Building Designers use their creative skills and technical building knowledge to produce practical, affordable and sustainable solutions to bring their client’s ideas to reality. They draft, design and produce working drawings and specifications for a wide range of projects and may specialise in residential, commercial, public or industrial projects including new buildings and renovations.
Qualification
Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway – Para Professional) / Certificate IV in Residential Drafting / Diploma of Building Design
Sector
Residential / Commercial
What does a typical day look like?
Your day may include:
- Interpreting drawings and blueprints for building projects
- Using computer aided design software to create and produce designs, detailed drawings and other documentation
- Understand planning and building standards and ensure compliance with regulations
- Communicate effectively with various people including the client, the Building Contractor and local government authorities as required
- May work indoors when designing and drawing or outdoors for site inspections
- Usually, full time hours but occasional weekend work or work after hours may be required
Skills and personal qualities
- Problem solving skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Creative thinking and artistic
- Interest in new technologies and trends
- Good organizational and time management skills
- Careful, methodical and accurate approach to work
How to get started
Entry to this occupation is by completion of a pre-apprenticeship course to gain a Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway – Para Professional). Other courses offered in Western Australia to become qualified are a Certificate IV in Residential Drafting and a Diploma of Building Design.
Future Pathways and opportunities
- Business owner
- Senior position in a construction firm ie Construction Manager, Project Manager
- Building Inspector