REPRESENTATION: BDAWA works strongly at a local and state government level lobbying on behalf of its members, to protect the rights of building designers against restrictive trade practices. Over the past two decades, BDAWA has actively represented building designers on a number of key WA State Government and industry peak bodies. BDAWA is recognised by industry and government as a significant voice in the building industry and is a prominent player in the decision-making process to frame proposed legislation for accreditation and registration of building designers (Building Act).

REPUTATION: BDAWA is highly regarded as the prime professional body of the building design industry in WA. Its members share a common interest, are required to observe the constitution and rules of the association at all times and are bound by a code of ethics which promotes exemplary professional ideals. The association encourages the pursuit of design excellence and actively markets the benefits of good building design to the public. The association is active in the development of education and training standards relevant to the building design profession and is recognised by governments and educational institutions as the premier voice of the industry in WA.

RECOGNITION: BDAWA is renowned as a leading influence in the achievement of design excellence on both a state and interstate level. Each year, BDAWA runs a highly successful design awards competition which enables members to proudly showcase their work to peers, government agencies, industry suppliers, manufacturers and the public. The awards competition culminates in a gala evening where finalists and winners are announced.
Coverage of the BDAWA awards is well recorded in the print and electronic media, and many members who have won have attributed the growth of their practices to their awards successes. Category winners qualify to represent their state on a national level at the annual BDAA awards.
BDAWA consistently claims the majority of national awards. BDAWA members have won the major Design Excellence Award eight times in 13 years.
BDAWA works hard to promote the achievements of its members in the media. Their successes are regularly featured in the Sunday Times, The West Australian, Community Newspaper Group and state and national magazines. Internationally, BDA awards are being recognised by major publications and spreading through affiliations in the USA, Great Britain and New Zealand.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE: Being a BDAWA member provides a professional profile. If clients choose a BDAWA member they know they can be confident that their designer is kept up to date with ever changing regulations, products and methods and is a member of a professional industry association. BDAWA full members may use the BDAWA name and logo on their business stationery and are entitled to use the appellation MBDAWA after their name.

NATIONAL PUBLICATION: Members receive a high quality quarterly national publication, Building Designers BRIEF Australia, which is packed with issues, information and updates specific to building designers.

NETWORKING: Networking with fellow building designers is the best way to find out what’s happening in the industry - particularly for sole traders. Sundowners and professional development days provide an excellent opportunity to chat with colleagues, while providing essential industry updates and reassurance that you are not on your own.

COMMUNICATION: Communication platforms, such as our BDAWA website’s live chat room, members’ forum and associated links, provide a conduit to keep members informed and up to date with all industry activities, requirements and trends.

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE: Highly competitive professional indemnity insurance is available to all BDAWA members – and a further reduced rate is available to those members who have accrued professional development points. Advice on risk management and answers to any questions on the available and recommended levels of professional indemnity insurance cover are readily available to all BDAWA members.

LEGAL SERVICES: BDAWA members benefit from advice through solicitors, Wright Stell Lawyers, who have been strong supporters of the BDAA for many years. A free telephone advisory service, and a comprehensive suite of services and discounts, is available to BDA members Australia-wide.

EDUCATION: The BDAWA provides well-structured professional development programs which present informative seminars on a range of issues. These programs not only help members to keep up to date with rapid changes in the building industry, they also enable members to accrue professional development points in readiness for registration in the near future.
BDAWA is active and vocal in the development of education and training standards, and in conjunction with Central TAFE Leederville conducts a mentor program which enables second year Diploma of Architecture and Technical Design students to be mentored by BDAWA members. BDAWA is acknowledged as an association that takes a genuineinterest in students who are studying Building Design and Drafting. The mentor program helps students to get a better understanding of how the industry operates and provides them with valuable advice from experienced industry practitioners.