Tag: RIAI

Proud to Receive the RIAI Practice Code Mark

August 1, 2025 / aoife / 0 Comments

We’re proud to share that our practice has been awarded the new RIAI ‘Practice Code’ mark — a recognition that reflects our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct and service.

The Practice Code is a mark of quality developed by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). It is awarded to accredited architectural practices that not only meet a defined set of professional standards, but also actively choose to champion excellence in the way they work — both internally, in how they support their teams, and externally, in the services they deliver to clients and communities.

To be awarded the RIAI Practice Code Mark, architectural practices must declare and maintain compliance with the RIAI Code of Conduct for Architectural Practices and meet a detailed set of Accreditation Criteria. These cover areas such as professional integrity, competence, transparent communications, responsible practice management, and a consistently high standard of architectural service. It also recognises a practice’s contribution to the wider public good — a reminder that good architecture is not only about design, but about long-term value, sustainability, and ethical responsibility.

By choosing to adopt the Practice Code, we are making a clear statement to our clients, collaborators, and the public: we are committed to excellence, integrity, and accountability in everything we do.

We’re honoured to receive this recognition and look forward to continuing to uphold the principles it represents.

RIAI Marks 2023

January 24, 2023 / aoife / 0 Comments

Happy New Year!

We have received our marks for 2023 from The Royal Institute of
the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

These marks confirm our registration as a Practice Member, a Registered Architect and Architect Accredited in Conservation G3.

It is mandatory for registered Architects in Ireland to achieve 40 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points on an annual basis. We consistently surpass at least 40% the minimum CPD requirements.

Cheers to a good year full of exciting projects!

Why Should Clients Care?

October 14, 2013 / barros / 2 Comments

In Ireland the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland -RIAI requires to its members a minimum of 40 hours of CPD activity in the course of each year.

CPD, or Continuing Professional Development, is the term used to describe lifelong learning or continuing education as it relates to those active in the professions. There have been several attempts to define the concept, but this one has wide application:

‘The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skill and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout the practitioner’s working life‘.

What exactly do RIAI Architects need to do?

The RIAI requires the following minimum level of CPD involvement.

1) In the course of each year, each registrant/member must accumulate a total of 40 hours of CPD activity, divided as follows:

a. 20 hours Structured CPD

b. 20 hours Unstructured CPD

Professionals have a duty to ensure that they are capable of providing the services they offer. Within the context of RIAI CPD Requirements it is the responsibility of each registrant/member to judge the best approach to undertaking the CPD activity necessary to;

a. maintain compliance with the relevant Standard of Knowledge, Skill and Competence , and

b. acquire and maintain the skills appropriate to their current activities and chosen career path.

What happens if a RIAI Architect cannot fulfill his/hers CPD obligation?

A registrant/member whose CPD record is “Incomplete” at the end of the CPD cycle will be asked to provide an explanation for non-compliance. Unless there is good reason the matter will be referred to the Professional Conduct Committee. Sanctions open to the Processional Conduct Committee include censure, fines, suspension, conditions for continued registration, and removal from the register.

Why should clients care?

When you are hiring a RIAI Architect you are hiring a professional that must take all reasonable steps to maintain an appropriate level of professional skills on an ongoing basis. CPD is the process of regularly assessing current and future skill and knowledge requirements relevant to the Architect’s responsibilities.

Recently, we were disappointed with the fact that a particular professional (not a RIAI member) was not familiar with a recent (very important) change in the Irish regulations. We do not think a RIAI member would lack this important information and we, RIAI members, certainly have to thank the Institute for supporting us and promoting the performance and the reputation of the profession. RIAI has developed one of the most demanding CPD requirements we know and this can only mean that high standards are at the forefront of their policies.

We just wish a similar system would be implemented for builders and tradespeople! It protects the consumer and the public interest, and increases effectiveness of construction practices.