Continual Improvement
Continual Professional Improvement
As an RIBA Chartered Practice, Architects Plus participate in the RIBA Benchmarking Scheme, a unique, survey-based benchmarking tool for architectural practices designed to accurately compare practice performance with their 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 Architects Plus’ architectural services sectors
· ways to develop the business based on hard facts
· how the business performance of Architects Plus measures up.
The use of business benchmarking is now well established as a key business planning tool for the practice. In addition to this benchmarking process we also operate systems and procedures that ensure that the work we undertake on both the individual and collective level is professional, effective and efficient.
Quality Assurance Policy
Architects Plus is an architectural practice registered under the Chartered Practice scheme of the RIBA and has chosen to adopt a formal system for managing the quality of work. The model employed is the international Standard BS EN ISO 9000. The resulting Quality Manual sets out the measures and processes that the practice has adopted to ensure effective project programming, including the use of the RIBA Plan of Work. By programming and managing all necessary tasks for each work stage and ensuring all parties are aware of the key targets and objectives for the stage Architects Plus can ensure effective communication with the Client throughout the duration of the commission. Points of contact and methods of communication together with the key targets must be established at the commencement of any project. This will ensure that the right people are provided with the right information at the right time.
Continual Professional Development
Architects Plus ensures that all their technical staff comply with the requirements of their internal Continuing Professional Development Management System based on the RIBA framework for maintaining competence within the field of architectural practice.
All staff members complete a Personal Development Plan each year and are encouraged to think specifically about their strengths and weaknesses. This is reviewed with the directors at the annual staff review so that subsequent training can be tailored to the individual’s development as well as the practice’s requirements and the changing demands of regulations and legislation.
Architects Plus ensures that all members of staff maintain a relevant level of awareness of all issues relating to the practice of architecture including:
· Product Specification, which can involve decisions on cost, appearance, durability and sustainability issues, both in-use and during manufacture
· Modern Methods of Construction, including the potential for off-site fabrication, lean construction procedures and Robust Detailing
· Changing legislation, both at local and national levels e.g. local planning policy, government white papers, reports etc.
· Procurement Methods, identifying the various options available and highlighting the most appropriate method depending on the priorities of the individual project.
Key Performance Indicators
Architects Plus adopts a system of performance measurement based around 5 main groups of Key Performance Indicators that can be measured against national collected data:
· Quality of service
· Timely delivery of the service
· Value for money
· Health and safety awareness
· Overall performance
Information is gathered in the form of Customer Feedback forms that are usually issued at the same time as the Practical Completion Certificate. Where appropriate, Architects Plus will also monitor performance throughout the lifetime of a project and not simply upon completion of the final building.
As an RIBA Chartered Practice, Architects Plus participate in the RIBA Benchmarking Scheme, a unique, survey-based benchmarking tool for architectural practices designed to accurately compare practice performance with their 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 Architects Plus’ architectural services sectors
· ways to develop the business based on hard facts
· how the business performance of Architects Plus measures up.
The use of business benchmarking is now well established as a key business planning tool for the practice. In addition to this benchmarking process we also operate systems and procedures that ensure that the work we undertake on both the individual and collective level is professional, effective and efficient.
Quality Assurance Policy
Architects Plus is an architectural practice registered under the Chartered Practice scheme of the RIBA and has chosen to adopt a formal system for managing the quality of work. The model employed is the international Standard BS EN ISO 9000. The resulting Quality Manual sets out the measures and processes that the practice has adopted to ensure effective project programming, including the use of the RIBA Plan of Work. By programming and managing all necessary tasks for each work stage and ensuring all parties are aware of the key targets and objectives for the stage Architects Plus can ensure effective communication with the Client throughout the duration of the commission. Points of contact and methods of communication together with the key targets must be established at the commencement of any project. This will ensure that the right people are provided with the right information at the right time.
Continual Professional Development
Architects Plus ensures that all their technical staff comply with the requirements of their internal Continuing Professional Development Management System based on the RIBA framework for maintaining competence within the field of architectural practice.
All staff members complete a Personal Development Plan each year and are encouraged to think specifically about their strengths and weaknesses. This is reviewed with the directors at the annual staff review so that subsequent training can be tailored to the individual’s development as well as the practice’s requirements and the changing demands of regulations and legislation.
Architects Plus ensures that all members of staff maintain a relevant level of awareness of all issues relating to the practice of architecture including:
· Product Specification, which can involve decisions on cost, appearance, durability and sustainability issues, both in-use and during manufacture
· Modern Methods of Construction, including the potential for off-site fabrication, lean construction procedures and Robust Detailing
· Changing legislation, both at local and national levels e.g. local planning policy, government white papers, reports etc.
· Procurement Methods, identifying the various options available and highlighting the most appropriate method depending on the priorities of the individual project.
Key Performance Indicators
Architects Plus adopts a system of performance measurement based around 5 main groups of Key Performance Indicators that can be measured against national collected data:
· Quality of service
· Timely delivery of the service
· Value for money
· Health and safety awareness
· Overall performance
Information is gathered in the form of Customer Feedback forms that are usually issued at the same time as the Practical Completion Certificate. Where appropriate, Architects Plus will also monitor performance throughout the lifetime of a project and not simply upon completion of the final building.
