Completing PEDR

My post on ‘Understanding PEDR’ explains what it is, and why you need to do it. This post intends to help you in completing PEDR and what you should focus on when recording your experience.

Time recording:

For ease and accuracy, it’s helpful if you keep a track of what you have been doing every day for the quarter your PEDR covers. This helps you enter time quickly and more accurately when filling out your sheets. It also helps you become more aware of how long a task takes which is useful in your career as well as later on in your Part III.

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I find that in the project section of the PEDR it is easiest to stick to facts, about what you did, when, whether it was a new skill to you or not, and how it fits into the overall project. Project details should include things like budget, and programme (timetable) as well as what RIBA stages it involves how many team members, etc.

The essay/review part of your PEDR is where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, and expectations of the experience. This is the place to discuss things you found easy or difficult, your opinion on what happened and whether it could be improved in the future, as well as what experience you would like to gain in the next quarter and what you would like help with from your workplace and workplace mentor.

There are cross-overs between the two areas above, but keeping one largely factual and the next more considered helps you fill out PEDR more methodically, as well as giving you one section to refer back to when you sit your Part III in order to assess your experience.

Using ARB Part 3 professional criteria:

Throughout the text in your PEDR you can reference how to experience you are gaining is aligning with the ‘ARB Part 3 professional criteria’. This document records the criteria you must meet in order to pass your part 3 examination. Even if you are only just beginning filling in PEDR, it is helpful to understand the criteria in order to assess your own experience. You will see that the professional criteria are split into 5 areas, and each has 10 sub-points, for PEDR it is too onerous to list the individual 10 sub-points, you only need to reference something as an example of PC1-5 as and when necessary. You should consider referencing something only if it is an especially good example of that criterion or a new experience to you. By punctuating your PEDR with references to the 5 professional criteria you clearly demonstrate that you consider yourself to have experience with them, however broad. You also make it easier for writing your career appraisal or other documents in part III, by highlighting for yourself when you are gaining particularly relevant experience.

An example of a very ‘normal’ entry of my own PEDR is below, where I have referenced criteria as relevant:

Two of my videos on youtube that could help with this are linked below and a further blog post called ‘Completing PEDR’ looks at what you should focus on when actually filling out your sheets.

Thanks for reading.

Understanding PEDR

Of the onerous tasks associated with becoming an Architect in the UK (and there are few) PEDR has to be the one that causes the most confusion, stress, and regret in the whole process. Understanding it a bit better from before you even really begin your journey to become a qualified Architect can help you avoid those most irritating points, and I intend to help with that here.

What is PEDR?

It stands for Professional Experience Development Record and is the way you record your time in professional practice (so basically any work you do in architecture outside of your uni course)

Why do I need to do it?

In order to take your part III exam and therefore qualify as an Architect, you need to have 24 months of experience which has been recorded using PEDR. In order to fill out PEDR sheets you need to pay for access via the RIBA’s PEDR recoding tool:

Who is involved with writing PEDR?

You - most importantly. You are responsible for arranging the other two people who input into your PEDR:

Workplace Mentor - This is usually someone working at the business you work at, they should ideally be an Architect, and have been qualified for a minimum of 5 years. This should be a person you can discuss your experience with, what you would like to be involved in/what you’re missing etc. They should be able to give you honest and constructive feedback on your experience and help you get a rounded experience that works towards your part III examination.

PSA ‘Professional Studies Advisor’ - Usually this is someone from your university, such as where you studied or where you plan on studying. The RIBA also offers a PEDR monitoring service which is equivalent to a PSA if you do not have one. Universities and the RIBA charge for this service and it is in addition to access to the PEDR recording website.

What are the timings and deadlines?

PEDR records every quarter or 3 month period of your time in employment. At the end of a quarter, you have two months to write up the PEDR for it and have it signed by both your Workplace Mentor and your PSA. If a sheet is not signed within this time it is considered ‘late’, in practice this means the PSA cannot comment on your experience or give any feedback, and in the future when sitting your part 3 if you have a considerable number of sheets late it might reflect badly on your time management skills.

What should I consider when choosing an office placement?

You want the broadest possible experience for part III. However, you should select an office placement based on what will interest you most. Large and small offices all offer different experiences and it depends on your own personality, expectations, and enjoyment as to what kind of placement you would get the most out of. Don’t be afraid to change your employment to try different types of work and offices as it can help you formulate what kind of Architect you might want to be.

Two of my videos on youtube that could help with this are linked below and a further blog post called ‘Completing PEDR’ looks at what you should focus on when actually filling out your sheets.

Thanks for reading

Becoming an Architect

Becoming an Architect in the UK is a long process whatever route you pick. This post discusses what I call ‘Route 1’ which is the most common. It takes a minimum of 7 years and involves 2 university degrees and additional examinations in architecture, upon completion you can register with the ARB to use the title Architect.

*NOTE: You cannot use the title ‘Architect’ in the UK unless you are registered with the ARB, this is to protect the public from those potentially using the title without adequate training.

still image from ‘Becoming an Architect’ video check out the link below.

So the most common route, through university, begins whenever you decide that Architecture might be the career for you, and you should bear in mind many students who study Architecture use it as a springboard to different careers, including graphic design, project management, furniture design as well as a myriad of others. Architecture as a topic is unlike anything taught at A-level and covers many subjects generally making it perfect for the diversity of what you end up doing day-to-day, however, bear in mind that Architecture degrees tend to be very hard work comparatively and have a lot of studio time, you are expected to be there pretty much 9-5 pm as with an actual job.

So before you apply for your course what can you do to help you..

I personally think the important thing is to see if you are really interested in the subject before your start the degree. Starting a degree in Architecture doesn't mean you need to pursue that career to qualification, a lot of students go into other design professions or adjacent careers, such as furniture design, graphic design, and project management, and people from those careers come into Architecture, so don’t think of it as a done deal necessarily you can change your mind!

I did work experience before starting my degree in architecture, this helped me decide if I really felt I could do that every day and it gave me material for my portfolio that was directly architectural and definitely was a major part of the reason I got offered two of the places I was offered at University.

At GCSE and A-Level (or Highers) I think its best to focus on subjects that you enjoy and that will provide you the best grades if you are great at Physics/Maths and English then do take them, but if you’re not great at them or don’t enjoy them take something that is more likely to show the skills you do have to a future University. Drive to study the subject is definitely more important than specific grades, and a personal statement that showcases that, along with a good portfolio is key.

PART I

Part one, in ‘route 1’ is the Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, this is where you are first introduced to drawing conventions, model making, spatial design, and presenting your work through crits. It is hard work and demands more student presence than some courses, it is more like a job with you expected to be in the studio the majority of the day. This was you do get to know and help others on your course and this is really important to develop your work and your view of architecture. Lectures will include structural design and Architectural history.

PEDR

During your part 1 and following your graduation you will be an Architectural Assistant (part I) traditionally in ‘route 1’ you would then undertake 12 months of experience in practice, so working, as a paid employee (RIBA Chartered practices must pay you, it is NOT an internship) During time in practice you are trying to get as much experience as possible, across as many of the RIBA work stages as you can. As Part 1 a lot of your work is likely to be focussed on stages 1-3 brief definition and concept design. Hopefully you can also get site experience mostly stage 5, this helps you see how things go together and how drawings get realized on site. You should try and get accustomed to the legal world in which Architecture operates, such as planning permission and building regulations, CDM (construction design management).

PART II

Part 2 is more in-depth, and in ‘route 1’ it is your Master's degree, which may be part-time (whilst still working in practice) or full-time. The level of detail and research on projects is increased and crits are more in-depth, there is a definite step up, you also do more lectures on part 3 topics such as construction law and contracts, the business of architecture is not taught quite enough but the realities of practice and projects are more tangible during this period of learning.

PEDR

During your part 2 and following your graduation you will be an Architectural Assistant (part II), as with the PEDR after your part 1, traditionally this is another 12 months of experience in practice. The work you are doing should be more like that of an Architect, you should be speaking with clients directly wherever possible, designing and having visibility of the legal side of architecture. The contract between the Architect and Client. Planning permission and discharge of conditions (often in tricky locations e.g conservation areas, listed buildings, and green belt, etc). Discussions and feedback from Building regulations. Tender packages for work to go on site. If possible you want site experience that includes Contract Administration.

During this time is when you might be considering taking your Part III, this is often a year-long course, but there are a variety of courses so it is worth seeing what suits you. You may decide you want to put off Part III (you can do it with 24 months of PEDR) you and your PSA through your PEDR sheets should be assessing if you are ready for your Part III or if there are parts of the plan of work that you are missing you should attain first.

PART III

Part 3 is the name for the final exams in Architecture, Universities often provide this service, but it is not part of any course you have done before, as you can take it at any point when you feel competent. Part 3 is testing competency in Architecture to ensure you can practice with the title. You are tested on your awareness of issues affecting providing your services, the legal relationship you need with clients in order to protect their interests. Your awareness of the Architects role on-site, under various contracts, and the responsibilities to your client. To become an Architect the ARB has to be sure you have the skills to practice competently essentially to protect the public that might be hiring your services, or encountering your work from negligence.

SUMMARY

It is a long road to be an Architect, but for me, it is the only career I can imagine, and the only job I can imagine doing every day without getting bored. The problem-solving, responsibility, and ability to create amazing buildings and spaces are something that makes it worth it to me. I love sitting with a new client and thinking of the best way to help them achieve their goals, whether that be a house extension or a masterplan of a city! So if you can imagine being giddy at the thought of being paid to draw, and watching designs that you and your client have agonized over emerging on-site, then this might be the career for you. If there is any information you need or any questions you have leave a comment! Or pop over to the videos I have on youtube and see the conversation we are having there!

Finally, Architecture is for you, it is for everyone!

Lingholm Kitchen, Keswick. Designed by Ali Mudd at Shaw and Jagger Architects LTD, Harrogate.

Weekend Inspiration

Weekend Inspiration #2

So its been ages since I posted anything in the journal. When I restart doing my Part III I'm going to try and record it and the process for anyone else.

I've been busy as I started work at ALLIES AND MORRISON in Southwark, London. Which has been pretty interesting and I'm heading to Qatar next weekend so can't complain.

This weekend I have been looking into Hotel Refurbishment, for my client from Leopold Place, just for a bit of fun and de-stress, doing a little sketching, and a compilation of inspiration. So I thought I'd share! Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

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Weekend Inspiration

Weekend Inspiration #1

For the first of my Weekend Inspiration posts I wanted to comment on the amazing intervention by ZAP Architecture on the roof of a multi-storey car park in London. Creating Pergola on the roof.

The approach up the concrete stair-well really does hint at the experience awaiting, however it cannot convey the irrepressible WOW! when you step out of the doorway onto the white stoned "beach" of the rooftop.

It really is like stepping into the Mediterranean or even LA, with the sun streaming through the white pergola and bouncing of the white washed walls. It really is escapism, achieved entirely by the architecture, the culmination of location, over 50 metres up, the uninterrupted sunshine and the simple addition of a pergola (with a cover as its still the UK!) 

Some of the highlights of London gastronomy take up stalls around the rooftop and create a European square or market style. 

It really is an amazing place, a hidden gem of the city, which I cannot reccomend highly enough.

Sustainability

Sustainability in Architecture

I recently re-posted an essay from my 2nd year in Architecture BArch, I did so as the points I raised are relevant to what I am learning about at the moment, and encountering in searching for work in London. 

I am currently reading "Sustainable Building Conservation" which has remarkable and exciting views on sustainability, which are often apposing and provide great food for thought. 

I am looking into whats on at the RIBA, in order to gather other current thought on Sustainability in Architecture.