Specification CPD from RIBA-approved Providers

Exploring the use of cementitious flooring as a decorative finish, from polished concrete, microcements and new self-smoothing microcements. It examines the preparation and installation process, and look at the problems which may arise as well as best practice. - Provide information about new developments and innovations.

The aim of this CPD is to address the sanitary accommodation requirements laid out in Approved Document M Volume 2, which provides guidance on meeting the needs of Part M of the UK Building Regulations, with regards to accessibility in buildings other than dwellings. It covers the type of buildings affected, locations in the building, layouts, specific product specification requirements and surrounding finishes.

Design evolves as per the needs of the client…The first building widely considered a skyscraper, and therefore a high traffic building due to its height and design, was the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, built in 1885. 45 years later the Empire State Building was constructed with 102 floors and housing over 21k people. Today the largest skyscraper in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai with 163 floors.Brighton City Airport (formerly known as Shoreham Airport) is one of the world’s oldest commercial airports, with the first recorded flight taking place in 1910… Today Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest commercial airport in the world with 100 million passengers passing through every year.The question is how do we design for buildings with this volume of users?

Type A waterproofing is defined by British Standard 8102:2022 as “barrier protection” which is applied to either the internal or external surface of a structure in order to resist the pressure of water trying to enter the building. This CPD therefore presents and considers the most relevant points to consider in specifying and installing Type A waterproofing. This includes: A review of the principles of the British Standard and what has changed in the new BS 8102:2022 version regarding Type A waterproofing; Principles of Type A membranes, from historic issues & failures to contemporary designs for Type A solutions; an introduction to both post-applied and pre-applied external membranes; internal Type A membranes; and the importance of good detailing and specialist application.

This CPD explores how decorative window films enhance architectural design by providing privacy, safety, and aesthetic versatility while supporting sustainability goals. It compares films with traditional glazing, highlighting their cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and ability to reduce embodied carbon through retrofitting. The session also covers key standards, such as Parts K, M, and B of the Building Regulations, and how films can contribute to BREEAM, LEED, and WELL certifications—offering architects a flexible, compliant, and sustainable solution for modern glass design.

This seminar provides an in-depth exploration of external textile sun-shading systems, their design, functionality, and benefits in both residential and commercial architectural contexts. It is aimed at architects and building professionals seeking sustainable and health-conscious building solutions.Key topics covered:Benefits of External Sun-ShadingDifferent System and their FunctionalitiesDifferent Textiles and their CharacteristicsCase StudiesQuality Aspects and SpecificationLearn how innovative external textile sun-shading systems can enhance building performance, wellbeing, and architectural design. This RIBA-approved CPD explores the health, environmental, and aesthetic benefits of sun-shading solutions, with a focus on sustainability, thermal comfort, and UV protection.

The seminar provides an overview of ‘type B’ waterproofing, the predominant form of water resistance where the structure itself is constructed to be integrally waterproof.This includes:What guidance and requirements are offered by BS 8102:2022, the updated code of practice for the ‘Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water Ingress’How to ensure that your below-ground structure is watertight, using the predominant waterproofing products available in the UK.Techniques for ensuring the continuity of Type B waterproofing.This CPD can be delivered to you live and remotely.

This CPD is to educate and remind you of the importance and ability of a natural ventilation system, not just in place of mechanical ventilation but alongside in a hybrid design.The need to use sustainable elements in modern building design is ever more pressing and this method of introducing natural air into and through a space allows you to bring a more positive way to ventilate for occupants, capital cost of building and energy cost in use.

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.

In this CPD, attendees will gain valuable insights on how to specify washrooms in line with Department for Education guidelines, while also addressing key concerns such as privacy requirements for senior school toilets and how specifying suitable products supports the reduction of bullying and anti-social behaviour. The seminar also covers the benefits of pre-plumbed systems and how they can save time and money during installation. Additionally, accessibility and safety concerns are addressed, ensuring that all students have access to safe and functional washroom facilities. Over-all this CPD seminar provides a comprehensive and informative overview of the important considerations involved in specifying washrooms for educational settings. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of: - How to specify materials suitable for school and in accordance with DfE expectations- The specific cubicle height requirements by age group- How to meet the privacy demands in senior schools, with specific advice on preventing bullying and anti-social behaviour in washrooms- The general awareness of accessibility demands and safety features which should be specified- The benefits of pre-plumbed access panelling systems and suitable specification of hand wash facilities.

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.