ARCT08044 2019 Professional Studies 3: Preparing for Practice

demonstate a systematic knowledge of the structures and resources required for effective architectural practice

Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, professional and statutory responsibilities of the architect, the relevant laws and legal principles, industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating and integrating design concepts into planned built environments

Demonstrate an advanced appreciation of the architect’s role in evaluating risks and outcomes and advising on appropriate action

Direct processes of design and realisation which resolve and synthesise diverse and potentially conflicting requirements

Extend and challenge current architectural discourse from a position of broad knowledge

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of methods for the generation of new knowledge through original research, advanced practice or scholarship

Professional Studies 3 is taught using a combination of lectures, presentations, theoretical discussion and practical based tutorials.  Both individual and group work modes are utilised throughout.

Formative assessment deliverables address the module learning outcomes. The assessment strategy focuses on the student's introduction to the subject Professional Studies 3 through:

• Research methodologies
• Information literacy skills
• Written composition
• Oral presentation

Repeat assessment will be dependent on failed components. This will be confirmed at formal exam boards.​

Lecture 1:  The Professional Architect

The lecture outlines the requirements of being a professional architect, in relation to competence and professionalism. The lecture focuses on the RIAI Code of Conduct and QQI awards standards to ensure that students have full understanding of the standards required for you to become an Irish Registered Architect. The lecture will also outline the obligations of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in practice.

Lecture 2:  Management - Practice

Covers the theories of Practice Management in terms of Systems / Responsibilities / Leadership / Research / Training / Time / Quality / Document & Financial Control. The lecture will also explain and discuss the Insurance requirements of Architects in practice, including Professional Indemnity Insurance (PI)

Lecture 3:  Management – Project Planning

Continues the themes of Management in particular in terms of Project Programming / Project Processes through the Design Stages / Project Risks / Project Quality / Cost Control /Project Reviews and Audits

Lecture 4:  Management - Communication

Continues the themes of communication to demonstrate the Management requirements of the professional Architect in practice for effective communications with respect to Meetings, Reports and Records

Lecture 5:  Contracts 1 - Types

Detail of the different types of contract available for construction projects and will include the RIAI contracts and Public Works contracts under the CWMF:

·  Articles of Agreement With Quantities (the ‘Yellow’ Form)

·  Articles of Agreement Without Quantities (the ‘Blue’ Form)

·  Articles of Agreement SF88, 1999 Edition (the ‘Short Form’ or Pink Form)

·  RIAI Building Contract, August 2002 (the ‘White’ Form)

And the Public Works Contracts (with focus on):

• Works Designed by the Employer

• Works Designed by the Contractor

• Minor Building & Civil Engineering Works Designed by the Contractor

• Short Public Works Contract

Lecture 6:  Contracts 2 – General Clauses

Outline of the key General Clauses in the contracts discussed in Lecture 5; the similarities and the differences. The lecture will also cover the parties, obligations, insurances, Determination and Concilation / Arbitration

Lecture 7:  Contracts 3 – Cost Management: Payments, Retention, Defects Liability Period, Variations and Practical Completion

Explains how the architect certifies work for payment, retention and how it is calculated, the Defects Liability Period and Practical Completion. The lecture also covers how variations are covered as regards the contract. The lecture also outlines the differences between the Public Works and RIAI contracts in relation to Project Cost Management.

Lecture 8:  Management 1 – Tendering & Procurement Procedures

Outlines the procedures for seeking tenders from prospective Contractors, Tender Methods, Instructions to Tenderers, requirements for BCAR in tender documentation, Tender queries, Receipt of Tenders and Tender Report. The lecture also outlines the differences between the Public Works and RIAI tendering procedure protocols and requirements.

Lecture 9:  Management 2 – Construction Process

Covers the Construction Process, the role of the Design Team, the Production of Information, the Appointment of the Contractor, the Contractor’s Team, Contract Programming, Dealing with Requests for Information, Contract Communications and Quality & Cost Control.

Lecture 10:  Management 3 - Costing

Covers the role of the QS through the Design Stages, including the preparation of the Bills of Quantities and Cost Control Procedures during each project stage. The lecture also outlines the processes where a Bill of Quantities does not form part of the Contract. The role of the Architect in relation to Cost Management Control is also discussed.

Lecture 11:  Legal

Develops the legal implications and themes of competence, professionalism and the RIAI Code of Conduct, to covers topics of ethics, duty of care, liability, negligence and Tort.

Lecture 12:  Law 1 - General

Explains the Irish Democratic State, the Constitution, Irish Legal System including Common Law, the Law of Contract, Civil Law, European, statute and commercial law. The lecture will also cover copyright and defamation.

Lecture 13:  Law 2 - Planning

Covers the Law as regards the Planning Regulations in particular the Planning and Development Act 2000, Planning and Development Regulations 2001, (and subsequent amendments). This includes Exempted Development, Development Control, An Bord Pleanala, Part 8 & Part 9 applications, and outlines requirements for EIS under the Regulations as well as requirements under EU Habitats, Flood Risk Assessments etc

Lecture 14: Law 3 – Building Control Acts

The lecture addresses the regulatory context under the Building Control Acts, including an overview of the provisions and requirements of the Building Control Regulations of 2014 (BCAR). This includes the required Appointments, the Roles of the Design and Assigned Certifiers, Notifications, Inspection and Certification and the Building Control Management System (BCMS) procedures and requirements.

The lecture also address the specific legislative requirements for Fire Safety Certificates (FSC) and Disability Access Certificates (DAC).   

Lecture 15: Law 4 – Building Regulations, Codes, Standards, EPDs

The lecture provides a statutory overview of the requirements governed by the Technical Guidance Documents, and the range of EU legislation affecting the Irish regulatory regime, such as the requirements for Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations (BER), EU codes and Construction / Environmental Products Declarations.

Lecture 16: Law 5– Health and Safety

The theory of safe design and the principles of prevention and the legislation covering the Health and Safety at Work and Construction Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013. The lecture outlines the duties of Clients, the roles of the Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP), Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS), the role of Designers, and the statutory requirements of the Preliminary Health and Safety Plan and the Safety File.

Lecture 17: Economics and politics of the construction industry

Covers in detail the economic concepts of supply & demand, value, funding and feasibility, life cycle costs and the structure, politics and operation of the Irish Building Industry.