The BDA is seen as the premier association of Building Designers and it jealously guards this reputation. Members are bound by a Code of Ethics and encouraged to operate at the highest professional level at all times.

The Association encourages design excellence from its members and promotes the benefits of good building design to the public.

The BDA is active in the development of education and training standards relevant to the building design profession and is now recognised by governments and educational institutions as a leading professional body for building designers in the NT.