The RMIT Design Archives includes collections in many areas of Victorian design.
These collections are both digital and material representing historical and contemporary practices in architecture, automotive, design education, fashion and textile design, graphic design, illustration, industrial design, interior design and landscape architecture.
Explore highlights of our collections and access inventories online using our online catalogue. Need help? Check out our handy website user guide for tips on using the RMIT Design Archives website to access material remotely.
Access to RMIT Design Archives resources is available by appointment only. The first step is to complete the research request form. Generally, one to two weeks' notice of the proposed visit is required. We will advise as soon as possible after submission of form whether we can assist with your enquiry.
Personal laptops are permitted. We encourage researchers to use their own photographic devices to take images of collection material for reference. When making copies, it is important that researchers understand their responsibilities in relation to copyright. Refer to the Copyright for researchers page for more information.
All visitors are required to cloak belongings and sign a visitor register.
The RMIT Design Archives can make photocopies or digital copies of collection material on request. For more information (including fees), please see our Collection Reproductions page.
If you would like to order a copy of an item, please complete the Reproduction Request Form. You will need to know the accession number of the item you would like copied. Accession numbers can be found in the catalogue record of our online collections or noted when you visit the Design Archives in person.
Note that the RMIT Design Archives is not the owner of copyright (intellectual property) for all items in its collection. Responsibility for gaining any required copyright / IP permissions will rest with the researcher.
For more information, refer to the Copyright for researchers page below.
Are you interested in donating cultural material to the RMIT Design Archives? We collect material in line with our focus disciplines and Collection Guidelines. For more information about the donations process, please download a copy of our Offer of Donation Form or contact us.
It is essential that you include your full contact information, as these are the details that we will use to communicate with you regarding the progress of your donation offer. All personal information is handled in accordance with RMIT’s privacy statement.
Please do not send or drop off any original material to the RMIT Design Archives unless it has been specifically requested. We cannot take responsibility for unsolicited material that is sent to us.
The RMIT Design Archives (RDA) Advisory Panel considers and advises on matters associated with the RDA and its collections.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.