Top Four CPD Ideas for Architects

What Is CPD for Architects

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) helps architects enhance their skills and competence at work, as well as stay informed about new technologies and industry changes. Architects need to complete a certain number of CPD points (35 in the UK) to maintain active membership in professional organizations.

CPD in architecture comes in three forms: structured, reflective, and self-directed.  Training activities vary but typically include workshops, seminars, masterclasses, short courses, and online classes.  Architects can also earn CPD points by teaching others, writing technical reports, reading architectural literature, or exploring new methods.

Passive House Architecture

The Passive House design focuses on energy efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. It uses super-insulation, advanced window technology, airtightness, and efficient ventilation to provide clean air and comfortable indoor temperatures for residents. The Passive House approach is known for delivering maximum comfort and healthy living conditions. Its most notable feature is the significant reduction in electricity and natural gas consumption, which helps reduce carbon emissions.

According to Passipedia, as of 2016, there were approximately 60,000 Passive House buildings worldwide.  However, their numbers are rapidly increasing as the design continues to gain popularity, and more architects in the UK specialize in this approach.

Working at Height – Health and Safety Training for Architects

Architects must prioritize health and safety when designing buildings, whether it's ensuring compliance with fire exit standards or selecting safe materials. But this isn't the only reason they should undergo health and safety training on construction sites.  Working at height is inherently dangerous, and many architects will encounter this risk at least once in their careers.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry. A safety course for working at height may not eliminate incidents entirely, but it certainly helps reduce risks.  Architects are responsible for protecting themselves and those they work with.

Working with Listed Buildings

Carrying out work on listed buildings can be extremely challenging.  Whether it's restoration, renovation, or expansion of a historic structure, architects must be careful not to damage its character and original design.  To achieve this, they need a deep understanding of the building's nature and significance.  They must also have sufficient knowledge of laws protecting historical structures. How to get permission for work on a listed building? Should historic buildings be accessible to people with disabilities? Do they meet energy efficiency regulations?  Training on compliance for listed buildings will answer these questions.

Mentoring New Colleagues

Mentorship is a powerful tool that many industries consider an effective strategy for supporting learning and development at work.  Besides helping new employees learn the basics of their field, mentorship also creates a career growth path for experienced staff, especially those aiming for leadership roles.  Additionally, mentoring helps refresh knowledge and improve skills.  Furthermore, when experienced architects share their expertise with colleagues, it prevents the loss of essential skills and ensures valuable information is preserved even after key staff members leave.