Specification CPD from RIBA-approved Providers

OverviewIn today’s architecture, inclusivity means more than meeting accessibility codes — it requires understanding how people perceive and experience space.This CPD explores the intersection of neurodiversity, sensory design, and material specification, helping architects and designers create environments that feel as good as they function.Through the lens of perception as a design material, the session examines how light, colour, texture, and sound influence comfort, focus, and wellbeing — and how small specification changes can transform the experience of neurodivergent users.It also shows how these principles align with hygiene, durability, and sustainability requirements, demonstrating that inclusive, perceptually tuned environments are both practical and high-performing.Content OverviewParticipants will learn how to:Understand perception as a design parameter — beyond physical access and compliance.Apply sensory inclusion principles to lighting, material, and colour specification.Recognise how neurodiverse users process environmental stimuli differently.Identify design features that cause sensory overload or underload, and how to balance them.Specify surfaces and systems that support both hygiene and perceptual comfort.Integrate perceptual design with industry standards including BS 8300, Part M, BB 102, and HTM 08-03.Explore sector applications in education, healthcare, public/transport, retail, and food environments.Understand how co-design and feedback from neurodivergent users enhance inclusion.See case studies demonstrating measurable improvements in wellbeing, usability, and satisfaction.Learning OutcomesBy the end of this CPD, participants will be able to:Define perception as a factor in inclusive design and explain its impact on user wellbeing.Identify sensory and cognitive barriers within built environments.Apply design and specification strategies to balance visual, tactile, and acoustic comfort.Recognise how surface, colour, and lighting choices affect neurodiverse users.Integrate perceptual inclusion principles within current UK design standards and procurement frameworks.Specify hygienic, sustainable materials that also promote sensory calm and clarity.Compliance and RelevanceThis CPD supports the latest RIBA and Building Regulations guidance on Inclusive Environments and Health, Safety & Wellbeing.It aligns with:BS 8300-2:2018 – Design of an accessible and inclusive built environmentApproved Document M – Access to and use of buildingsBuilding Bulletin 104 – Design for special educational needs and disabilitiesHTM 08-03 – Acoustics in healthcare buildingsRIBA Plan of Work 2020 – Inclusive Design OverlayThe CPD also references Building Regulations Part L and Part B, where relevant to material performance, fire safety, and sustainability.CPD FormatDuration: 45–60 minutes (including Q&A)Delivery: Online or in-person seminarType: Core curriculum / General awareness CPDTarget Audience: Architects, designers, specifiers, and project managers across sectors.

This session is designed to help those involved in building design and building services specification identify which electric technology is likely to be the most cost efficient for their project.It provides basic understanding of the space and situation considerations for heat pump projects and the differences between air and ground source systems.Participants will also learn the pros and cons of different decentralised electric heating methods and be given the tools to estimate the size of direct-acting heaters needed for a given project for planning costs and space requirements

This seminar will provide a design rationale for creating a functional accessible kitchen. Different kitchen layouts will be explored and 'Best Practice' will demonstrate how flexible solutions can promote independence and benefit kitchens that need to accommodate multiple users with differing needs.  

The purpose of this CPD is to introduce low impact on the environment bricks - a revolutionary development in brick production methods, enabling an 81.3% reduction in embodied carbon emissions compared with traditional clay facing bricks.The CPD looks at the whole life of the bricks from extraction of raw materials, through production and functional lifetime, to end of life uses and compliance with re-use and recycling policies.We will discuss some of the preconceptions around sustainable building products - their sustainability credentials, aesthetic considerations and affordability and how they have been systematically addressed in the development of these products. We will look at the supply chain and how using no fossil fuels in production contributes to greater price stability.The presentation takes an in depth look at the independently verified life cycle analysis of low carbon facing bricks, breaking the emissions down into four stages and showing how the reductions are achieved. The process of natural carbonation is explained - this is a unique feature, whereby CO2 from the atmosphere is captured and permanently stored after construction.We will take a close look at the vibro-press production method, showing how the traditional brick aesthetic is maintained, and how the technical properties have been refined to achieve the same performance as clay facing bricks.The CPD investigates the similarities and differences between low embodied carbon facing bricks and traditional facing bricks, featuring an easy reference table comparing the technical data for durability, size tolerance, active soluble salts, water absorption and fire rating.We will discuss design considerations and innovation, and have included a good practice guide for working with reduced carbon bricks on site.We will look at some of the key government targets and legislation relating to sustainability, and then explore some case studies, demonstrating how much CO2 can be saved on a project.Attendees should leave the presentation with all the information required for specification - a full understanding of low emissions bricks: their technical properties, how they compare to traditional facing bricks, and how they fit into the drive to net zero and a sustainable construction industry.

This CPD has been developed to provide valuable guidance on successfully designing your new build flat roofing projects. It covers the entire lifecycle of a new build project, from initial design considerations and risk mitigation to problem-solving and ensuring the highest standards are met throughout. This includes identifying and navigating Building Regulations and the requirements of the Building Safety Act (BSA), which are crucial for compliance and quality assurance. This CPD offers insights that help you achieve results with confidence.

This seminar starts by explaining the material components of wood plank and luxury vinyl tiles and how they are manufactured. It goes on to review the design and technical factors that need to be considered when specifying a wood-style LVT floor coverings as an alternative to natural wood, covering:•Design aesthetics •Performance•Sustainability•Health, safety & well-being•Installation, maintenance & costIt considers the building regulations and standards that must be complied with and concludes with some inspiring case study examples of wood-style LVT installations. 

This CPD seminar covers structural waterproofing principles in accordance with British Standard BS8102:2022. During this CPD you will learn about the different types and grades of waterproofing, the design by CSSW surveyor in structural waterproofing. Along with all the current up to date standards and regulations. Topics also include why systems fail and how to be successful. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of British Standards and regulation and implications if a waterproofing specialist is not appointed.

The seminar provides a guide to achieving compliant fire stopping and discusses fire, how it happens, its different types and fire protection. It explains the different types of passive fire protection systems and the regulations and legislation around fire protection. It will help you to understand the following topics:- Fire, how it happens, its types and how to protect against it- Types of fire protection, active and passive- The importance of integration of passive fire protection during early construction phases- The types of products used in passive fire protection - Typical examples of improper installation on site

In this seminar, we discuss best practice in the selection and installation of common masonry fixings, focusing on cavity wall ties, frame cramps, channel restraint systems and head restraints.By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:- The importance of wall ties and how they contribute the structural stability of masonry walls.- The correct way to specify a wall tie, based on tie type, length and density.- What is best practice for the installation of wall ties.- Solutions for retaining insulation. - How head restraints contribute to the structural stability of masonry panels.- Wall tie thermal efficiency and allowance for movement.

This new updated webinar is designed to give you a better understanding of metal web joists and builds on your existing knowledge of them. Plus, how to use them and how to install them.

Designing for acoustic comfort is a critical component in the creation of successful interior environments.This CPD provides an overview of the fundamental principles of acoustics and examines how calm, comfortable interiors can be achieved through the technical performance and aesthetic versatility of a seamless acoustic plaster system. The session also addresses key aspects of sound absorption, relevant legislation and standards, practical design considerations, installation and maintenance guidance, sustainability and representative project applications.

Fibre cement is an extremely versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways and new products and solutions offer numerous possibilities for creativity, functional features and performance that can be used in the architecture, design and construction of building envelopes and living spaces. In this CPD we will be looking to enhance the understanding of the sustainability and other benefits offered by specifying fibre cement facades and lightweight frames together with their contribution to health and wellbeing by exploring:

This CPD informs the specifier on the various different methods to structurally or elastically repair a defect in a below ground structure. This CPD focuses on cracks - dry and water bearing, expansion joint remediation, structural movement and voidage in structural elements.We delve into detail about the investigation, design, and the types of materials used to successfully carry out these works.A vast and interesting topic which should be of interest to anyone involved in the design or remediation of below ground structures.

The seminar will focus on the different types of wood-boring insects and woot rotting fungi that are affecting properties across the UK. We will look into the different types of woodworm beetles and timber decay, the lifecycle of woodworm, the importance of carrying out the identification. We also describe the best treatments and solutions to eradicating woodworm and fungal decay.

Addressing the subject of correctly utilising acoustic flooring insulation to deliver outstanding indoor environmental quality and meet the ever increasing challenges posed by urban noise pollution when creating spaces to work, rest and enjoy leisure time.

This CPD provides architects and specifiers with a clear understanding of how the Building Safety Act 2022 and its secondary legislation affect the design and specification of glazing and façade systems. Using the concept of the Golden Thread, it explains how safety, competence, and documentation must now be embedded from the earliest design stages through to handover.The session explores the Gateway process, the new Principal Designer (Building Regulations) role, and the requirements of Regulation 7(2) for external wall construction, including curtain walling, windows, doors, and balcony interfaces. Attendees will learn how to demonstrate compliance through evidence-based specification, coordination with fire strategy, and collaboration with manufacturers who provide verifiable test data and documentation.By the end of the session, participants will understand how to apply the principles of the Building Safety Act to façade design, minimise compliance risk, and maintain a robust, traceable Golden Thread throughout their projects.RIBA Core Curriculum Areas:Health, Safety and Wellbeing – understanding how the Building Safety Act embeds a culture of safety, competence, and accountability in building design.Legal, Regulatory and Statutory Compliance – applying Gateway processes, Principal Designer duties, and Regulation 7(2) requirements for façade and glazing systems.Design, Construction and Technology – integrating tested and certified glazing, curtain walling, and façade components into compliant, high-performing building envelopes.