². Excludes Type A construction.

Open to: Designers focused on smaller, residential or low-rise commercial buildings.

 

Medium Rise Accreditation

 

Scope: Class 1 & 10 buildings, and Class 2-9 buildings up to a maximum of 3 storeys and a floor area of 2,000m². Includes 4-storey buildings with a ground-level car park.

Open to: Designers working on multi-story residential or commercial projects with mid-level complexity.

 

Open Rise Accreditation

 

Scope: Design and documentation of all classes and types of buildings as defined by the National Construction Code (NCC).

Open to: Experienced designers who work on large-scale, multi-story buildings across commercial and residential sectors.

 

How to Apply for Building Designer Accreditation

Follow our straightforward 5-step process to become an accredited building designer, ensuring that your skills, qualifications, and work meet the highest industry standards in Australia.

 

5 Steps to Success: Your Path to BDAA Accreditation

Get Started with the Accreditation Handbook

Begin your journey by downloading the handbook to choose the right accreditation level for your experience.

Fill Out Your Application Form
Complete the application form that matches your desired accreditation level—whether it’s Low Rise, Medium Rise, or Open.

Verify Your Work

Complete the Statutory Declaration of Authorship to confirm that the portfolio you’re submitting is your own.

Test Your Knowledge

An NCC Questionnaire to demonstrate your knowledge of the National Construction Code and ensure you are ready to practice to the highest standards will be forwarded to you for completion once you have lodged your application. 

Submit & Get Assessed

Submit your application, pay the fee, and let the BDAA assessors review your credentials and skills.