Professional
In general, a professional is someone who has a career in a particular profession. The term can also be used to describe an individual who has achieved certain educational and training standards that provide them with the knowledge, expertise and skills necessary to carry out their role effectively.
In construction, the term ‘professional’ is not taken to cover all levels of expertise and practice. Highly-skilled workers, such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, steelworkers, and so on, may be described as ‘trades’ or ‘craft’ workers, rather than professionals. A very broad, but increasingly inaccurate distinction that is often applied is that a ‘professional’ is engaged in a predominately mental activity while a ‘tradesperson’ is mainly engaged in physical labour.
Professions are generally occupations that require a prolonged period of education and training. They are often overseen by professional bodies who may accredit educational establishments and qualified professionals. Professional bodies may set standards of ethics, performance, competence, insurance, training and so on that must be met to remain within the profession. These are typically set out in a code of conduct.
In the construction industry, architects are also be bound by regulation. The ARB code of conduct which lays down the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of persons registered as architects under the Architects Act. In addition, if they are members of the RIBA, they will be subject to the requirements of the RIBA Code of Professional Conduct.
Professionals will generally hold professional indemnity insurance (PII), and are required to undertake continuing professional development’ (CPD) to ensure their skills and knowledge remain up-to-date. CPD has become a vital part of a professional career as a result of; continuous and accelerating changes in technology, regulations and procurement practices; increasing specialisation; and the complexity of the supply chain.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Best practice.
- Chartered institute.
- Code of conduct.
- Continuing professional development.
- Discipline.
- Employee.
- Professional conduct.
- Professional body.
- Professional practice.
- RIBA Code of Professional Conduct.
- RIBA professional conduct guidance.
- Standards.
- Trade contractor
- What is a Chartered Practice?
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.