1

Analyse project information to clarify design concepts.

1.1

Design brief and site analysis documentation for small-scale building design projects are reviewed and further research requirements are noted and met.

1.2

Contextual factors affecting design options are analysed to determine key design parameters.

1.3

Compliance requirements are analysed and limitations on design options are interpreted.

1.4

Construction materials and methods appropriate to the project are reviewed and impacts on design options are analysed.

1.5

Project information is synthesised and design principles are applied to develop ideas for building designs.

2

Produce concept sketches

2.1

Building design ideas are explored through sketching and consultation with colleagues, as appropriate.

2.2

Sketches with accurate proportions are produced within project timelines to illustrate design concepts.

2.3

Rendering techniques are applied to sketches to enhance readability and depict light, shade and a range of material finishes.

2.4

Sketches are reviewed, refined and adjusted to ensure design concepts meet requirements of design briefs and address constraints imposed by project sites and compliance obligations.

2.5

Scaled renditions of design concepts are produced as required.

3

Consult clients to finalise design concepts

3.1

Design concepts are presented to client and details of design solutions and choices are explained.

3.2

Client is encouraged to give feedback, and questioning techniques and sketching skills are used to explore requested adjustments to design concepts.

3.3

Implications of adjustments are discussed with client and final decisions on design concepts are negotiated.

3.4

Negotiated adjustments are made to design concepts and client’s approval of final drawings is obtained and recorded according to workplace procedures.

Required skills

administration and management skills to:

manage documents

manage time, including planning and prioritising work

analytical and problem-solving skills to:

apply design principles and theories within regulatory requirements

respond to the challenges of irregularly shaped sites

work out optimum compliant and cost-effective design solutions

artistic and creative thinking skills to visualise spaces, form, shapes and light

interpersonal skills to interact with clients and colleagues

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

calculate scales

communicate with clients and contacts

interpret and apply complex information, including legislation, regulations, and codes and standards

present design options to clients

negotiate adjustments and their implications with clients

technical skills to:

apply principles of design

produce accurate design documentation

draw, either freehand or using computer software

design from a brief

produce climate-responsive designs

use design tools

technology skills to use information technology and relevant software

Required knowledge

architectural styles and terminology

basic principles of structural engineering

building designers’ duty of care to ensure quality and safety of designs

contextual and site constraints that place limits on design options

design development and approval processes and implications of changes to design at each stage

key features of building life cycles and impact on designs

legislation, codes and standards relevant to sustainable design requirements for small-scale building design projects

organisational scope of business, service levels and fees

planning processes and requirements

principles of design, including sustainable design

scientific and social principles of human interaction with the built environment

sustainable construction materials and methods

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

collect, review and analyse information relevant to at least three different small-scale building design projects, including residential and commercial or industrial projects

produce accurately proportioned and rendered design concept sketches, that meet design brief and site or compliance constraints, within project timelines

consult with clients, including:

explaining design concepts

obtaining feedback

negotiating and finalising adjustments

produce finalised design concepts and gain and process client approval documentation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

must be in the context of the work environment

may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to:

suitable assessment venue and equipment

suitable simulated or real opportunities and resources to demonstrate competence

assessment instruments.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge for the unit

observed, documented and/or firsthand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of options that best meet the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Small-scale building design projects:

include buildings covered by the BCA, except construction Type A buildings

may be residential projects, such as:

additions and renovations

heritage restoration

new buildings

may be commercial or industrial projects, such as:

factories

motels

offices

restaurants

retail and service outlets

warehouses.

Contextual factors may include:

building function, including:

behaviours of users

changes in use and behaviours of users over life cycle of building

neighbourhood characteristics

site typology.

Key design parameters may include:

concept and identity

patterns of movement

privacy and transparency

spatial relationships

visual goals.

Design principles may include:

aesthetics

balance

contrast

dominance and emphasis

functionality

gradation

harmony

proportion

radiation

repetition

rhythm

scale

symmetry

unity.

Sketches may:

include:

plans

elevations

one-point perspectives

two-point perspectives

show details of:

aesthetic elements

construction

structural elements

be produced by:

computer software applications

freehand drawing.

Rendering techniques may include:

burnishing

hatching

line drawings

negative space

rubbing

scoring

stippling

tonal rendering.

Material finishes may include:

natural finishes, such as:

rammed earth

slate

stone

timber

vegetation

non-reflective textured materials, such as:

brick

carpet

pavers

rendered surfaces

tiles

reflective surfaces, such as:

glass

mirrors

water.

Implications of adjustments may include:

buildability issues

changes to:

budget

project timelines

service level agreement

planning approval issues.