WHAT WE BELIEVE
Empowering Young Designers to Connect, Create, and Change the World.
Visionary Design Academy is a one-of-a-kind structured design and innovation education platform, empowering young learners to grow from imagination to real capability, and from creative curiosity to future-ready professional potential.
To nurture a generation of young creators who can understand the world through design, innovate with purpose, and confidently shape their own futures. We envision a future where every learner has access to a structured, research-informed design education that connects imagination with innovation, enabling them to become capable, confident future contributors to society, industry, and the world.
Our Vision
To provide a structured and academically grounded design-innovation pathway that builds real creative capability, future-ready skills, and long-term potential for learners aged 5–18. Our goal is to ensure that every learner can access an inspiring, empowering and future-ready design education that prepares them to learn design, shape futures, and make a meaningful contribution.
Our Mission
Our Values
Growth Through Structure
Young people thrive when learning is sequenced, intentional, and academically grounded.
Innovation with Integrity
Creativity with Purpose
Respect for Individual Potential
Real-World Relevance
Design is more than decoration; it is a tool of understanding the world and shaping meaningful change.
We nurture curiosity, courage, and ethical decision-making in every learning stage.
Every learner grows at their own pace; we teach with care, understanding, and high expectations.
Everything we teach connects imagination to meaningful impact.
OUR STORY
VDA was founded by a group of passionate educators and industry professionals who recognised a core problem in real life:
What kind of talent does the world truly need, and how can we help children apply what they learn to real situations, understand genuine needs, and solve meaningful problems by using their creativity and innovation with purpose?
This question led us to realise that a true academic learning pathway must begin much earlier in a child’s development. So we built a clear, coherent, and structured long-term system of learning that grows with the learner.
At the heart of our work is a simple purpose: to help every young creator learn, grow, and design their own future. We believe that children should not only make projects, but also learn to understand the world through design and use their creativity with intention and purpose.
ART & DESIGN LOGIC
REAL-WORLD
Solve
Design thinking
Real problems
VDA’s course structure is built around the DICE (Design, Innovation, Creativity, Education) Programs, designed to cultivate design thinking through a structured learning pathway. Students will learn to observe life, understand needs, and solve real-world problems through creative thinking in the VDA learning journey.
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VDA COURSE STRUCTURE
Bubble Creators
AGES 5 - 8
DICE Programs
AGES 7 - 18
Holiday Programs
AGES 5 - 18
Workshops
AGES 5 - 18
Design. Innovation. Creativity. Education.
ABOUT DICE
A structured, age-appropriate, progressive pathway from ages 5 - 18.
Created with global education insights and real industry practice, the DICE pathway helps students turn imagination into innovation and then into real-world impact. It guides learners as they move from creative generalists, to emerging talents with real capability, and eventually to young professionals ready for the future.
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Students progress through a structured journey from primary to pre-tertiary levels, building solid skills in fashion, digital media, architecture and emerging technologies.
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We go beyond design techniques, cultivating self-expression, process thinking, problem-solving and teamwork, which are essential skills for the future.
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Students create with professional tools and produce portfolio-ready work, with every term contributing to meaningful creative growth.
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DICE prepares students not only for creative fields but empowers them with critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation skills for any path they choose.
What makes DICE different?
DICE LEARNING PATHWAY
DICE is organised into four age-appropriate learning stages and four design streams, allowing students to explore broadly, grow with intention and gradually discover the direction that best fits their strengths. By the final stage, learners develop practical, industry-relevant capabilities and are equipped to step confidently into the world as capable young creators and emerging professionals.
1
Mini Makers
Ages 7 - 10
Introduces foundational
skills in design.
2
Junior
Ages 10 - 12
Expands on creativity with exploration projects.
3
Ages 12 - 15
Intermediate
Learners deepen technical skills, and start to form their personal creative identity.
4
Ages 16 - 18
Pro
Prepares students for real-world design
challenges.
DICE FOUR DESIGN STREAMS
FASHION & ACCESSORY DESIGN
Explore garment construction, textile design and creative styling.
DIGITAL & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Learn graphic design, animation, visual storytelling, branding, and digital tools.
CREATIVE CODING
Create animations, interactive art, generative visuals, and games with creative coding.
SPATIAL & ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Learn fundamentals of spatial design, model-making, and architectural thinking.
VDA LEARNING JOURNEY
VDA’s learning journey is built around the DICE core curriculum, supported by Bubble Creators as the early entry program, a range of short holiday programs, and our Skill Labs for specialised skill development. Together, these form a structured, age-appropriate and progressive learning pathway that guides learners from ages 5 to 18 through meaningful stages of growth.
1
Bubble Creators
AGED 5 - 8
Exploration Level
2
DICE Mini Makers
AGED 7 - 10
Exploration Level
3
DICE Junior
AGED 10 - 12
Skill Level
4
DICE Intermediate
AGED 12 - 15
Talent Level
5
DICE Pro
AGED 16 - 18
Professional Level
Process
Students begin with Exploration, where they discover creativity and learn to observe the world. They then move into Skill, where foundational abilities in design, technology and innovation are developed with greater intention. As they progress into the Talent stage, learners start to identify their strengths, deepen their capability and work with increasing independence. The journey culminates in the Professional stage, where students apply their creativity and knowledge in real contexts, gaining the practical confidence and emerging professional skills needed for their future.
Through the VDA learning journey, students develop
Creativity & Imagination
Design-thinking Capability
Teamwork & Communication
Digital & Technical Fluency
Resilience & Confidence
Real-world Understanding
A Personal Design Identity
Pathways for Further Study & Future Careers
MEET THE TEAM
Our team is made up of passionate educators, designers, and industry professionals who bring a diverse range of skills and creative experience. Together, we’re dedicated to inspiring the next generation of young creatives through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world insight.
Dr. Megha Bakshi
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Dr. Megha Bakshi is a passionate educator and seasoned vocational trainer with over 8 years of experience in Fashion Technology, Visual Merchandising, Pattern Making, and Garment Construction. She holds a Ph.D. in Fashion Technology, with expertise in designing engaging teaching methods and delivering robust programs, Dr. Bakshi excels in fostering creativity and innovation among undergraduate and postgraduate students.
She has a proven track record of developing structured curriculums, mentoring aspiring designers, and contributing to industry-focused workshops and exhibitions. Her research on sustainable textiles and the impact of fashion on education highlights her commitment to advancing the field while nurturing the next generation of fashion professionals. She is here to sew ideas into reality-one stitch at a time.
Iris Wong
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Iris is an accomplished graduate of RMIT University, excelling in her degree in Architectural Design and Construction Design.
With strong skills in drafting, 3D rendering, and model-making, Iris combines technical precision with creative innovation. Her passion for fashion and accessory design also shines through, as she crafts unique merchandise for the trading industry.
At Visionary Design Academy, Iris is dedicated to guiding young learners and supporting senior designers. Her creativity, knowledge, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable mentor, inspiring the next generation of designers.
Lachlan Miles
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Lachlan Miles is a talented digital designer and proud graduate of RMIT, specialising in graphic design, UI, and UX. With a passion for blending innovation and aesthetics, Lachlan brings a youthful energy and creative perspective to VDA, constantly pushing boundaries to deliver fresh, impactful designs. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of creators, Lachlan strives to share his vision and expertise, helping young minds embrace the ever-evolving world of digital design.
Lachlan has been recognised for excellence and creativity, winning several prestigious RMIT awards for design. His deep understanding of graphic design, UI, and UX allows him to not only create innovative digital experiences but also guide aspiring designers toward success. With a passion for mentorship, Lachlan is committed to helping students excel, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of digital design.
Yumi Wang
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Yumi Wang is a fashion designer and instructor with a background in styling, experimental making, and narrative-driven design. A graduate of RMIT University, her work has been showcased at Melbourne Fashion Week, the iD Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards, and the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, with features in VOGUE Australia.
Her practice explores unconventional pairings - luxury craft with second-hand garments, tailoring with subcultural influences, and digital art with tactile handwork - revealing new expressions through contrast. Passionate about mentoring, Yumi is dedicated to helping emerging designers experiment boldly, refine their voice, and engage confidently with an evolving creative landscape.
Jacqueline Huang
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Jacqueline is a marketing and customer assistance which aims to build a friendly relationship with the customers of VDA.
She held a degree with majoring in media and communications in Melbourne University. With experience in teaching and customer services, she is dedicated to support anyone that has queries regarding the system of VDA.
Bertha Chiou
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Bertha brings a strong foundation in education and enterprise development, holding a Bachelor of Education in LOTE and a Master of Education in Marketing and Program Development.
She is highly skilled in designing and developing structured programs and materials across LOTE, ELICOS, and Design Programs for children and youth.
Her expertise includes implementing Australian education programs globally, such as Foundation Programs, VCE, VET, and Australian University-Articulated 2 + 1 programs. She has extensive experience managing RTOs and leading international educational projects, including teacher training and career development initiatives.
With a proven track record in global enterprise management, particularly in the Furniture and Home Design merchandise R&D, sourcing, production, and trading industries, Bertha’s strategic vision and innovative leadership drive the growth and success of GVD and VDA. She is dedicated to fostering creativity, inspiring future generations, and advancing global business development in education and design.
Student Support
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The Student Support Team at VDA is the backbone of our learner community, ensuring every student feels guided, valued, and empowered throughout their creative journey.
Our dedicated staff provide personalised assistance across enrolment, wellbeing, and academic support, helping students navigate both the practical and emotional aspects of design education. From answering day-to-day queries to offering tailored guidance, the team ensures each learner has the tools and confidence to succeed.
Beyond individual support, the Student Support Team builds a connected community through workshops, check-ins, and proactive engagement. By fostering a safe and inclusive environment, they ensure that every student can focus on growth, creativity, and collaboration.
With student wellbeing and success at the core of their mission, the team plays a vital role in shaping VDA’s reputation as a caring, future-focused hub for the next generation of designers.
IT Support
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The Technology & Innovation Team (IT Team) at VDA is the driving force behind our EdTech advancements. Our experts in software development, AI, data security, and digital learning create smart, user-friendly systems to enhance design education.
We’ve built the VDA Learning Hub, an advanced learning management system (LMS) with AI-driven assessments and real-time progress tracking. Our team also ensures cybersecurity and IP protection, safeguarding VDA’s digital content.
With a solid tech foundation in place, we are expanding our digital learning solutions to support global growth, making VDA a leader in technology-driven education for young designers.