How to achieve the design and specification competency

Design and specification are two essential areas of technical competence that all building surveyors need to demonstrate.

The RICS pathway guide for building surveying states that: 'Building surveyors are usually involved in refurbishment of property, and in some cases new-build projects. Knowledge of the stages of design and specification from inception to completion is an essential building surveying skill.'

The requirements for this competency by level are, briefly, as follows.

• At Level 1, you should demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the design process and the scope and content of related documentation, including different types of specification.
• At Level 2, you should provide evidence of preparing designs and specifications, at both outline and detail levels.
• At Level 3, you should provide evidence of giving reasoned advice and preparing the full design and specification for a variety of projects.

Meanwhile, typical examples of advice that prove you have achieved level 3 include:

• preparing and advising on the design and specification of a project
• advising on sustainability issues
• managing the design process, including incorporating design work by other professionals in a specification for the project.

Elements of this competency can also be included in your case study, and you can cover relevant knowledge acquisition in your CPD record as well.

You will then need to be ready to address questions on your examples and knowledge in your final assessment interview. You should always answer the assessors' questions according to your own practical experience, ensuring that you explain the advice you gave at level 3 or what you did at level 2. Talk through the rationale for the advice you provided, and think logically about the actions you took.

Although it may sound like a long time, the 60-minute interview is actually very short, so your answers should be concise and considered. Avoid the temptation to tell the panel everything you know about a specific example or the competency as a whole.

A sample answer at level 3 is given below, although you should think about how you could be asked a similar question in relation to your own experience. For example, where in your submission did you give advice, and what was it based on? If you were asked by an assessor what advice you gave, what would you say?

Ensure you can articulate your answers clearly and succinctly, and provide background knowledge and justification if you are asked.

Q: Explain the advice you gave during the development of the design process, from the initial outline proposals through to tendering for the works.

A: I worked closely with the client to develop and advise on the initial brief for a ground-floor extension. Following my development of outline proposals, I advised the client on its statutory obligations relating to planning and party wall matters.

Given the siting of the property and proximity to other buildings, I advised seeking pre-application advice from the local authority, and then amended the design accordingly.

To control and manage the risks associated with the client's requirements, the final design and building aesthetics, I recommended specialist input from a glazing contractor. I also coordinated input from the project engineer to help in the production of the structural and waterproofing packages.

Once the design was frozen and signed off by the client, I prepared a tender package, consisting of a National Building Specification – in addition to a schedule of works referencing the quality and products or materials to be used – pre-construction health and safety phase plan and the tender form itself.

I also advised my client of its obligations under The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.