Specification CPD from RIBA-approved Providers

This CPD explores how minimalist design, as more than an aesthetic choice, can, when approached with technical precision, improve wellbeing, sensory comfort, and human connection through intentional design. Through a blend of theory, technical insight, and real-world case studies, we’ll discuss how minimalist glazing, and architectural systems can improve daylight access, visual connection, thermal comfort, and spatial clarity. The session connects academic research with practical application, providing architects with tools to create spaces that are not just efficient, but also meaningful, inclusive, and restorative.Participants will gain a deeper understanding of:How minimal design supports psychological and sensory wellbeingPerformance considerations for minimalist glazing systems (including U-values, thermal bridging, and view quality)Standards and guidelines influencing minimal glazing design (LEED, WELL, BREEAM, CIBSE)Case studies demonstrating solutions for comfort, sustainability, and accessibility.Duration: 60 minutes (including Q&A)

Attendees of the Luxury Washroom Design CPD will gain valuable insights into specifying washrooms for high-end environments. This seminar covers the essentials of flush-fronted cubicle design, including features like rebated lipping, premium materials and their manufacturing, hinge systems, and wall fixings. Attendees will explore the range of vanity materials available in the market, along with considerations for design and application to meet the standards of luxury.In addition, attendees will gain comprehensive insights into superloo and mirrorbox layouts, including their design, functionality and specific technical details to ensure informed, confident and precise specification decisions when integrating these elements into luxury washroom designs. Attendees will also receive an update on Approved Document M and Approved Document T, ensuring compliance with current regulations that promote accessibility and inclusivity. Environmental considerations will be addressed, including FSC certification and water usage, critical for sustainable luxury washroom design.This CPD promises to deliver a thorough, expertly led exploration of key factors to consider when specifying washrooms for luxury environments.

This webinar explores advanced flooring solutions designed to meet the evolving challenges of modern construction. From industrial and commercial spaces to specialized applications, we will discuss key performance factors, systems innovations, and best practices for achieving durable, high-quality flooring systems. Join us to discover how to optimize flooring performance, safety, and longevity.The Key Learning Objectives are:Identify and describe various flooring solutions, including their key features, benefits, and typical applications.Evaluate flooring options based on critical selection factors such as durability, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal.Understanding how these selection factors contribute to the value of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.Understand and outline the four main stages of flooring installation.Recognize relevant industry standards and their importance in flooring specification and installation.This CPD is available online or in person.

This presentation discusses the many ways solid hardwood floors can provide technical, performance and sustainable solutions for heritage retrofit and refurb projects. It details the most common scenarios a specifier might encounter and what is needed before installing new floors in old buildings.The CPD covers how selecting a durable material with a long lifespan and low embodied carbon will have a positive impact on the building’s whole life carbon assessment and in turn the environment, how the choice of flooring impacts the building’s historical integrity, and its adaptation to a more sustainable operation system.

Movement within a building is a common factor that needs to be considered when specifying tiled finishes. This movement can be attributed to changes in moisture content of some of the construction materials; deformation and deflection within the structure as it accommodates the weight of materials being supported; and changes in temperature, both atmospheric and from other factors such as under-tile heating. Failure to select background materials, methods of construction and work schedules which minimise the effects of this movement will compromise the tiled finishes and result in failures such as cracked tiles and tiles becoming loose and eventually debonding.Additionally, consideration must be given at the design stage to providing adequate sound proofing from adjacent buildings and reducing sound transmission within the home.In this CPD we will be looking at the contribution that under-tile membranes, boards and drainage have in addressing these factors by exploring:Common substrates.Under-tile membranes which accommodate background movement and enable fast-track tiling.Waterproofing under-tile membranes and boards.Membranes for under-tile heating cables.Soundproofing membranes.Installation methods.Relevant standards and building regulations.We will also be looking at a few case studies to support the information presented.

The Porcelanosa Group factory allows guests to get a complete insight into the ceramic industry; the objectives would be for the client to have a full understanding of the product and technical capabilities when it comes to specification.The tour aims to educate the specifier on all aspects of ceramic and porcelain tile production, right from sourcing of raw materials, design, production process all the way through to the technical standards required for both manufacturing and end user alike, You will get to see and experience first-hand, how a natural mineral is manipulated and manufactured to be one of the most used products within the construction industry.The key learning points will be as follows, Brief history of ceramic industry. Sourcing and preparation of raw material.Processing of materials to a “tile” like status. Decoration and design of materials.Firing (kilning of materials).Finishing of material. Eco considerations within the ceramic industry to ensure sustainability.Technical qualities and considerations.How material is distributed globally.

This CPD presentation provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of rooflights, exploring their full value, performance benefits, and design potential. Attendees will gain practical guidance on effective specification in line with the latest Approved Documents and relevant standards.You'll delve into the fascinating history of rooflights—why they were invented, how they’ve evolved over time, and why they’ve remained a vital architectural feature across centuries. Discover how rooflights do more than just let in light—they shape spaces, transform interiors, and bring natural daylight into the heart of buildings in ways that enhance wellbeing, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.Through real-life examples and case studies, we’ll explore the diverse roles rooflights play across different building types—from residential buildings and schools to commercial and heritage projects—demonstrating how they elevate both form and function.You’ll also gain a clear understanding of the relevant legislation and regulations surrounding rooflights, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed design choices while reducing risk for you, your practice, and your clients.Finally, we’ll share practical tips and expert guidance on rooflight specification—how to get the best performance, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your design intent translates into real-world results.Whether you're an architect, designer, or specifier, this session will leave you with valuable insights and actionable knowledge to make the most of rooflights in your projects.

Since 1990, Building Regulations have required ground floors to be insulated in order to save energy. This article looks at the factors that need to be considered when addressing ground floor insulation, including: construction techniques, thermal bridging, calculating U-values, and the impact of insulation on a project’s design. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:- The core principles of flooring insulation- How to calculate U-values- Loading- The importance of correct insulation material- How to perform a more accurate U-value calculation for a ground floor

This CPD focuses on the importance of air and wind tightness in low-energy building design. It explores external and internal membranes, their applications, and associated materials, including how to navigate fire safety engineering in regard to airtightness and weatherisation. It highlights best practice for specification and install, discussing the risks associated with airtight buildings and how best to overcome them.

In this CPD we will be looking to enhance the understanding of the sustainability benefits of specifying porcelain and ceramic tiles together with their contribution to health and wellbeing in all types of construction including housing and commercial buildings by exploring:The circular economy.Energy Management.Carbon emissions.Life Cycle assessment of ceramic tiles.VOCs.The Golden Thread.Cleaning & maintenance of ceramic tiles.Safety and wellbeing.

This CPD covers sustainable forestry, sustainable wood procurement, best practice for specifying wood base products and an overview of how specifying wood-based products benefits our Earth in the long-term.This CPD details the features & benefits of wood base products over other materials that cannot decompose in landfill or be easily recycled.Hopefully by the end of this CPD you wooden have it any other way either!

This presentation is designed to provide insight into the benefits of aluminium rainwater systems, fascia, soffit and copings.

Changing Places Toilets have played a significant role in improving accessibility. Dedicated advocacy efforts led to their inclusion in Approved Document M of the Building Regulations in January 2021.Since then, they have become a required feature in many new-build projects and major refurbishments.This CPD session offers essential guidance on current regulations, specifying the necessary equipment, and designing an appropriate layout to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.With extensive experience in this area, we aim to support specifiers through an informative and insightful session.

This CPD explores the different screed types commonly available and highlights the advantages of specifying proprietary screeds as an alternative to unmodified sand-cement mixes. We examine information that should be included in a specification to help ensure a successful installation. The CPD explains how to overcome common issues such as moisture control, shrinkage, thickness limitations and slow strength gain, and highlights how proprietary screeds can offer reduced environmental impact when compared to traditional mixes.

How innovation in glazing systems helps fulfil the human need for well-being and connection with nature and how sliding folding doors can help meet the needs and demands of architecture and construction in the 21st century.This CPD explores the design and performance potential of aluminium sliding and folding door systems in residential architecture — with a focus on their role in connecting interior and exterior spaces through biophilic, minimalist design.Attendees will gain insight into how large, glazed openings can frame views as living artworks and enhance both physical and emotional connections to the outdoors. The session highlights aluminium’s unique material properties — including its strength, lightness, recyclability, and suitability for low-carbon construction alongside its ability to meet demanding thermal, acoustic, and structural performance targets.We will also review how these systems are tested and specified to meet the latest UK Building Regulations and British Standards (including Parts L, K, Q, M, and B), ensuring compliance across energy, safety, and sustainability criteria.Learning Outcomes – by the end of this CPD, participants will:Understand the principles of biophilic design and how glazing systems can support wellbeing through connection to nature.Recognise the architectural and aesthetic benefits of large-span sliding and folding aluminium doors.Learn about aluminium’s structural and environmental advantages, including recyclability and lifecycle performance.Explore how these systems meet performance standards for thermal efficiency, acoustic control, air tightness, and wind resistance.Review relevant UK regulatory frameworks and how to specify systems in line with Approved Documents and British Standards.Consider the emotional and experiential value of transparency and openness in residential architecture.

This seminar will introduce architects and specifiers to the benefits of inverted roofs and hot melt monolithic waterproofing systems. It will introduce the roof types, specification options, design considerations, and environmental developments.