Advance your career in building design with this high-level qualification. This course is perfect for people interested in becoming a draftsperson or building designer and who need a Low Rise or Medium Rise Building Design licence.
CPP50911 Diploma of Building Design
Progress your career as a building designer or draftsperson with this advanced qualification from TAFE Queensland. This course meets the technical requirements for you to apply for a Building Design - Low Rise or Building Design - Medium Rise licence.
Greater need for advanced technical skills in building and construction has resulted in high demand for building and surveying technicians. The number of job openings for qualified people in this area is expected to be up to 50,000 in the next five years.
In this course you will learn specialist skills in building design for residential and small-scale commercial projects. You will learn to understand client needs to develop building design concepts and create sustainable design solutions. Utilising a suite of software programs for computer-aided drafting (CAD) and presentation, you will produce and present drawings and models. Our industry-expert teachers will ensure you develop the theoretical and practical skills to produce high quality work that complies with occupational health and safety and building code requirements.
Successful completion of this course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to enter the building design industry and allow you to apply for your Low Rise and Medium Rise Building Design licences.
TAFE Queensland's partnerships with Australia's top universities means you will be credited for your time with us if you decide to upgrade your qualification. Successful completion of your Diploma of Building Design will qualify you for credit towards a building design degree with Queensland University of Technology, Central Queensland University or Griffith University.
Double your qualifications and career prospects with a double award in building and interior design. Offered at our South Bank and Nambour campuses the Diploma of Building Design / Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration (CPP50911 / MSF50213) will set you up for a hands-on career helping to bring buildings to life. Learn more
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 10 elective units from the list below.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
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CPPBDN5001AResearch construction materials and methods for small-scale residential building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5001A Unit description: This unit covers the development of an understanding of the range of construction materials and methods available and their application, performance and interaction. |
Research construction materials and methods for small-scale residential building design projects | |
CPPBDN5003AResearch compliance requirements for small-scale residential building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5003A Unit description: This unit covers research into local, state and federal government legislation and policies relating to planning and the environment, including zoning, and analysis of requirements in relation to client preferences and prospective design proposals. |
Research compliance requirements for small-scale residential building design projects | |
CPPBDN5005ARecommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5005A Unit description: This unit covers reviewing site conditions, evaluating sustainability options, and recommending cost-effective options for sustainability to clients in order to meet compliance requirements and client preferences. |
Recommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projects | |
CPPBDN5008ADevelop concepts for small-scale building design projects and finalise solutions with clientsUnit code: CPPBDN5008A Unit description: This unit covers presenting concepts to clients, negotiating changes, and preparing client-approved concept sketches and models as a basis for the ongoing design process. |
Develop concepts for small-scale building design projects and finalise solutions with clients | |
CPPBDN5009AProduce compliant client-approved designs for small-scale building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5009A Unit description: This unit covers the application of creative design skills, knowledge of human lifestyles and cycles, knowledge of safe and sustainable construction materials and methods, and includes consultation and collaboration with technical experts such as structural engineers. |
Produce compliant client-approved designs for small-scale building design projects | |
CPPBDN5011AProduce compliant client-approved working drawings for small-scale residential buildingsUnit code: CPPBDN5011A Unit description: This unit covers liaising with the client and relevant authority to finalise the building approval process. |
Produce compliant client-approved working drawings for small-scale residential buildings | |
CPCCOHS2001AApply OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industryUnit code: CPCCOHS2001A Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to carry out OHS requirements through safe work practices at any on or off-site construction workplace. It requires the performance of work in a safe manner through awareness of risks and work requirements, and the planning and performance of safe work practices with concern for personal safety and the safety of others. |
Apply OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
Greater Brisbane | ||
CPCCSV5012AAssess timber-framed designs for one and two storey buildingsUnit code: CPCCSV5012A Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to select structural members for a timber-framed domestic building up to and including two storeys. It includes the evaluation of plans and specifications, and selection of structural members for ceiling and roof framing, timber wall frames, timber stumps, floor bearers and joists. It requires compliance with all relevant legislation, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian standards. |
Assess timber-framed designs for one and two storey buildings | |
CPPBDN5002AResearch construction materials and methods for small-scale non-residential building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5002A Unit description: This unit covers the development of an understanding of the range of construction materials and methods available and their application, performance and interaction. |
Research construction materials and methods for small-scale non-residential building design projects | |
CPPBDN5004AResearch compliance requirements for small-scale non-residential building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5004A Unit description: This unit covers research into local, state and federal government legislation and policies relating to planning and the environment, including zoning and analysis of requirements in relation to client preferences and prospective design proposals. |
Research compliance requirements for small-scale non-residential building design projects | |
CPPBDN5006AConsult with clients to produce approved small-scale building project design briefsUnit code: CPPBDN5006A Unit description: This unit covers researching and presenting information that may affect the clients' requirements, preferences and budget; applying knowledge of construction materials and methods; offering and negotiating creative design solutions; and developing a client-approved design brief for the new building design project. |
Consult with clients to produce approved small-scale building project design briefs | |
CPPBDN5007AInspect and analyse sites and produce measured drawings for small-scale building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5007A Unit description: This unit covers analysing sites; determining orientation and layout of building, access and egress points, and existing utilities and services infrastructure; and producing measured drawings. |
Inspect and analyse sites and produce measured drawings for small-scale building design projects | |
CPPBDN5012AProduce and present 3-D models of small-scale building designsUnit code: CPPBDN5012A Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to produce three-dimensional (3-D) models for building design projects covered by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), except construction Type A buildings. It also covers demonstrating and discussing the representations with clients and stakeholders. |
Produce and present 3-D models of small-scale building designs | |
CPPBDN5013ADevelop and collaborate on building information models for small-scale building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5013A Unit description: This unit covers adding and adjusting values of components of building designs, collaborating with consultants and contractors from other disciplines, working live within the model alongside other disciplines and creating project documentation using modelling software programs. |
Develop and collaborate on building information models for small-scale building design projects | |
CPPBDN5015AProduce compliant client-approved working drawings for non-residential buildingsUnit code: CPPBDN5015A Unit description: This unit covers liaising with the client and relevant authority to finalise the building approval process. |
Produce compliant client-approved working drawings for non-residential buildings | |
MSFID5014Use CAD applications to complete models and documentation for interior design projectsUnit code: MSFID5014 Unit description: This unit of competency covers using computer-aided design (CAD) applications to produce models and documentation for interior decoration and design projects to meet client and project brief requirements. It applies to the development of 2-D and 3-D drawings that incorporate all standard practice notations and drawing protocols. |
Use CAD applications to complete models and documentation for interior design projects | |
CUVGRD504ACreate and manipulate graphicsUnit code: CUVGRD504A Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create and manipulate graphics by using a combination of creative design skills and technical software proficiency. |
Create and manipulate graphics | |
Gold Coast | ||
CPCCBC4015APrepare specifications for all construction worksUnit code: CPCCBC4015A Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to prepare specifications, using standard forms of specification as a basis. The preparation of a clearly understood specification for construction works requires establishing the level of detail required and identifying all the inherent contractual obligations. The capacity to develop specifications, that may range from outline to detailed specifications and which conform to National Specification System of Australia (NATSPEC) or other industry standards, is required. The specifications may stipulate materials, quality of work and project timelines. In order to achieve the outcomes for this unit, knowledge of relevant industry legislation and standards, and the ability to research information and communicate well with clients are required. |
Prepare specifications for all construction works | |
CPPBDN5004AResearch compliance requirements for small-scale non-residential building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5004A Unit description: This unit covers research into local, state and federal government legislation and policies relating to planning and the environment, including zoning and analysis of requirements in relation to client preferences and prospective design proposals. |
Research compliance requirements for small-scale non-residential building design projects | |
CPPBDN5002AResearch construction materials and methods for small-scale non-residential building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5002A Unit description: This unit covers the development of an understanding of the range of construction materials and methods available and their application, performance and interaction. |
Research construction materials and methods for small-scale non-residential building design projects | |
CPPBDN5006AConsult with clients to produce approved small-scale building project design briefsUnit code: CPPBDN5006A Unit description: This unit covers researching and presenting information that may affect the clients' requirements, preferences and budget; applying knowledge of construction materials and methods; offering and negotiating creative design solutions; and developing a client-approved design brief for the new building design project. |
Consult with clients to produce approved small-scale building project design briefs | |
CPPBDN5007AInspect and analyse sites and produce measured drawings for small-scale building design projectsUnit code: CPPBDN5007A Unit description: This unit covers analysing sites; determining orientation and layout of building, access and egress points, and existing utilities and services infrastructure; and producing measured drawings. |
Inspect and analyse sites and produce measured drawings for small-scale building design projects | |
CPPBDN5012AProduce and present 3-D models of small-scale building designsUnit code: CPPBDN5012A Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to produce three-dimensional (3-D) models for building design projects covered by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), except construction Type A buildings. It also covers demonstrating and discussing the representations with clients and stakeholders. |
Produce and present 3-D models of small-scale building designs | |
CPPBDN5015AProduce compliant client-approved working drawings for non-residential buildingsUnit code: CPPBDN5015A Unit description: This unit covers liaising with the client and relevant authority to finalise the building approval process. |
Produce compliant client-approved working drawings for non-residential buildings | |
CPPBDN5017AProduce 2-D drawings for building design projects using CAD softwareUnit code: CPPBDN5017A Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to produce two-dimensional (2-D) drawings for residential, commercial and industrial building design projects using computer-aided design (CAD) software. |
Produce 2-D drawings for building design projects using CAD software | |
CPCCBC4012BRead and interpret plans and specificationsUnit code: CPCCBC4012B Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to read and interpret plans and specifications applicable to low rise residential and commercial projects in order to inform estimation, planning and supervisory activities. |
Read and interpret plans and specifications | |
CPCCSV5012AAssess timber-framed designs for one and two storey buildingsUnit code: CPCCSV5012A Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to select structural members for a timber-framed domestic building up to and including two storeys. It includes the evaluation of plans and specifications, and selection of structural members for ceiling and roof framing, timber wall frames, timber stumps, floor bearers and joists. It requires compliance with all relevant legislation, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian standards. |
Assess timber-framed designs for one and two storey buildings | |
Other | ||
BSBSMB401Establish legal and risk management requirements of small businessUnit code: BSBSMB401 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess and prioritise risks and identify and comply with all regulations affecting the business. |
Establish legal and risk management requirements of small business | |
CPCCBC4015APrepare specifications for all construction worksUnit code: CPCCBC4015A Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to prepare specifications, using standard forms of specification as a basis. The preparation of a clearly understood specification for construction works requires establishing the level of detail required and identifying all the inherent contractual obligations. The capacity to develop specifications, that may range from outline to detailed specifications and which conform to National Specification System of Australia (NATSPEC) or other industry standards, is required. The specifications may stipulate materials, quality of work and project timelines. In order to achieve the outcomes for this unit, knowledge of relevant industry legislation and standards, and the ability to research information and communicate well with clients are required. |
Prepare specifications for all construction works | |
CPPBDN5014AContribute to construction and building design project finalisation processesUnit code: CPPBDN5014A Unit description: This unit covers supporting the construction process, conducting defect inspections of buildings, and communicating with the builder regarding defects on behalf of the client. It also covers finalising and archiving the design project and reviewing processes and outcomes to inform improved quality assurance. |
Contribute to construction and building design project finalisation processes |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools.
Campus | START DATES![]() |
Duration | WorkLoad![]() |
STUDY MODE![]() |
COST![]() |
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Eagle Farm | Anytime | 6 months per unit | Self-paced | Mixed mode | Full fee: $12,240 |
Campus | START DATES![]() |
Duration | WorkLoad![]() |
STUDY MODE![]() |
COST![]() |
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Coomera | 15 July 2019 | 1.5 years | Full time 2.5 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $14,280 Subsidised: $11,650 Concession: $11,650 |
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students studying full time should allow up to 16 hours per week of personal study time to complete the course requirements.
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, and interact with your teacher using online video or web conferencing tools. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes.
START DATES![]() |
Duration | WorkLoad![]() |
COST![]() |
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Anytime | up to 4 years | Part time 15 hours per week | Full fee: $12,240 |
For most online courses study is structured into fixed intakes that have set durations of 12 weeks from the study commencement date. You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. To ensure you can manage your study load, we recommend limiting your workload to no more than 2 units of competency per intake. In some circumstances, you may be required/able to complete 3 units per intake.
Other online courses such as nursing have different intakes, durations, and workload structures.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathwaysNo matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Applying for a course does not guarantee you a place in that course. Your place is only guaranteed once you enrol into units. Enrolling means that you are committing yourself to study, and to paying the associated fees. The tuition fees and applicable charges are required to be paid at enrolment or by scheduled instalment dates either by yourself, a nominated third party (e.g. your employer), or as identified within a contract for delivery of TAFE Queensland training.
This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Domestic Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to Domestic Students:
It is highly recommended that you have:-
International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International Students:
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
You must also have access to a CAD or gaming quality computer. Windows machines are ideal as Autodesk programs are not available native to Mac machines. A dual boot system may be used, but there are known issues and no technical support offered for this by TAFE Queensland. Autodesk programs (Revit and AutoCad) can be downloaded for free as educational version. Required Adobe programs and Sketchup are available on campus, but it is recommended that you purchase your own copies to assist in completion of project and assessment work. More information will be supplied after enrolment or during orientation, as this software can be purchased after enrolment to access a student discount price.
You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.
You will also be required to have access to and bring to class some building design resources and a portable external hard drive (no USBs). Details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. Please note: the purchase of these items may incur additional costs of approximately $640.
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways