Core curriculum topic: Design, construction and technology

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 Design, construction and technology covers understanding, and keeping up to date with, the technical, design, engineering, services and technological issues, trends and changes. It also covers having the knowledge and skills to deliver a successful building process using the latest technology in a rapidly changing industry and profession.

Design, construction and technology

This topic potentially covers any of the following competencies:

Fire safety strategy and legislation
Safe design and specification

See details of the health, safety, and wellbeing topic
Building Safety Act and Product Safety Act

RIBA Plan of Work

Knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work stages
Knowledge of the different checkpoints in each stage
Familiarity with the suggested key support tasks
Learning to adapt stages 0 and 7 to use on briefing and evaluation
Ability to adapt the plan, and manipulate the task bars
Knowledge of specific touchpoints and aspects

Techniques for developing a design brief

Knowledge of evidence-based design and briefing
Understanding of client leadership and collaboration
Listening to the client
Advising clients in terms of appropriate and effective means of procurement and forms of contract
Establish change management procedures.
Minimising change and cost disruption

Structures and services: understanding of

Using relevant specialist consultants
Integration and coordination of teams into the design and project
Systems for environmental comfort within the relevant precepts of sustainable design
Strategies for building services and integration within a project
Optimum physical, thermal and acoustic environments

Specification and materials: understanding of

Technical innovations in materials
Working with suppliers and manufacturers
Specification writing and selecting materials and products
Production information
Classification systems: Uniclass and CiSFB
Ethical supply chains and products
Production information
Design proposals and detailing complete and fully co-ordinated
Alternative structural, construction and material systems
Asking the right questions: certification, fire testing, combustibility, suitability for height, how products work together, lead times, availability, recycling

Digital design and construction

3D modelling
3D and 4D printing
Advanced robotics
Parametric design
The internet of things (in design and in buildings and cities)
Smart cities, planning and architecture
Smart buildings
Artificial reality, enhanced reality and virtual reality for presentation
CAD, modelling and mapping
Familiarity with presentation platforms and technologies

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Understanding your BIM maturity amongst the four levels
Speaking “BIM” by understanding the terms and acronyms
Understanding BIM as a management and collaboration tool
Understanding the benefits of BIM, to your business and clients
Developing your BIM strategy and implementation
Using common data environments and applying the Standards:
Understanding Design Responsibility and the Digital Plan of Work
Understanding BIM security issues – PAS 1192-5: 2015
Understanding intellectual property/liability in the BIM context
Applying Soft Landings and briefing for FM (BS 8536-1: 2015)

Offsite construction and modern methods of construction:

The use of pre-manufactured elements
Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA)
The benefits of modern methods of construction and pre-manufactured elements
The levels of building off site
Construction logistics
Onsite processes
Design for maintenance and for whole life

Find CPD on this topic

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

Find RIBA accredited CPD on Design, construction and technology through RIBA Academy.

Related courses include:

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