sustainable building design
The process of creating buildings with the lowest possible impact on the environment. It also aims to improve the health of the occupants of a building.
green
Architects investigate, design, and oversee the construction and development of buildings, urban spaces, infrastructure projects, and social spaces. They design in accordance with the surroundings and regulations applicable in specific geographic areas, taking into account factors that include function, aesthetics, costs, and public health and safety. They are aware of social contexts and environmental factors, which include the relationships between people and buildings, and buildings and the environment. They engage in multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing the social fabric of a geographic area and advancing in social urbanism projects.
Competences and skills
95 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 13 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceSector-specific
9 competencesairtight construction
Airtight construction makes sure that there are no unintended gaps in the building envelope that allow air to leak in or out of the building and contributes to energy performance.
green
architectural design
The branch of architecture that strives for balance and harmony in the elements of a construction or architectural project.
architectural theory
The principles underlying the various theories pertaining to architecture. The relationship between buildings and society, and the relationship between art and architecture. The theories surrounding the architect's position in culture and society.
architecture regulations
The regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture.
building information modelling
A software platform for integrated design, modelling, planning, and collaboration, which provides a digital representation of a building's characteristics in its whole lifecycle.
digital
envelope systems for buildings
The physical characteristics of envelope systems for buildings and their limitations. The heat transfer principle in the envelope systems.
green
green building practices
The practices involved in the design and creation of building structures in an environmentally responsible, cost effective and resource-effective way. Green building practices such as using eco-friendly construction materials complement classical building practices seeking a sustainable and high-performance building life cycle.
green
integrated design
Approach to design which includes several related disciplines, with the aim to design and build according to the Near Zero Energy Building principles. The interplay between all aspects of building design, building use and outdoor climate.
green
sustainable building materials
The types of building material which minimize the negative impact of the building on the external environment, throughout their whole life cycle.
green
Cross-sector
3 competencesbuilding codes
The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.
urban planning
Political and technical process that seeks to design the urban environment and optimize land use by considering various aspects such as infrastructure, water, and green and social spaces.
zoning codes
The division of land into zones where various uses and activities are allowed, such as residential, agricultural, and industrial activities. These zones are regulated by legislative procedures and local authorities.
Essential skills and competences 32 competences
Occupation specific
3 competencesdesign open spaces
Design social areas and open spaces working in cooperation with communities, clients and other professionals.
study the relationship between buildings, people and the environment
Understand the relationships and the interactions between people, buildings, and the environment in order to adapt architectural works to the human needs.
green
write an architectural brief
Draft a brief that discusses the requirements of the client. This brief outlines design specifications and instructions as to what is expected of the architect such as costs, technique, aesthetic, social and environmental contexts, and time frame.
Sector-specific
14 competencesconsider building constraints in architectural designs
Conceive the different types of constraints faced in architecture and building projects, including budgetary, time, labour, material, and natural constraints.
create architectural sketches
Create architectural sketches for the design and detail specifications of interiors and exteriors to scale.
design building envelope systems
Design an envelope system as a part of complete building energy system, taking into account energy saving concepts.
green
design building retrofitting solutions
Providing something with a component or feature not fitted during manufacture or adding something that it did not have when first constructed. used in relation to the installation of new building systems, such as heating systems, but it might also refer to the fabric of a building, for example, retrofitting insulation or double glazing. Design solutions to retrofit existing residential and commercial building space in order to upgrade their performance, for example by reducing energy and water usage. Evaluate the range of retrofit technologies available and select the more suitable ones based on the characteristics of the building.
green
- Scope note
- Examples include: retrofitting in manufacturing; retrofitting in environmental management
design passive energy measures
Design systems that achieve energy performance using passive measures (i.e. natural light and ventilation, control of solar gains), are less prone to failures and without maintenance costs and requirements. Complement passive measures with as few as necessary active measures.
green
develop architectural plans
Draft a master plan for building sites and landscape plantings. Prepare detailed development plans and specifications in accordance with applicable laws. Analyse private development plans for their accuracy, appropriateness, and compliance with laws.
environmental design
The approach that is used to face environmental problems related to buildings, plans, and products in various fields such as engineering, interior design and architecture.
evaluate integrated design of buildings
Use goals and targets as means of measuring success of design proposals. Apply, combine and evaluate advanced methods for analysis of the interplay between energy systems, architectural concepts, building design, building use, outdoor climate and HVAC systems.
green
identify customer's needs
Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.
integrate building requirements in the architectural design
Interpret clients’ requirements for building projects and integrate them into the design of the construction while considering feasibility and budget constraints.
interpret technical requirements
Analyse, understand and apply the information provided regarding technical conditions.
perform field research
Participate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.
satisfy aesthetic requirements
Satisfy aesthetic requirements and create a design that is in line with what is expected of you in terms of visuals and artistry.
satisfy technical requirements
Take into consideration technical requirements coming from the clients or from the engineers in order to integrate them into the design.
Cross-sector
15 competencesadvise on building matters
Provide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Bring to their awareness important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.
conduct field work
Conducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
create solutions to problems
Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
design buildings
Design buildings and housing projects in cooperation with communities, clients, and other professionals.
design spatial layout of outdoor areas
Design the spatial layout and functional and architectural appearance of outdoor areas. Integrate green spaces, social spaces, and regulatory aspects in outdoor design.
draw blueprints
Draw layout specifications for machinery, equipment and building structures. Specify which materials should be used and the size of the components. Show different angles and views of the product.
ensure infrastructure accessibility
Consult designers, builders, and people with disabilities to determine how best to provide accessible infrastructure.
execute feasibility study
Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision making.
identify necessary human resources
Determine the number of employees needed for the realisation of a project and their allocation in the creation, production, communication or administration team.
integrate engineering principles in architectural design
Integrate engineering principles in architectural design under the guidance of engineers from different fields. Integrate electrical, civil, etc. engineering in architectural drafting.
integrate measures in architectural designs
Integrate measurements, taken at sites or included in the project, into the design and drafting of architectural projects. Integrate considerations such as fire safety, acoustics, and building physics.
meet building regulations
Communicate with construction inspection, e.g. by submitting schemes and plans, to make sure all construction regulations, laws and codes are dealt with correctly.
negotiate with stakeholders
Negotiate compromises with stakeholders and strive to reach the most beneficial agreements for the company. May involve building relationships with suppliers and customers, as well as ensuring products are profitable.
provide cost benefit analysis reports
Prepare, compile and communicate reports with broken down cost analysis on the proposal and budget plans of the company. Analyse the financial or social costs and benefits of a project or investment in advance over a given period of time.
use CAD software
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
digital
Optional knowledge 19 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
10 competencesarchitectural conservation
The practice of recreating forms, features, shapes, compositions, and architectural techniques of past constructions in order to preserve them.
cartography
The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.
energy efficiency
Field of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the demand, encouraging efficient use of fossil fuels, and promoting the use of renewable energy.
green
environmental indoor quality
The consequences on indoor environmental quality of every choice made in the design process.
green
furniture trends
The latest trends and manfacturers in the furniture industry.
landscape architecture
The principles and practices used in the architecture and design of outdoor areas.
project management
The discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
topography
Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.
types of glazing
Various types of glass, insulating glazing and mirror glass and their contribution to energy performance. Their usage cases, advantages and disadvantages, and price points.
zero-energy building design
The design and building principle whereby the net amount of energy used by the building equals the amount of renewable energy created by the building itself. The concept refers to self-sustaining constructions.
green
Cross-sector
9 competencesbuilding materials industry
Supplier, brands and types of products and goods available on the market of building materials.
construction legal systems
The different legal systems and regulations governing construction activities across Europe.
energy performance of buildings
Factors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.
green
engineering principles
The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
fine arts
The theory and techniques required to compose, produce and perform works of visual arts as drawing, painting, sculpture and other art forms.
furniture wood types
Types of wood used in the manufacturing of wooden furniture and their characteristics.
historic architecture
The techniques and styles of various periods in history from an architectural standpoint.
mathematics
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
physics
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
Optional skills and competences 31 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencedesign harmonious architecture
Design and develop constructions that keep the balance between nature and buildings. Ensure that the incorporation of buildings in a site preserves the harmony of the place.
Sector-specific
10 competencesadapt existing designs to changed circumstances
Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
advise customers on building materials
Provide customers with detailed advice on various building materials; recommend sustainable development and promote the use of green materials such as wood, straw and bamboo; promote recycling and the use of renewable or non-toxic materials.
green
assess heating and cooling systems
Select heating and cooling systems, specifically in relation with the buildings' architectural design and building functions. Discuss the relation between architectural design and selection of heating and cooling systems in a multidisciplinary team.
communicate with construction crews
Exchange information with the construction crews or supervisors to ensure smooth progress of the construction project. Obtain updates on the progress and any obstacles, and inform the crews of any changes in the schedule or procedures.
design an artificial lighting system
Investigate and design an artificial lighting system based on daylight, timer, or occupation of spaces, taking into account any technical specifications and restrictions, such as power quality and energy efficiency and the influence of used materials in light bulbs or LEDs on environment.
green
design building air tightness
Address the air tightness of the building as a part of energy conservation concept. Guide the design on air tightness towards the desired level of air tightness.
green
design microclimates in buildings
Discuss and evaluate climatic and local conditions on the site for application of optimal passive strategies (micro and macro climate). Combine several design strategies, including the main passive design strategies, and evaluate their performance as a whole building energy concept.
green
design window and glazing systems
Design window/glazing system for optimal comfort and energy performance. Evaluate and design optimal shading system and its control strategy.
green
develop a specific interior design
Develop a conceptual interior design fitting the global mood the room(s) must convey, according to the quality standards agreed on. Adhere to the order of a client for a domestic area or to the concept of an artistic production, such as a movie or a theatre play.
investigate microclimates for buildings
Investigate appropriate solutions concerning microclimate conditions for buildings to ensure responsible energy consumption and thermal comfort. Consider passive design strategies such as daylight, passive cooling, natural cooling, thermal mass, solar heating, and others.
green
Cross-sector
20 competencesadvise legislators
Give advice on various government and legislative duties, such as policy creation and the inner workings of a governmental department, to government officials in legislative positions, such as members of parliament, government ministers, senators, and other legislators.
apply systemic design thinking
Apply the process of combining systems thinking methodologies with human-centred design in order to solve complex societal challenges in an innovative and sustainable way. This is most often applied in social innovation practices that focus less on designing stand-alone products and services to designing complex service systems, organizations or policies that bring value to the society as a whole.
assess environmental impact
Monitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.
green
carry out tendering
Place the request for a quotation to the organisation requesting a tender, then perform the work or supply the goods agreed with them during the tendering process.
communicate with local residents
Explain building and landscaping projects to local residents in order to obtain their approval and co-operation.
develop professional network
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
- Scope note
- This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
ensure compliance with construction project deadline
Plan, schedule and monitor the building processes in order to ensure completion of the project by the set deadline.
finish project within budget
Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.
follow work schedule
Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.
liaise with local authorities
Maintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.
make architectural mock-ups
Make a scale model that represents the vision and specifications of the construction project to allow the design team to review details such as colour and materials selection, and to show and discuss the project with the customers.
manage contracts
Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.
monitor parameters' compliance in construction projects
Monitors progress in construction sites and the compliance of various parameters outlined in the design phase such as quality, costs, timeline, and contractors' responsibilities.
oversee construction project
Make sure that the construction project is carried out in compliance with the building permit, the execution plans, the performance and design specifications, and the relevant regulations.
participate in governmental tenders
Filling out documentation, guarantees for participation in govenmental tenders.
prepare building permit applications
Fill in the forms and prepare any additional documentation needed to file an application to receive the construction permit required for erecting, renovating, and modifying buildings.
prepare lesson content
Prepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.
provide lesson materials
Ensure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.
provide technical expertise
Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.
use specialised design software
Developing new designs mastering specialised software.
digital