If you’re an interior designer in Victoria, look at the title block on your last set of drawings. Whose registration number appears on it?
For around 70 per cent of building permits in Victoria, it’s a builder’s. Until now, this arrangement has worked because design services have sat within the builder’s contract. But the Domestic Building Contracts Amendment Act 2025 changes that, removing the preparation of plans and specifications from the definition of domestic building work.
From 31 March 2027 at the latest, design becomes a standalone service, contracted directly with your client and supported by your own professional registration.
Today, fewer than five per cent of Victoria’s interior designers hold Building Design (Interior) registration. If you’re among the remaining 95 per cent, it’s time to consider what these changes mean for your practice and take steps to prepare.
Learn from someone who has done it
There’s plenty of commentary about the new regulations, but far less practical guidance from someone who has successfully navigated the registration process. That’s why the DIA has partnered with Carole Whiting, Director of Melbourne-based Studio Whiting. Having secured her own Building Design (Interior) registration with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), Carole understands firsthand what the process involves, what assessors are looking for and where applicants can encounter challenges.
Who it's for
Designers who currently document projects under a builder's or another designer's registration in Victoria
Practice principals and managers planning registration for their staff
Four sessions. Book the ones you need.
Make It Official is delivered online on Thursday evenings, from 6.00 to 8.00 pm AEDT. Each session is designed to stand alone, allowing you to attend those most relevant to your needs or complete the full series.
The Sessions
Session 1, Thursday 29 October: The Starting Block. Does this registration apply to you? What the category covers, what it doesn’t, and the path to holding it.
Session 2, Thursday 12 November: The Meat. Qualifications, experience, technical referees, the evidence portfolio, the exam and the interview.
Session 3, Thursday 19 November: The Roadblocks. Missing commercial projects, ineligible referees, thin portfolios. Where applications get stuck, and how to get them moving.
Session 4, Thursday 26 November: The Submission. Completing and lodging your application, so you lodge it once and lodge it right.
Your application, your questions
No two applications are the same. Carole will answer questions for the last half hour of each session to assist with your own situation: whether your qualification fits, which projects to put in your portfolio, or how to close a gap. Bring your questions.
Fees
| DIA members | Non-members | |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 only | $95 | $145 |
| Session 2, 3 or 4, each | $295 | $395 |
| All four sessions | $795 | $1,095 |
All prices plus GST and booking fee. Payment plans are available. DIA members save $300 on the full series, and DIA Accredited Designers earn 16 CPD points for attending all four sessions.
Not a member? The $300 member saving goes a long way towards your membership. Join the DIA and support our important work here.
For DIA Accredited Designers, attendance at this series is worth 16 CPD Points for the full course or 4 CPD points per session.
The clock is already running
Registration takes time. You’ll need your qualifications, two years of documented experience, a portfolio featuring at least three sets of drawings, referee reports, and to complete an exam and interview. With March fast approaching, the time to start preparing is now.
Make It Official gives you the practical guidance and confidence to navigate the process and take the next step towards putting your own name and registration number on your work.