CAD Design Academy Β· Architecture Essentials
Master NZ Residential Architecture & Design
From beginner to confident practitioner β ArchiCAD, NZ Building Code, consents, BIM, sustainable design and professional practice, all in one comprehensive online programme.
20
Modules
152
Lessons
~80
Hours
ArchiCAD
+ AI Tools
Lifetime Access Β· NZ-Focused Content
Created by Sophie β NZ Architectural Designer & Founder of CAD Consultants Ltd Β· 15+ Years Industry Experience Β· LBP Licensed
What You'll Master
6 core skill areas covered across 20 structured modules β from your first line in ArchiCAD to running your own practice.
ArchiCAD Software Mastery
2D drafting, 3D modelling, BIM, and visualisation β from fundamentals to advanced workflows
NZ Building Code & Regulations
NZBC clauses B1, E2, H1 and NZS 3604 β the key code you need for residential consent
Building Consent Documentation
Consent-ready working drawings, producer statements, and council submission workflows
Sustainable & Passive Design
H1 energy compliance, solar orientation, passive solar principles, and sustainable cladding systems
AI Tools in Architecture
Practical AI workflows for design, documentation, and client communication β tools used in practice today
Professional Practice & LBP
Client fees, LBP licensing, practice management, site meetings, and building your portfolio
Full Course Curriculum
20 modules Β· 152 lessons Β· approximately 80 hours of structured learning
MODULE 1 β Welcome to the NZ Design Profession (8 lessons)
MODULE 2 β Drawing Fundamentals for NZ Practice (8 lessons)
MODULE 3 β ArchiCAD Tips and Tricks (9 lessons)
MODULE 4 β ArchiCAD for 3D Design (6 lessons)
MODULE 5 β NZ Building Regulations & Consent (8 lessons)
MODULE 6 β Residential Design Process (7 lessons)
MODULE 7 β BIM with ArchiCAD for NZ Practice (7 lessons)
MODULE 8 β NZBC Key Clauses Deep-Dive (7 lessons)
MODULE 9 β NZS 3604 Timber Framing (8 lessons)
MODULE 10 β Building Consent Documentation (7 lessons)
MODULE 11 β Visualisation with ArchiCAD (6 lessons)
MODULE 12 β NZ Cladding Systems (8 lessons)
MODULE 13 β Passive Solar & Sustainable Design (7 lessons)
MODULE 14 β Tikanga MΔori Design Principles (6 lessons)
MODULE 15 β AI Tools in Architecture & Design (6 lessons)
MODULE 16 β LBP Design Licensing (6 lessons)
MODULE 17 β Client Communication & Fee Proposals (7 lessons)
MODULE 18 β Running a Design Practice (6 lessons)
MODULE 19 β Site Meetings & Construction Administration (7 lessons)
MODULE 20 β Portfolio Development & Career Pathways (7 lessons)
Choose Your Learning Path
All tiers include lifetime access to all 20 modules and 152 lessons. Upgrade anytime.
Your Instructor
Sophie β Architectural Designer & Educator
Sophie is the founder of CAD Consultants Ltd, a Christchurch based NZ residential architectural design practice, and creator of the CAD Design Academy. With 15+ years of hands-on experience in NZ residential design, consent documentation, and ArchiCAD, Sophie has built this programme to give you exactly what the profession actually requires β no textbook theory, just practical, real-world NZ design skills.
β 15+ years NZ residential architectural design experience
β LBP Licensed Building Practitioner (Design)
β Founder, CAD Consultants Ltd
β ArchiCAD specialist and AI design workflow pioneer
β Hundreds of NZ homes through consent and construction
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
How much time do I need each week?
What software do I need?
Is this course accredited or NZQA-recognised?
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Is this course right for me if I'm completely new to architecture?
Ready to Master NZ Residential Design?
Enrol today and get immediate access to all 20 modules, 152 lessons, and a lifetime of updates.
Lifetime Access Β· Questions? academy@cadconsultantsltd.com
