Building Design

Love architecture? This diploma will start you on your career as a building designer, architectural technician or CAD Specialist Technician. Our industry-expert teachers will teach you to develop the theoretical and practical skills to produce high quality work using industry software and meeting all Australian compliances. You'll develop skills and knowledge in construction materials, 3D modellling, interpreting building codes for residential and commercial building design projects, sustainable design and contract documentation.

On completion of the Diploma of Building Design, you can choose to specialise in residential projects, including new buildings, heritage restorations, additions or renovations; or undertake commercial and industrial projects such as factories, motels, offices, restaurants, retail or service outlets and warehouses.

While industry placement is not a course requirement, CIT’s connections to industry may provide opportunities for students to undertake unpaid work placements.

  • Course Details
    Course/s

    Diploma of Building Design | CPP50911

    CRICOS: 081266C

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    1.5 years

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2022 Semester 1 (February)

    2023 Semester 1 (February)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Reid

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    2021-2022: $7,250 per semester

    Extra Fees:

    Material fees: $900 approx.
    Equipment kit: $220 approx.
    Printing costs: $10 approx. per week during each semester

  • *Please note - Course fees are listed in $AUD and are based on a semester rate. Total course cost will vary depending on semester start date. Small fee increases may happen annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. 2021 and 2022 fees subject to change.

  • Entry Requirements

    Academic requirements:

    • Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent) or Adult Entry with relevant practical work or other professional experience
    • A portfolio of work that demonstrates your aptitude for design. A portfolio may be either:
      • A collection of your own work from a range of activities and media types or
      • A collection of design solutions that you have found while researching this area of design, showing you have an understanding and appreciation of design basics. Images should be accompanied by a paragraph explaining why you appreciate the image/design. These may include: drawing, photography, painting, printmaking or graphic design projects. You may also focus on an artist, architect or designer whose work you enjoy.

    Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

    English requirements:

  • Course Subjects - Diploma

    Diploma of Building Design | CPP50911 – 17 subjects

    Core: Complete all 7 subjects

    • CPPBDN5008A Develop concepts for small-scale building design projects and finalise solutions with clients
    • CPPBDN5001A Research construction materials and methods for small-scale residential building design projects
    • CPPBDN5003A Research compliance requirements for small-scale residential building design projects
    • CPPBDN5011A Produce compliant client-approved working drawings for small-scale residential buildings
    • Studio small-scale building design
    • CPCCOHS2001A Apply OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
    • CPPBDN5005A Recommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projects

    Electives: Complete 10 of 14 subjects (Not all electives will be offered each semester)

    • CPCCSV5013A Apply principles of energy efficient design to buildings
    • CPPBDN5006A Consult with clients to produce approved small-scale building project design briefs
    • CPPACC5006A Apply ergonomic principles to accessible building design and fitout
    • CPPBDN5013A Develop and collaborate on building information models for small-scale building design projects
    • CPPBDN5007A Inspect and analyse sites and produce measured drawings for small-scale building design projects
    • CPPBDN5002A Research construction materials and methods for small-scale non-residential building design projects
    • CPPBDN5016A Produce and present rendered animations of 3-D models of small-scale building designs
    • CPPBDN5012A Produce and present 3-D models of small-scale building designs
    • CPPACC5011A Prepare a concept design for accessible building work
    • Studio non-residential
    • CPPBDN5017A Produce 2-D drawings for building design projects using CAD software
    • MSFID5020 Design residential interiors
    • MSFID50052  Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space
  • Likely Job Outcome

    Building designers are likely to work with architects, engineers and building companies to develop working drawings and building plans for new constructions and renovations. You will have the skills to start your own business on residential extensions, except construction type A building. This course provides pathways to further study at university that will enable you to become an architect.

  • Teaching Methods and Assessment

    Modes of study include:

    • Studios/Workshops: Opportunities are created for students to acquire a solid foundation in building design knowledge and skills through ‘hands-on’ practice
    • Project based instruction: Instruction intended to develop specific skills and knowledge within a building design context
    • Real and simulated industry briefs: to put the student’s learning into context
    • Lectures: Formal teaching sessions are used for audio/visual and oral delivery of principles and theories related to building design practice and design project management
    • Industry Exposure: Opportunities arising out of simulated work environments, industry guest lectures and local field trips are used to enrich learning
    • Cross disciplinary opportunities: to develop networks with Interior designers and builders
    • Tutorials: Individual and/or interactive small group sessions where discussion, analysis, extension and evaluation of student work takes place
    • Seminars: Presentations and group opportunities to discuss investigative work carried out by students, staff and/or guest lecturers
    • Excursions include, building projects on building sites, suppliers and manufacturers of building materials

    Students also have access to supplementary online (eLearn) resources to reinforce and extend classroom based learning. Online opportunities to work collaboratively and flexibly are also provided.

    Students will be assessed in the following ways:

    • Students participate in industry projects, complete assignments and projects
    • Assessment may be competency based or graded or a combination of the two
  • Pathways to Further Study

    CIT’s credit transfer arrangements can reduce the time and fees required to complete a bachelor degree at university. If you successfully complete your CIT qualification and gain entry into the university below, you will receive the following:

    University of Canberra (UC)

    • Diploma of Building Design (CPP50911) = 24 credit points (1 year) towards UC’s Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (ARB201)
    Diploma of Building Design
    2 years
    = 1.5 years of study
    ▼
    Optional degree pathway available