Meet Our Latest Diploma Graduate

Meet Craig, Built Form Design Academy’s most recent graduate of the CPP50911 Diploma of Building Design. He achieved the qualification through a combination of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), industry experience, and some online study to fill the gaps in the qualification.

How did he get started in the building design industry?

Craig originally worked in building construction, he became a licenced builder in the 1990s. Around this time, he caught the design bug while working on the design of a home for his family.

After planning, drawing up and building the house – he continued to create designs for friends and family. Then several years ago, he decided that he wanted to put down the tools and work towards creating a full time career as a building designer.

Why did he apply for RPL?

After working for a couple of decades in both construction and design, Craig had on the job experience satisfying most of the competencies required by units in the Diploma.

RPL allowed him to focus on continuing to run his own design business – and study only the subjects where he had gaps in his knowledge and skills.

Why did he choose BFDA for RPL?

Before talking to BFDA – Craig had approached a larger institution about RPL and was unimpressed with their lack of interest in identifying how his industry experience could be matched up with elements of competency in the qualifications units. His described his experience being a ‘number in a machine’.

He decided to apply for Full RPL with BFDA for the individual attention provided by the small RTO. Craig felt that staff were invested in making the application process a pleasant and satisfying experience.

Was collecting information for RPL difficult?

Craig noted that collecting evidence together to demonstrate competency was easier than having to under-take an entire qualification!

BFDA identified where there were requirements for further evidence and advised Craig on what types of documents or drawings he would need to provide to demonstrate competency.

BFDA also identified units that he could study online to fill the gaps in his competency for the qualification.

What are his plans for the future?

Craig plans to utilise his qualification to become an accredited building designer with the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA).

He wants to continue to grow his design practice and continue to work on projects that challenge his creativity and expand on his design skills and knowledge.

What did he think of his experience applying for RPL and studying at BFDA?

Quoting a Facebook review by Craig:

‘It’s such a relief to be dealing with a training organisation that adds that personal touch that the well-known alternatives don’t offer. Dealing with Teresa and Vanessa has been a pleasure, to be able speak with them directly, to have that support and not be just a number has made a huge difference to my training experience.
Can’t speak highly enough about BFDA.’

• Image1: Craig proudly holding his CPP5011 Diploma of Building Design 
• Image 2: Project designed by Craig’s Building Design company Draftworx