Apprenticeship training course

Architectural assistant (integrated degree) (level 6)

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Information about Architectural assistant (integrated degree) (level 6)

Working with Architects and other professionals such as Engineers, to design buildings and deliver architectural projects.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • A range of design processes and techniques such as hand-sketched drawings and diagrams; use of appropriate tools and materials to create physical building models of varying scale and complexity to explore and develop design ideas and for use in client presentations
  • History of architecture and its impact on architectural practice
  • Human sciences that affect the design of buildings and spaces (e.g. use of ergonomics)
  • Arts that relate to theoretical concepts of architecture (e.g. the use of colour and sound in creating atmosphere in spaces)
  • Urban design, town planning strategies
  • Importance of architecture for an occupant or user of a space
  • Impact of architectural design on the environment and wider community
  • The duties and responsibilities of Architectural Assistants to clients, building users, contractors, co-professionals and the wider society
  • The role of the Architect within the design team and construction industry
  • The potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities
  • The different methods of investigating and preparing a project brief (e.g. critical review of precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of design proposals)
  • The structural and engineering considerations within building design
  • Strategies for building services, sustainable design and their integration in a coherent design project
  • Strategies for building construction (e.g. offsite fabrication)
  • Alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction, including the impact of materials on the environment throughout material’s lifespan (e.g. the difference between how bricks or concrete are manufactured, used and recycled)
  • Technologies that influence the design of buildings (e.g. façade systems)
  • The role of BIM and other relevant technologies used in the design process
  • The process of controlling building costs (e.g. collaboration with Quantity Surveyors)
  • Approved Documents for Building Regulations
  • UK legislation and health and safety requirements
  • The range of industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings
  • The timeline of project development and delivery (e.g. RIBA Plan of Work)

  Skills

  • Generate architectural design proposals of diverse scales and type, including conducting feasibility studies
  • Draft and edit drawings and 3D models (plans, sections, elevations, and details) using relevant software, including CAD, to enable co-ordination with other professional’s input
  • Produce and coordinate design information with the design team (e.g. engineering, landscaping and interior design)
  • Critically analyse architectural culture, theory and design to present a personal viewpoint within a structured argument
  • Creatively apply theories, practices and technologies of the arts that influence architectural design
  • Produce necessary drawings and documents that comply with national and local planning policy
  • Identify user needs and the local context in which the project is developed
  • Develop the design of projects of varying scales in respect of environmental context and sustainability
  • Deliver services under the supervision of an Architect or a project leader, prioritising the interests of the client and other stakeholders
  • Problem solve and use professional judgement to take initiative and make appropriate contributions to decision making
  • Research and investigate relevant information (e.g. site analysis, previous architectural projects) to support project development to ensure all client and regulatory requirements are met
  • Investigate, critically appraise and select alternative structural, constructional and material systems relevant to architectural design
  • Integrate structural, construction and engineering strategies with the overall design
  • Support an Architect or a project leader with construction inspections to ensure projects are built in accordance with contractual drawings
  • Evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural designs and building construction, and where practicable integrate alternative materials, processes and techniques into design proposals
  • Apply different technological methods to building design to provide conditions of comfort and protection against the environment
  • Meet client’s brief within the constraints of the imposed budget limitations
  • Meet client’s brief within the constraints of the building regulations
  • Interact with statutory authorities or individuals to support delivery of projects in a wide variety of sectors and within diverse legislative frameworks

  Behaviours

  • Be mindful of relevant professional codes of conduct (e.g. ARB and RIBA)
  • Be honest and act with integrity
  • Strive to communicate effectively and professionally when working independently and as part of a team
  • Be conscious of an Architect’s obligation to their client, society and the profession
  • Take into account their competence and professional experience, to ensure they are unlikely to bring the profession into disrepute
  • Commit to identifying their own individual professional development needs, including keeping up to date with changing design trends
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Construction and the built environment
• Qualification level: 6; Equal to degree
• Course duration: 48 months
• Maximum funding: £21,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

View more information about Architectural assistant (integrated degree) (level 6) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.