Redesigning the Pathway to Architecture: Insights into the Recent Transformations
Ready to revolutionize the UK's architectural landscape? The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is shaking things up, announcing a groundbreaking action plan to overhaul the process for aspiring architects to gain practical experience.
This shake-up is all about transparency, quality, and support, with benefits extending not just to those in training, but also to clients seeking the perfect architect for their projects.
Get ready for a new way to validate practical skills, as the introduction of a Record of Competency (ROC) will entail trainees formally logging and demonstrating their development in a common, nationally recognized format.
"Our goal is to ensure that every future architect exits training with the same essential skills and knowledge, irrespective of where they've studied," reasons Alan Kershaw, ARB's Chairman. "We want to move the focus from sheer time served to tangible outcomes."
The ROC will be co-created with assistance from schools of architecture and industry partners, ensuring it aligns with real-world expectations.
Want a stress-free way to choose an architect? Look no further – the ARB is introducing a coordinating role within educational providers, overseeing and guiding the practical experience phase. This change aims to set clear lines of responsibility between institutions and the practices hosting interns.
"The new coordinating role must cater to all educational providers," Kershaw clarifies. "That’s why we’re collaborating with them, crafting a flexible, effective, and realistic solution."
The ARB is engaging in wide-ranging consultations via focus groups before finalizing the specifics of this role and incorporating it into accreditation standards.
Change is in the air, as stronger mentoring is also on the horizon. Although mandatory mentorship training for architects isn't in the cards just yet, the ARB is exploring avenues to bolster and inspire mentorship across the profession.
"Mentoring has the power to redefine careers and architectural culture," observes Kershaw. "We're committed to supporting architects in becoming better mentors, ensuring the profession thrives when knowledge is shared."
This move has implications beyond technical competence, addressing issues such as workplace inclusivity, confidence, and overall well-being among future professionals.
Get ready to make your mark on the UK architectural scene, as stakeholders like educators, practices, and architects come together to help shape these reforms.
"We're constructing a system that benefits everyone – students, schools, practices, and ultimately the people they design for," concludes Kershaw.
[1] https://www.architecture.com/arb-launches-action-plan-to-revamp-practical-skills-training-for-architects[2] https://www.constructionmanager.co.uk/news/2021/01/architects-seeks-overhaul-of-practical-training[3] https://www.building.co.uk/archive/news/updated-practical-skills-training-aims-to-enrich-architectural-education/5125487.article[4] https://www.rbcaustralia.com/publications-and-resources/academic-standards-for-professional-architectural-education/professional-competencies-for-architects-statement-of-requirements-2021/
- The ARB's action plan includes the introduction of a Record of Competency (ROC) for aspiring architects to demonstrate their development in a common, nationally recognized format.
- Alan Kershaw, ARB's Chairman, aims to shift the focus from sheer time served to tangible outcomes, ensuring every future architect exits training with the same essential skills and knowledge, regardless of their education.
- The ARB is introducing a coordinating role within educational providers to oversee and guide the practical experience phase, setting clear lines of responsibility between institutions and the practices hosting interns.
- Mentoring is being addressed as a crucial component of training, with the ARB exploring avenues to bolster and inspire mentorship across the profession, believing it has the power to redefine careers and architectural culture.
- The ARB's reforms involve various stakeholders like educators, practices, and architects, aiming to construct a system that benefits everyone – students, schools, practices, and ultimately the people they design for.