The RIBA is developing ideas for CPD for international members, and we hope to have more to announce in 2008.
For now, how can you do CPD whilst overseas?
Two things to bear in mind:
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first, your CPD as an international member ought to reflect the local statutory requirements and cultural background of the country in which you practice. So the RIBA doesn't expect you to undertake UK-related CPD
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second, any CPD or continuing education done in accordance with other countries' guidelines for architects is allowable in its entirety
Many practices link training with their yearly performance reviews and appraisals, and business plans. CPD doesn't have to be additional to this other training you are receiving; it can be one and the same. If you are already attending courses, seminars or conferences, then be sure to record these. Many people will undertake this type of training anyway.
Why not consider making an audit of skills amongst your office or other colleagues and professionals and train each other? Some people in the UK are forming CPD clubs and self-help groups. This concept could work anywhere. Just networking with fellow architects can be valid and extremely useful CPD.
When you really are unable to find structured CPD or training, then the solution is to be creative. Think of open/distance learning, web-based learning, videos, reading, writing/research, networking, etc. Remember that any training you access that enhances your role as an architect, your career, future development or business is valid CPD.
The International Union of Architects| (UIA) is developing a database of CPD courses worldwide. This should be available later in 2008. The UIA is also working on developing CPD mutual recognition amongst member countries.
A CPD accord was negotiated by RIBA-USA |and signed between RIBA and American Institute of Architects| (AIA) in 1997. The accord allows CPD or CE from either body to count on a one for one basis, worldwide. As far as the RIBA is concerned, all AIA CE counts in its entirety.
Members in the USA will want to know that RIBA USA |chapters also provide CPD for local members.
Contact also the Commonwealth Association of Architects |and the African Union of Architects |and the The Association of Commonwealth Societies of Architects in the Caribbean |
UIA member bodies with CPD programmes you can tap into - this list will be augmented. In Canada, USA, Germany and Spain, see also the provincial, state, federal or regional associations.
Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland |
American Institute of Architects |
New Zealand Institute of Architects |
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada |
Royal Australian Institute of Architects |
South African Institute of Architects|
Hong Kong Institute of Architects |
Singapore Institute of Architects |
Royal Dutch Institute of Architects |
Indian Institute of Architects|
Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria |
Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de Espana |
Architectural Institute of Japan |
Bundesarchitektenkammer (Deutschland) |
Malaysian Institute of Architects |
Other types of places to look locally for your CPD are below (although they may not call it "CPD" you can count it as CPD yourself). You will probably be able to think of some other ideas yourself.
Key words these organisations might use are "training", "courses", "lectures", "further education", "continuing education", "skills", "lifelong learning", "adult education" and similar.
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national, local or regional architecture or design organisations
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local business bodies or groups
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commercial training companies
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trade shows and exhibitions
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schools of architecture or engineering
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other university or college programmes
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CAD and IT companies
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conference organisers
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heritage organisations
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sustainability organisations
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museum education and lecture programmes
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other professional bodies - both construction and business related ones; for example, in the UK, some of the accountancy bodies offer public training courses
Useful websites featuring international architecture and design events listings:
Islamic Architecture Events| especially in Middle East and North Africa
Architecture Week|, news, events and conferences worldwide
Design Addict| cutting edge design and architecture
Metropolis| more international events and news
Architecture Asia| Asian architecture events
Advice on CPD for international members is available from cpd@inst.riba.org|