Apprenticeship training course

Architect (integrated degree) (level 7)

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Information about Architect (integrated degree) (level 7)

Working on the design of new buildings and the redesign of existing buildings.

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

  Knowledge

  • A range of advanced processes and techniques (e.g. digital fabrication) to generate, review and speculate on design proposals with multiple constraints, showing evidence of original thinking
  • History of architecture and its impact on architectural practice
  • The cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings
  • How the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design and their creative application in design projects
  • Urban design and town planning strategies and regulations
  • Process of obtaining planning permission (e.g. drawings, reports, application)
  • The in-depth relationships between users and buildings, between buildings and their environment, and the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to diverse user needs and scale
  • The range of services offered by Architects
  • The potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities and the related planning legislation
  • The context of the Architect and the construction industry, including the Architect’s role in the processes of procurement and building production
  • The role of the Architect within the design team and construction industry
  • The client and design team briefing process, forms and terms of appointment
  • Methods of investigation and preparation of briefs for the design projects (e.g. review of relevant precedent)
  • Structural, constructional and engineering considerations within building design, such as physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems
  • Principles, systems and strategies for environmental comfort and building services including sustainability principles
  • Alternative construction materials, processes and techniques that apply to design and construction, including the impact of materials on the environment
  • The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM), computational design and other relevant technologies used in the design process
  • Process of controlling building cost
  • Approved Documents for building regulations
  • Industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings and integrating plans into overall planning
  • The nature of professionalism and the responsibilities of Architects to clients, building users, constructors, professionals and the wider society
  • The obligations of Architects to clients, stakeholders, warranties and third-parties
  • Client needs, appropriate communication methods, programming, coordination and competent delivery
  • The statutory legal context within which an Architect must operate and what is required to ensure compliance with legal requirements or standards
  • Business priorities, required management processes and risks of running an architecture practice
  • UK construction and contract law, and construction procurement processes
  • The relationship between Architects and other built environment professionals
  • Contractual relationships and the obligations of an Architect acting as a contract administrator

  Skills

  • Generate architectural design proposals
  • Evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critique and explain design proposals
  • Produce drawings and 3D models using relevant software including Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
  • Apply understanding of current architectural debate to produce innovative solutions
  • Produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design
  • Apply fine art theories in a creative way that acknowledges their conceptualisation and representation
  • Comply with relevant town planning policy throughout design and construction phases to obtain planning permission (e.g. submitting planning application)
  • Identify end user needs, local and the social context in which the project is developed
  • Lead design development in respect of environmental context and sustainability
  • Lead projects or parts of projects, taking into consideration business priorities and practice management
  • Deliver services in a responsible manner, prioritising the interests of the client and other stakeholders
  • Problem-solve and use professional judgment to take initiative and make appropriate decisions in situations with multiple constraints
  • Critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of a design proposals
  • Prepare and develop a project brief (e.g. by referring to RIBA Plan of Work)
  • Integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques with building design
  • Evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural designs with multiple constraints and building construction, and how to integrate these into practicable design proposals
  • Apply various 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 and building regulations
  • Interact with statutory authorities (e.g. planning or building control), private bodies (e.g. developers) or individuals to competently deliver projects in a wide variety of sectors and within diverse legislative frameworks
  • Act professionally when working independently and as part of a team, including communicating clearly with all stakeholders
  • Offer impartial advice on construction related issues, relevant legislation and risks
  • Identify and describe client and end user requirements, priorities and objectives
  • Work with an understanding of the relevant statutory and legal requirements during project development so that the risk of harm to those who build, use and maintain buildings is reduced
  • Engage in business development and administration including contributing to business strategy development, evaluating resources, planning, implementing and recording projects tasks
  • Supervise the work of junior staff including Architectural Assistants
  • Coordinate and engage in design team interaction
  • Resolve construction related challenges and disputes, where appropriate
  • Undertake construction inspection responsibilities, including completing site visits and commenting on contractors and sub-contractors work in relation to architectural drawings

  Behaviours

  • Code of Conduct:Comply with the relevant professional codes of conduct (e.g. ARB and RIBA)
  • Integrity:Be honest and act with integrity, ethics and in a professional manner
  • Competence:Work singly, as part of a team or lead teams to provide a competent service
  • Independence:Be organised and practice self-management when working independently
  • Obligation:Be conscious of the Architect’s obligation to their client, society and the profession
  • Reputation:Be aware of individual level of competency and professional experience to ensure they are unlikely to bring profession into disrepute
  • CPD:Commit to identifying their own individual development needs and the obligation for Continued Professional Development (CPD)
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Construction and the built environment
• Qualification level: 7; Equal to master’s degree
• Course duration: 48 months
• Maximum funding: £21,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

View more information about Architect (integrated degree) (level 7) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.