With ever-increasing expectations of
the customers for excellence, growing competition, and severe pricing pressures,
the demands on Building designers are significantly undergoing significant changes.
From being perceived as merely technical
persons, the owners and promoters of the real estate and hospitality industry
expect designers to contribute significantly to help improve the profitability
of the business during the design conceptualization and actual development
process. This necessitated designers to develop certain skills /competencies that
would enable them to deliver all-around excellence. A few important
competencies that need to be acquired are compiled below for each package.
1. Technical competencies (12
numbers)
2. Commercial Competencies (5
numbers)
3. IT/Software
competencies (5 numbers)
4. Legal competencies (4 numbers)
5. Leadership competencies
(9 numbers)
Suggested competency matrix for building
designers
Architects |
Interior designers |
MEP designers |
Technical Competencies |
Technical Competencies |
Technical Competencies |
1 Basic knowledge of features (such
as Physical characteristics, functional and performance parameters) of
different parts /components of types of architectural buildings to be
designed such as Hotels, Restaurants, hospitals, educational, residential,
commercial, SEZ units, factories, offices complex, etc. 2 Requisite knowledge of best design
practices applicable to Architecture function 3 Core knowledge of types of Superstructures,
Sub-structures, roofing, walls, floorings, and a variety of external
development areas
|
1 Basic knowledge of features (such as
Physical attributes, characteristics, functional and performance parameters)
of different parts /components of types of building interiors for rooms,
restaurants, halls, kitchens, dining areas, Gyms, utility buildings, and
recreation rooms.
2 Working knowledge about types of furniture, fixture, and equipment required in various
buildings/areas 3 Requisite knowledge of best design
practices applicable to Interior design function 4 Core knowledge of the Interior designing styles like traditional, modern, and contemporary, the inspirational
vision of different types of interior spaces in different areas.
|
1 Basic knowledge of features (such as
Physical attributes, characteristics, functional and performance parameters)
of different parts /components of types of buildings such as Hotels,
Restaurants, hospitals, educational, residential, commercial, SEZ units,
factories, offices complex, etc. 2 Requisite knowledge of best design
practices applicable to MEP function 3 Core knowledge of types of MEP packages such as: ·
Designing Electrical — external and Internal works ·
Deigning of Airconditioning -Works ·
Designing of lighting works ·
Designing plumbing and water (hot and cold) supply works ·
Energy management works for green building ·
Firefighting works ·
Designing of lifts/elevators works ·
Designing of STP (sewerage treatment plant) works ·
Waste management works ·
Designing fuel storage and supply works ·
Designing solar energy works ·
Designing wind engineering works ·
Designing audio-visual works ·
Heating works ·
Ventilation & exhaust works ·
Acoustics works ·
Facility management works ·
Hospitality works like kitchen and laundry ·
IT infrastructure ·
Building automation And so on
|
3 The design process for
different types of buildings, designing techniques, methods, stages of
design development, etc 4 Crucial knowledge of developing Coordinated architectural designs and drawings to make these 1st
time right and without any conflicts with Interior design and MEP
works, thus avoiding expensive reworks. |
3 The design process for
different types of buildings, designing techniques, methods, stages of
design development, etc 4 Crucial knowledge of developing Coordinated architectural designs and drawings to make these 1st
time right and without any conflicts with architectural and MEP works,
thus avoiding expensive reworks. |
3 The design process for
different types of buildings, designing techniques, methods, stages of
design development, etc 4 Crucial knowledge of developing Coordinated architectural designs and drawings to make these 1st
time right and without any conflicts with architectural and Interior
design works, thus avoiding expensive reworks |
5 Working knowledge of construction methods e.g. · Super structure-scaffolding, shuttering, roofing, etc · External works-site preparation, roads, services · Façade fabrication with Aluminium, UPVC, and Glasswork · Hardscape-irrigation, drainage, Golf areas · Softscape-Guying &planting, plants for landscape · And so on for each package |
5 Working knowledge of construction methods e.g. · Wall finishes. - plaster coating, painting · Floor finishing -stones, tiles, carpets · Ceiling finishing-plaster, paint, decorative · False ceiling framework · Suspended ceiling · furniture, fixtures, equipment · Artwork of different materials · And so on for each package |
5 Working knowledge of construction methods, Installing, and commissioning e.g. · Electrical works- Vacuum
circuit breakers, Air circuit breakers, Cables, Panels, transformers, etc. · Internal electrical-laying
conduits, wires, lamps and fixtures, and fittings, CCTV · HVAC-Air-conditioning-VRV (Variable
refrigerant volume), chillers, Outdoor/indoor units · Heat exchangers, fan coil systems, valves, pumps · Ventilation works-Centrifugal fans, Jet fans,
Ducting, Control systems And so on for each package |
6 In-depth technical knowledge of BOQ materials (such as TMT bars, Cement/RMC, Stones, Joinery materials, wood
works, steel works, Glass works, Horticulture, etc) that are used in any
package that forms part of a tender such as: · Superstructure · Architect · Façade · external development · hardscape including waterworks · softscape · and so on
|
6 In-depth technical knowledge of BOQ materials that are part of any package that forms part of a tender such
as: · Finishing materials (such as marbles, tiles, wooden flooring,
wallcoverings, paints, claddings, fabrics, and linens · Furniture, fixtures, and equipment, · Artwork, · Plants & shrubs for interiors · and so on
|
6 In-depth technical knowledge of BOQ materials that are part of any package & to be part of a tender such
as Electrical, Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, acoustics, VAC,
Plumbing, firefighting, lighting, energy management, lifts/elevators, Sewage
treatment plants, fuel storage systems, solar energy works, wind engineering,
audio visual, facility management, kitchen, laundry, IT infrastructure,
building |
7 Basic knowledge of modern designing methods techniques/software tools to enhance Architectural design
efficiency
|
7 Basic knowledge of modern designing methods techniques/software tools to enhance interior design efficiency
|
7 Basic knowledge of modern designing methods techniques/software tools to enhance interior design efficiency
|
8 Vital knowledge of building design -quality in the design of
Architecture works
9 Basic knowledge of Construction methods
10 Basic knowledge Inspection methods of each BOQ material &
package/building as a whole
|
8 Vital knowledge of building design -quality in the Interior
design works
9 Basic knowledge of construction methods
10 Basic knowledge Inspection methods of each BOQ material &
package/building as a whole
|
8 Vital knowledge of building design -quality in the MEP works
9 Basic knowledge of installation, commissioning, and testing
methods of MEP equipment 10 Basic knowledge Inspection methods of each BOQ material &
package/building as a whole
|
11 Core Knowledge of Quality standards applicable to complete Architectural building and individual packages |
11 Core Knowledge of Quality standards applicable to complete Interiors works and individual packages |
11 Core Knowledge of Quality standards applicable to complete Integrated packages for building as a whole and individual
packages |
12 Necessary knowledge of Measuring Instruments used in/for: · Surveying -Theodolite, Universal machine,
Total station Pipe & level locators,
construction calculators · Laboratory—Glassware, pipettes, moisture
meter, density meter, autoclave, mixer, ·
Metrology-height gauge precision levels, And so on |
12 Necessary knowledge of Measuring Instruments used in/for: · Metrology- Callipers, micrometers · Level-Level gauges · Flow-flowmeter And so on |
12 Necessary knowledge of Measuring Instruments used in/for: · Electrical -multimeter, voltmeter, energy
meter · Sound- decibel meter, noise analyser · Speed-Tachometer · Temperature-Temperature sensors |
Commercial
Competencies |
Commercial
Competencies |
Commercial Competencies |
1 Rate and fee /commercial terms negotiation skills for
procuring samples or consultancy works
2 Cost estimation skills vis a vis each
package such as Structure, Architecture, Façade, Landscape, and so on
3 Developing Budget parameters
4 Ability to generate reports/MIS from software/ERP and analyze
vis a vis Budget.
5 Evolving coding schemes for BOQ etc |
1 Rate and fee /commercial terms negotiation skills for
procuring samples or consultancy works
2 Cost estimation skills vis a vis each
package such as Finishing, FFE, Artwork , and so on for each package
3 Developing Budget parameters
4 Ability to generate reports/MIS from software/ERP and analyze
vis a vis Budget.
5 Evolving coding schemes for BOQ etc |
1 Rate and fee /commercial terms negotiation skills for
procuring samples or small consultancy works 2 Cost estimation skills vis a vis each
package such as: · Electrical works · HVAC · Plumbing And so on
3 Developing Budget parameters
4 Ability to generate reports/MIS from software/ERP and analyze
vis a vis Budget. 5 Evolving coding schemes for BOQ etc
|
IT /software
Competencies |
IT /software
Competencies |
IT /software
Competencies |
1 Working Knowledge of various Design software solutions for core designing of each type of package such as below: · STADD, ETAB, · AutoCAD, · Revit Architecture (BIM), · 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, · Fenestra, Autodesk Revit, · Idea spectrum Realtime landscape pro, NCH software dream plan,
smart draw, and so on 2 Basic Knowledge of MS office
3 Ability to conceptualize and
develop structure & parameters for various master data tables like: i)Drawings specifications -Packages
in Civil works, ii)Scope of work master -Civil works
packages
4 Ability to conceptualize templates and provide Architectural related meaningful inputs to
IT/ERP/software teams for digitalization of the following: i)configuration & Master data
tables ii) configuration tables iii)risk assessment templates iv) Segregation of duties and access
rights templates v) coding schemes vi) user traceability reports vii) audit trail reports viii) Budgets ix)MIS/Dashboards x)SOP (Standard operating
procedures) xi) Design & drawings document
management xi) KPI (Key performance indicators)
5 Ability to generate important reports from databases /Dashboard related to Architecture function
and analyze these for enhancing productivity and reduce cycle time for design
& development |
1 Working Knowledge of various Design software solutions for core designing of each type of package such as below: · Pro’s modeling suite Max, · AutoCAD, · Autodesk Revit, Autodesk 3d’s, · SketchUp Photoshop, and so on.
2 Basic Knowledge of MS office
3 Ability to conceptualize and
develop structure & parameters for various master data tables like: Ability to configure various masters’ data tables like i)Drawings specifications -Packages
in Interior design works,
ii)Scope of work master -Packages in
Interior design works 4 Ability to conceptualize templates and provide Architectural related meaningful inputs to
T/ERP/software teams for digitalization of the following: i)configuration & Master data
tables ii) configuration tables iii)risk assessment templates iv) Segregation of duties and access
rights templates v) coding schemes vi) user traceability reports vii) audit trail reports viii) Budgets ix)MIS/Dashboards x)SOP (Standard operating
procedures) xi) Design & drawings document
management xi) KPI (Key performance indicators) 5 Ability to generate important reports from databases /Dashboard related to Interior design function
and analyze these for enhancing productivity and reduce cycle time for design
& development
|
1 Working Knowledge of various Design software solutions for core designing of each type of package such as below: · AutoCAD Electrical, · Smart Draw · Autodesk · Ansys · Quick Allot, · Revit MEP · AutoCAD HVAC and so on · Knowledge of MS office
3 Ability to conceptualize and
develop structure & parameters for various master data tables like: i)Drawings specifications -Packages
in MEP works, ii)Scope of work master -Packages in MEP
packages 4 Ability to conceptualize templates and provide Architectural related meaningful inputs to
T/ERP/software teams for digitalization of the following: i)configuration & Master data
tables ii) configuration tables iii)risk assessment templates iv) Segregation of duties and access
rights templates v) coding schemes vi) user traceability reports vii) audit trail reports viii) Budgets ix)MIS/Dashboards x)SOP (Standard operating
procedures) xi) Design & drawings document
management xi) KPI (Key performance indicators 5 Ability to generate important reports from databases /Dashboard related to MEP design function
and analyze these for enhancing productivity and reduce cycle time for design
& development
|
Legal Competencies |
Legal
Competencies |
Legal
Competencies |
1 Deep knowledge of technical aspects vis a vis relevant
laws applicable to Architecture function such as below but not limited
to: ·
The RERA-real estate regulation
& development act 2017 · The national building Codes,2016 · The Forest Conservation Act,1980 · The Patent act 1970 ·
The National Green Tribunal Act 2010
· The Central Goods and services tax Act 2017 And so on .
2 Deep knowledge of local regulations related to Architecture function such as below but not
limited to:
· Town & country planning laws · Applicable standards of GBC-Green building council · Applicable
standards of LEED (leadership in energy & environment) 3 Familiarity with relevant IS & International
standards
4 Essential knowledge of Standards
related to Health & Safety, vis a vis Architecture packages
|
1 Deep knowledge of technical aspects vis a vis relevant
laws applicable to Interior design function such as below but not
limited to:
· The national building Codes,2016 · The Central Goods and Services Tax Act 2017 And so on
2 Deep knowledge of local regulations related to Interior design functions such as below but
not limited to:
3 Familiarity with relevant IS & International
standards
4 Essential knowledge of Standards
related to Health & Safety, vis a vis Interior design packages
|
1 Deep knowledge of technical aspects vis a vis relevant
laws applicable to IMEP design
function such as below but not limited to:
· The Air (prevention &control of pollution) act,1987 · The Water (prevention &control of pollution) act,1987 · The environment (protection)act 1986 · The RERA-real estate regulation & development act 2017 · The National Green Tribunal Act 2010 · The Central Goods and Services Tax Act 2017
2 Deep knowledge of local regulations related to MEP design function such as below but not
limited to:
· National Building code,2016-sections related
to building services like lighting, electrical, air conditioning, acoustics,
sound insulation, noise control, lifts, escalators, travellators, plumbing
(water supply, drainage & sanitation, solid waste management, gas supply),
landscape, signages, etc. · Applicable standards of GBC-Green building council · Applicable standards of
LEED (leadership in energy & environment) 3 Familiarity with relevant IS & International
standards
4 Essential knowledge of Standards
related to Health & Safety, vis a vis MEP design packages
|
Leadership Competencies |
Leadership Competencies |
Leadership Competencies |
1 Ethical frame of mind 2 Team management 3 Team development and training 4 Empowerments 5 Alignment with organization objectives 6 Quality of work 7 Efficiency and Effectiveness 8 Analytical 9 Change management 10 Benchmarking of competitor’s design features in various
packages
|
1 Ethical frame of mind 2 Team management 3 Team development and training 4 Empowerments 5 Alignment with organization objectives 6 Quality of work 7 Efficiency and Effectiveness 8 Analytical 9 Change management 10 Benchmarking of competitor’s design features in various
packages
|
1 Ethical frame of mind 2 Team management 3 Team development and training 4 Empowerments 5 Alignment with organization objectives 6 Quality of work 7 Efficiency and Effectiveness 8 Analytical 9 Change management 10 Benchmarking of competitor’s design features in various
packages
|
WAY FORWARD
The acquisition of 36 competencies listed
above in each design function can enable designers to play a larger for aligning
with the organization’s objectives and thus play an important role in improving
the performance of the organization and enhancing profitability.
Architects, Interior Designers, and
MEP designers, therefore, need to do following in their respective areas of
responsibilities
1. Continuous
enhancement of the skills mentioned above in the competencies mentioned above
2. Identifying and engaging high-quality, professionally
qualified, and competent designers/consultants where in-house skills are not
yet available or resources are not adequate.
3. Finding and implementing best design practices
thus bringing excellence in their respective design processes and accomplishing
the following:
· Enhancing quality of designs
· Supporting improved quality of construction
· Reducing Project costs
· Increasing sales revenue
· Improving end-customer satisfaction index
· Complying with statutory conformances
· Accelerating design efficiency and design
effectiveness
4. Developing and implementing performance management
systems (for designers) based on documented KPI-key performance indicators
Handbook of the author
In June 2022, the author launched a handbook
titled “ETHICS in the
real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design,
and MEP services “. Readers will find a comprehensive reflection of the above
competencies in the contents of Chapters 1,2,3.