Becoming a BDAV Member

Types of Membership

The BDAV has the following categories of membership:

	Member (Full)
	Member (Individual)
	Corporate Member
	Student Member
	Associate Member
	Fellow Member
	Life Member
	Honorary Member

Membership of the BDAV is personal and is held by individuals (except in the case of Corporate Membership, which is held by corporate entities).

Member (Full)

Membership to the BDAV is open to all building designers and architectural draftspersons who are principals of their own business, or who are employees employed by building design professionals. Such practitioners may be
involved in
- building design/drafting;
- interior design; or
- services design.

BDAV Members are entitled to the various services outlined in the section ‘Membership Services’.

The BDAV provides a structured Continuing Professional Development Program (CPD) and actively encourages Members to attend CPD programs on a regular basis by ensuring that costs associated with CPD seminars/workshops are kept to a minimum. Elevation to ‘Associate Member’ ranking is dependent upon attendance at CPD seminars.

Full Members have voting rights at Annual and Special General Meetings, and on issues requiring member comment that may be conducted electronically.

Member (Individual)

Persons working within a design practice who are not the owner of that practice, or persons working under the supervision of a registered building practitioner, may apply for Individual Membership to the BDAV. Such persons are entitled to most of the various services outlined in the section ‘Membership Services’, with the exception of:
- voting rights;
- website listings;
- some free-of-charge membership services such as the Design Office

Administration Handbook (Individual Members may subscribe to these types of services if desired).

Corporate Member

BDAV offers membership to corporate entities who provide products and services to the design sector and the building and construction industry.

Corporate Members are able to attend BDAV membership activities at Members’ rates and build up relationships with our Members through the various BDAV networking opportunities.

Corporate Members have the opportunity to be involved in sponsorship packages, should they so desire, to promote their products and services to the BDAV Membership.

Corporate Membership does not provide voting rights.

Student Member

Student membership is available to full time students who are enrolled in a recognised tertiary institution and who are studying the Diploma of Building Design & Drafting (or its equivalent, or a related course). Persons studying part-time, or at night, are not eligible for Student Membership.

Proof of enrolment is required from the tertiary institution.

Student membership does not provide voting rights.

Student Members have access to Student Section of the BDAV website, which contains information of relevance to students, including a Log Book of Experience, which students will find valuable for recording their practical experience undertaken during their studies. This will be invaluable in validating your experience and knowledge with prospective employers, clients or government agencies.

Student Members are also entitled to attend all BDAV activities, and
BDAV General Meetings, at Member rates. Some of these activities are
free-of-charge.

Student Members are also entitled to place a brief resume in the Positions Vacant section of this site for work experience and job opportunities.

Student Members may hold student membership for up to three years, or up to the time they commence employment, whichever comes first.

Other Membership Categories

Because of the eligibility requirements, the following categories of
Membership are available to existing Full Members only, and are not available
to new Members.

Associate Member

A person who has been a member of the BDAV for not less than three years, and has completed and complied with the prescribed Professional Development requirements as set out in the BDAV Rules & Constitution may make application to become an Associate Member of the Association.

Fellow Member

An Associate Member who has been a member of the BDAV for not less than seven years, and has completed and complied with the prescribed Professional Development requirements as set out in the BDAV Rules & Constitution may make application to become a Fellow of the Association.

Life Member

A Fellow of the Association who has been a Fellow of the BDAV for not less than five years, and has held continuous membership of the BDAV for not less than 15 years, and who has made a significant contribution to the Association and/or to the advancement of the building design profession may be considered for Life Membership of the Association upon being proposed for such membership by two members of the BDAV.

Honorary Members

A person may be admitted as an Honorary Member at the invitation of the Association and following a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Association. Such persons are usually those who have made a significant contribution to the Association and/or to the advancement of the profession of building design.