RIAI Practice Update 2026

The RIAI Practice Update is a new annual CPD event designed to help architects and architectural technologists remain informed about significant developments affecting architectural practice in Ireland.

This inaugural half-day event will bring together expert speakers from architectural practice, government, building control, green procurement and professional indemnity insurance. It will provide concise updates on current regulatory and contractual developments, while drawing attention to common challenges and practical risk-management measures.

The programme has been informed by participant feedback from recent RIAI CPD events. It will place particular emphasis on real-world scenarios, clear professional responsibilities and practical actions that can be applied in practice.

This webinar will be recorded for future delivery via RIAI Learn

Course Aim

The course aims to provide an accessible annual update on key regulatory, contractual and professional matters affecting architectural practice in Ireland. It will help participants identify recent changes, understand recurring areas of risk and apply practical measures to strengthen compliance, contract administration and professional practice.

Who Should Attend

This course is particularly relevant to:

• Architects and architectural technologists;
• Practice principals, directors and project architects;
• Architectural graduates and professionals developing experience in practice;
• Those involved in planning, contract administration, site inspections, BCAR, certification or project delivery; and

Course Overview

The course will cover key areas of contract administration through practical insights and real-world examples from practice.

1. Contract Administration 

a. New RIAI Construction Contract 2025

b. Public Works Contract updates

2. Site inspections 

a. Common mistakes and lessons learned

b. Good practice

c. Managing site disputes

3. Planning in Practice 

a. New Planning and Development (Exempted Development) Regulations 2026

b. Focus on Class 1A (sub-division)

c. Class 3A (Detached Auxiliary Dwelling “DAD”)

d. Dormer roof boxes and roof lights

e. Notification and Building regulation requirements.

4. Building Regulations 

a. An Update from the National Building Control & market Surveillance Office

b. BCAR

c. Highlight main issues for non-compliance

d. Highlight main issues onsite inspections

e. Illustrate best practice

5. Fire and Life Safety in existing dwellings 

a. Insights into Part B - Section 7 – Existing Buildings

b. Case Studies / scenarios: typical issues and exemplar solutions

6. Professional Indemnity Insurance 

a. Appointments and scope of services

b. Project records and file notes

c. Risk management - claims and disputes

7. Green Procurement 

a. EU and National Targets

b. RIAI Building performance

c. Life-cycle GWP and new SEAI methodology

d. Green Public Procurement and ICMS

e. EPBD recast

8. RIAI CPD Update 2026

a. Overview of the new legislation and CPD compliance requirements

b. The 2024/25 CPD cycle compliance numbers

c. Demonstration of the new RIAI platforms, including MyRIAI and RIAI Learn

d. CPD compliance for RIAI Accreditations

e. Point to RIAI resources like CPD Policy and FAQ