Architects want to know more

More architects are spending more time on continuing professional development (CPD), according to the latest RIBA CPD Providers Network survey of the profession. A lack of time at work however, plus the growing use of Smartphones, may point the way to some interesting new trends.

The RIBA’s annual survey into architects’ (and other design professionals’) training habits always provides useful – and often unexpected – insights into the mindsets of those working at the sharp end of construction specification. This year’s survey, conducted via an online questionnaire, has proven no exception.

On average, respondents spent just over one-and-a-half hours (1.6 hours) per week on CPD. However, the percentage of respondents spending 2-5 hours doubled from six to 12 per cent, while the percentage of those spending two hours or less went down from 28 to 23 per cent year-on-year.

Time management and being able to access effective CPD quickly and efficiently were both clearly important factors to busy architects. Lack of time both in (69 per cent) and outside (57 per cent) of work were quoted as the main barriers to CPD.

Perhaps as a consequence, many turned to known and trusted sources of information. Ninety-five per cent of respondents had heard of the RIBA CPD Providers Network, and more than three-quarters had used it to access information. Seventy per cent were quite or very satisfied by the quality of RIBA-approved CPD from Network members. With time proving such a major consideration it is perhaps unsurprising that many are now accessing the RIBA CPD Providers Network’s online facilities.

Of potential significance, both to those searching for CPD information and those willing to provide it, was growing evidence of interest in accessing CPD information via Smartphone. Sixty-one per cent of respondents currently used a Smartphone for work purposes, and 70 per cent of those indicated that they would be quite or very interested in subscribing to bite-size CPD bulletins delivered via mobile-friendly emails.

A copy of the survey report will be published in July. Register interest in joining the RIBA CPD Providers Network.

 

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