VDA fills a critical gap in early design education
How It All Started, VDA was born from a simple idea…
Our team is made up of passionate educators, and industry professionals
A game-changer in creative education.
ABOUT
US
As a Cultivating Interests Learning Centre, VDA fills a critical gap in early design education by offering immersive, hands-on programs that build foundational skills essential for success in both higher education and the design industry.
VDA was established in response to the growing need for structured design education that prepares young creatives for the future. Our goal is to ensure students develop not only their creativity but also the technical skills needed to succeed in tertiary studies and the broader design industry.
Through carefully crafted, age-appropriate programs, we foster creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on ability. Each course is designed to build confidence and capability, equipping students to thrive in a constantly evolving design landscape.
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To be a leading provider of structured design education for young learners, empowering the next generation of designers, innovators, and creative thinkers. VDA bridges the gap between early childhood learning and tertiary education in design, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a dynamic, fast-changing industry.
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Our mission is to provide a comprehensive design education that balances creativity, technical proficiency, and critical thinking. Through an engaging and progressive curriculum, we aim to inspire students to explore their individual strengths, develop confidence, and align their learning with future educational and industry standards. VDA fosters an environment where students are encouraged to think independently and creatively, setting them up for success in both academic and professional settings.
OUR STORY
VDA was born from a simple idea: To create a space where young people could explore their creativity, develop practical design skills, and build confidence in their unique voice.
What started as a single class has grown into a vibrant academy offering programs in fashion design, digital media, and creative technologies for students from Year 2 through to Year 12 (Age 7 - 18). We saw a gap in hands-on, real-world creative education and set out to fill it with industry-led programs, established in a nurturing environment
Today, VDA is a place where students come to design, make, and dream big, guided by a team of passionate design instructors and educators. Each student is supported by a creative community that believes in their potential.
As part of the GVD Group, we’re connected to a wider network of creative education initiatives, all driven by a shared belief in what young designers can achieve. Starting at VDA means stepping into a community that sees potential and nurtures it into possibility a place where today’s ideas grow into tomorrow’s opportunities, and where every student begins shaping a bright future through design.
ABOUT DICE
A game-changer in creative education.
At Visionary Design Academy, every program we deliver is powered by DICE. A future-focused education framework that blends creativity, design thinking, and real-world skill-building.
DICE stands for Design. Innovation. Creative. Education.
It’s more than a teaching method, it’s a structured, age-appropriate program developed by Australian educators and creative professionals to fill the gap left by traditional schooling in design and innovation.
What Makes DICE Different?
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Students progress through a clear pathway from primary to pre-tertiary levels, building skills in fashion, digital media, architecture, and emerging tech.
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DICE nurtures not only design skills but self-expression, process thinking skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. All critical skills for the future.
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Projects mirror industry briefs, use professional tools, and culminate in portfolio-ready outcomes. Every term builds toward meaningful, creative capability.
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DICE doesn’t just prepare students for creative careers, it empowers all learners to think critically, adapt, and innovate in any field.
Built for the Classroom, the Studio, & Beyond
With consistent delivery standards, professional training for educators, and term-by-term learning goals, DICE can be scaled across multiple locations while keeping the student experience personal and impactful.
Whether your child dreams of fashion design, coding, architecture or just wants to explore their creativity, DICE provides a foundation for confidence, curiosity and lifelong creative thinking.
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 is a designer with a background in fashion styling and experimental making, passionate about exploring the intersection of materiality, emotion, and visual storytelling. A graduate of RMIT University, she has showcased collections at Melbourne Fashion Week, iD Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards, and the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, with her work also featured in VOGUE Australia.
Her practice embraces unconventional pairings—luxury craftsmanship with second-hand garments, traditional tailoring with subcultural influences, and digital art with tactile craft—to uncover new balances through contrast and collision. Yumi’s achievements highlight her commitment to pushing design beyond boundaries while celebrating the sentimental value of craft traditions.
She is deeply aligned with VDA’s mission to inspire creativity and innovation in design. Passionate about mentoring and education, Yumi aims to share her vision and empower emerging designers to experiment fearlessly, find their voice, and thrive in an ever-evolving creative landscape.
Jacqueline
Huang
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.