About the department
The department's key objectives are
Practice department activities
The practice department provides information and advice to architectural practices on a wide range of subjects, from legal matters to sustainability and conservation.
It liaises with industry-wide organisations and draws on the expertise of a wide network of industry experts. It also administers one of the institute's main committees, the Practice Committee.
Benchmarking
The RIBA Benchmarking Scheme is a unique, survey-based benchmarking tool for architectural practices.
Participation in the benchmarking survey is the best way to accurately compare practice performance with your practice peer group. The scheme provides valuable information that can help to develop the business, including tailored reports showing:
- key business development and staff training issues
- objective assessments of business strengths and weaknesses
- identification of best practice in your own architectural services sector(s)
- ways to develop your business based on hard facts
- how the business performance of your practice measures up
The use of business benchmarking is now well established as a key business planning tool in many professions.
The RIBA Benchmarking Service is free to all chartered practices and to other practices for an annual fee.
Practices interested in taking part or needing help to complete the survey should contact Fleur Carmichael (020 7307 8566 or benchmarking@inst.riba.org|).
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Building regulations
The department deals with regulatory and related issues through a Technical Task Force made up of RIBA, BRE and CIAT representatives. The task force recently submitted its response to the government consultation on the future of building control - see the attached PDF.
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Conservation
Administrative support for the Conservation Architecture Group, liaison with other industry bodies, government and English Heritage.
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Dispute resolution
The RIBA offers a number of alternative dispute resolution procedures to assist disputing parties, including mediation, adjudication and arbitration services.
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Health and safety
The department liaises with the Construction Industry Council (CIC) on health and safety issues including fire safety, CDM regulations and the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).
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Key Performance Indicators
The department works closely with Constructing Excellence to produce annual consultants' KPIs, vital tools to allow construction consultants to benchmark their performance against industry colleagues.
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Linked societies
There are currently five linked societies:
- Architects for Health
- Design for Homes
- Product Innovation in Architecture
- Solo Practitioner Group North West
- Traditional Architecture Group
See
Linked societies for more details and web links.
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Planning
Administrative support for the Planning Group, response to government on planning issues, liaison with other industry bodies.
Killian-Pretty Review of the planning application system
The RIBA recently responded to the Killian-Pretty review of planning applications, calling for simpler rules for small-scale development and encouraging the use of local design review panels.
Procurement
Guidance on the best methods of obtaining the services of consultants and contractors for a project.
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Publications
Available in PDF form in the members-only area:
- Practice weekly e-bulletin
- RIBA Journal Practice pages
- RIBAGuides on subjects such as quality management
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Small practice
Administrative support for the Small Practice Group, which represents sole practitioners and practices with up to ten staff, and liaises with other professional institutes, government and other bodies.
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Sustainability
Administrative support for the Sustainable Futures Group, which researches climate change, energy sources, environmental impact of buildings, reuse and recycling of materials and impact of all these on architects and architecture.