Core curriculum topic: Business, clients and services

To help you gain the skills you need to practise architecture now and in the future as a RIBA Chartered Member, we have defined 10 mandatory core curriculum topics to address through CPD.

The topic Business, clients and services covers the principles of good business practice and service provision, and the relevant legal frameworks. The topic also covers having the knowledge and skills to make sure that the business you own or work for is managed competently, ethically, effectively and efficiently, with sound financial and quality management, and appropriate systems, processes and procedures in place.

Business, clients and services

The principles of good business practice and service provision, and the relevant legal frameworks. The topic also covers having the knowledge and skills to make sure that the business you own or work for is managed competently, ethically, effectively and efficiently, with sound financial and quality management, and appropriate systems, processes and procedures in place.

The legislative framework and due diligence

Intellectual property rights, copyright law
Insurance, employers, PI and liability
Professional liability and indemnity
Insurance warranties
Obligations to stakeholders and third-party rights
Employment legislation
Workplace pension provision
Risk management strategies
Data protection and data management

Contracts, client agreements and forms of appointment

Preparation of brief and client requirements
RIBA Plan of Work and is stages and overlays
Contracts, agreements and forms of appointment
Terms of engagement
Scope of services
Clear letters of appointment
Advising the client on the right/best form of contract to be used

Overall business set up and strategy

Practice structures and legal status
Time management, recording, planning and review
Practice finance, business planning, funding and taxation
Quality management, QA systems
Recording and review
Project management
Succession planning and retirement planning
Collaboration tools
Knowledge and document management software
Digital platforms for team collaboration

The client offer

Client relationship management
Understanding your client’s requirements
Developing and interpreting the brief
Knowing how to explain design proposals
Effective communication, presentation, and pitching
Confirmation and recording
Handling clients’ money
Understanding the client’s commercial drivers
Having commercial understanding
Clear technical design specification
Communication, progress reporting
Engagement and consultation
Systems for adhering to the programme
Post occupancy evaluation
Managing the handover process

Selling and marketing strategy

Marketing and promoting the practice
Building a brand and reputation
Building and maintaining a website
Having a strategy for social media
Blogging, using press, and case histories
Competitions, procurement and bid strategies

Financial management

Fee calculation, costing, pricing, negotiation, and bidding
Resource management and job costing
Cash flow monitoring and control
Cost monitoring and control and financial management
Programming of services appropriate to appointment
Taxation accounting and planning
Foreign exchange planning
Macro-economic monitoring
Contingency planning
Management accounting

Project management

Project Management qualifications
Project management soft skills
Programming of services appropriate to appointment
Coordination + integration of design team input
Time management, recording, planning and review
Quality control

Tools and checks for adhering to budgets

Team and people management

Employment contracts
Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Cultural intelligence
Staff management and development
CPD management system
Performance reviews and appraisals
Team working, team building and leadership
Recruitment strategy and hiring the right people
Staff retention strategy
Retirement planning
Supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of your team

Find CPD on this topic

You must take two hours of CPD on this topic every year.

Find RIBA accredited CPD on Business, clients and services through RIBA Academy.

Related courses include:

Podcasts, videos, articles, and other offers can also contribute towards your CPD requirements.