Education Policies and Standards

The development and support of architectural education, in its broadest sense, is one of the central roles of the RIAI.

The RIAI helps to maintain high standards of professional practice by:

• setting standards of knowledge skill and competence for practice
• monitoring standards of admission to the profession and entry to the Register of Architects
• accrediting architectural and architectural technology programmes
• carrying out examinations in professional practice
• supporting continuing professional development for architects and architectural technologists 
• monitoring changing requirements for architectural education and training  

RIAI Statement of Policy on Education 

As well as promoting Architectural education across society from young to old, the RIAI Statement of Policy on Education addresses compliance with National Legislation and EU Directives, as well as other internationally relevant standards.

The purpose of the RIAI Statement of Policy on Education is to encourage and provide support to educators, practitioners, students and the public; to raise public understanding of, and confidence in, qualified professionals and to promote collaboration and cohesion between all participants in professional formation and development including CPD.

RIAI Competency Framework Architecture

Architecture has a critical role to play in shaping a built environment that supports human wellbeing, environmental care, and economic vitality. The profession is well-positioned to contribute positively to major societal challenges, including climate change, demographic shifts, urbanisation, and the delivery of sustainable public infrastructure. As these challenges continue to evolve, so too does the role of the Architect. There is growing recognition of the importance of collaborative working, design-led thinking, and evidence-informed decision-making.
 
The RIAI Competency Framework Architecture sets out the standards of knowledge, skill and professional competence required at three key stages of an architect’s professional formation: education, training, and registration.
It supports the design, development, and professional accreditation of architectural qualifications and examinations in Ireland. It underpins the RIAI’s accreditation processes and is integrated across all routes to the Register of Architects.
 
Building on existing standards, the Framework responds to the changing needs of architectural education and practice. It connects architecture to the wider academic, professional and regulatory landscape and is designed to be flexible and future-focused, supporting the development of the profession while safeguarding its legacy.

Engaging with the Framework:

• Students of Architecture can use the Framework to guide their learning, identify areas for reflection, and support their development throughout their studies.

• Architectural Graduates can structure their professional practical experience and reflective practice as they progress towards registration.

• Applicants to the Register through alternative routes can use the Framework to understand the level of knowledge, skills and competence required to demonstrate for admission.

• Registered Architects are encouraged to reference the competencies in their CPD, reflecting on emerging skills and contemporary professional challenges.

• The Framework can also support structured mentoring for students and graduates.

• Architectural Educators can use the Framework to inform curriculum design and learning experiences, aligning education with professional competencies and supporting diverse pedagogical approaches.

RIAI Policy on Post-Graduate Professional Training

The quality of an Architectural Graduate’s practical experience is the single most important factor contributing to successful completion of the final stage of professional formation. The RIAI Policy on Post-Graduate Professional Training is intended to provide information and guidance on a graduate’s practical experience to students and graduates, RIAI members and practices, Schools of Architecture and of Architectural Technology, and State agencies with roles in education, training and employment. 

RIAI Standard of Knowledge, Skill and Competence for Practice as an Architectural Technologist

The RIAI, as the leading professional body in Ireland for architects, architectural technologists and graduates, plays an important role in protecting the interests of clients, consumers, building users, the public interest and the quality of the built environment. This demands that architectural technologists are equipped to deliver the services they offer.

Since its foundation in 1839, the RIAI has committed itself to the development of knowledge required for practice in the field of architecture and latterly of architectural technology.  Of equal importance is the role of the RIAI in protecting the interests of clients, consumers, building users, the public interest and the quality of the built environment. This demands that all RIAI members are equipped with the skills necessary to deliver the services they offer.

In 1974 the RIAI created a new category of membership to provide for Architectural Technicians. In the years since then architectural technician education has developed significantly at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.  In recognition of this RIAI Council decided in January 2009, subject to the necessary changes in RIAI By-Laws, to replace the membership category of ‘Architectural Technician’ with that of ‘Architectural Technologist’ and to develop a single RIAI Standard of Knowledge, Skill and Competence for Practice as an Architectural Technologist.

The RIAI Standard of Knowledge, Skill and Competence for practice as an Architectural Technologist describes the key areas and levels of knowledge, skill and competence required of an architectural technologist at the professional level. The RIAI Standard defines the distinct training and the skill-set expected of an RIAI architectural technologist. The existing RIAI accredited 3-year Level 7, and 4-year Level 8 architectural technology programmes align with the RIAI Standards. The RIAI accredited Architectural Technology Programmes are guided by these Standards and other relevant requirements for practice. The Standard is applied in all RIAI examinations, assessment mechanisms and routes to Architectural Technologist membership and is the benchmark for admission regardless of how a candidate’s knowledge, skill and competence has been attained.

In MyRIAI CPD, the RIAI ’s online CPD planning, provision and monitoring tool, the Standard provides the framework for Continuing Professional Development, keeping Architectural Technologists aware of the key areas of knowledge, skill and competence to maintain competent and current practice in the key areas.

QQI Awards Standards - Architectural Technology

In February 2016 Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) published the QQI Awards Standards - Architectural Technology which describe the knowledge, skill and competence to be acquired before a QQI “Architectural
Technology” award may be made. The Awards Standards presented in this document describe the knowledge, skill and competence to be acquired before a QQI “Architectural Technology” award may be made.

The Awards Standards are designed to be used (i) by providers when designing new programmes and establishing minimum intended programme learning outcomes; (ii) by awarding bodies when validating new programmes; (iii) in the accreditation of programmes by the relevant professional bodies. They will also be used by providers when reviewing their programmes.  

Standard of Knowledge, Skill and Competence for RIAI Conservation Accreditation

The Standard of Knowledge, Skill and Competence for RIAI Conservation Accreditation describes the standard appropriate to each grade of RIAI Conservation Accreditation.  Registered Architects who are Members of the RIAI should refer to this document when applying for RIAI Conservation Accreditation. 

The RIAI Conservation Accreditation System is designed to allow practitioners to progress up through the system through the acquisition of additional qualifications and experience. Experience may be gained by working in collaboration within a team or on a consultancy basis with an Architect who holds a higher grade of Conservation Accreditation.

This document should be read with the RIAI Skills Matrix for Conservation Projects and the RIAI Conservation Accreditation System Regulations 2019. 

RIAI General Assessment Regulations

The RIAI administers the following specialist programmes of study leading to RIAI awards and professional accreditations in the context of the general aims which underlie the RIAI’s education provision: 

• RIAI Grade 1 Conservation Architect 
• RIAI Grade 2 Conservation Architect 
• RIAI Conservation Induction Module (CIM) Grade 3 
• RIAI Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) 
• RIAI Environmental Course (EIC)
• RIAI Professional Practice Examination (PPE)

The RIAI General Assessment Regulations apply to each of the programmes listed above.