Description
Course overview
This course has been designed specifically for architectural professionals who want to understand how AI can support modern practice.
Delivered through five live online workshops, the course combines practical exercises with realistic architectural scenarios aligned to the RIBA Plan of Work. Throughout the programme, you’ll explore how AI can support tasks such as:
- Research and information gathering
- Feasibility studies and project briefing
- Concept and developed design support
- Technical coordination and specification development
- Visualisation and communication
- Construction and delivery processes
- Post-occupancy review and evaluation
A key theme throughout the course is maintaining professional responsibility. You’ll learn how to critically evaluate AI-generated content, recognise its limitations and apply appropriate quality assurance processes.
Rather than replacing architectural expertise, AI is explored as a tool that can enhance professional capability, support decision-making and improve efficiency.
Why study this course?
Architectural practices are under increasing pressure to deliver high-quality work efficiently, respond quickly to client needs and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving profession.
This course will help you:
- Reduce time spent on research and information gathering
- Support bid writing, proposal development and project documentation
- Improve productivity across architectural workflows
- Understand where AI can add value across the RIBA Plan of Work
- Develop confidence in using AI without compromising professional and ethical judgement
- Explore AI in a safe environment with guidance from experienced practitioners
- Establish practical approaches to governance, quality assurance and verification
- Stay ahead of emerging trends shaping the future of practice
What will you leave with?
By the end of the course, you’ll have:
- Practical AI workflows relevant to RIBA Stages 0-7
- Prompt templates you can apply immediately within your role
- Quality assurance techniques for reviewing AI-generated outputs
- Ethical and legal guidance for professional practice
- Greater confidence in using AI tools appropriately and responsibly
- A personal AI implementation plan tailored to your professional needs
Who should study this course?
This course is suitable for:
- Architects
- Architectural designers
- Architectural technologists
- Practice owners and directors
- Project managers within architectural practices
- Bid and business development professionals working in practice environments
- Part I and Part II architectural assistants
- Design leads and senior technical staff
- Practices seeking to develop AI capability across their teams
The course is relevant to both UK and international professionals, with content aligned to UK professional standards and the RIBA Plan of Work.
Course aims
This course aims to provide architecture professionals with:
- A clear understanding of what AI can and cannot be used for within architectural practice
- Practical experience of applying AI across RIBA Stages 0–7
- Confidence to use AI tools without compromising professional standards, ethics or authorship
- A structured approach to verification, quality assurance and professional accountability
- A foundation for ongoing professional development in AI-enhanced design practice
Learning objectives
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- Evaluate the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools within architectural practice
- Use AI tools appropriately and effectively during early-stage tasks (RIBA Stages 0-2), including feasibility and briefing
- Apply AI to support concept design development and refinement in RIBA Stages 2-4
- Critically analyse and verify AI-generated content using established quality-control techniques
- Integrate ethical, professional and data-security considerations into design workflows
- Develop a personal professional development plan for using AI safely and responsibly
Programme leader
Joel Tatton-Bennett, RIBA, MRICS
A chartered British architect and surveyor, Joel has practised architecture, valuation, commercial brokerage and real estate advisory across the UK, Latin America and Southeast Asia. He has acted as an Owner’s Representative for PGIM, delivered valuations and strategic advisory across multiple asset classes, and designed and project managed a range of development projects, giving him a broad and integrated perspective on the real estate lifecycle.
Most recently an Associate Director with Colliers International in Singapore and an Associate Lecturer with University of the Built Environment, Joel has previously held senior client advisory and consultancy roles with multinational firms including NORR, McBains Cooper and Colliers International Mexico. In Singapore he also served the profession as an RICS assessor and panel chair, contributing to the assessment and development of future chartered Surveyors.
An active member of both RIBA and RICS, Joel holds a Master’s degree in Architectural Professional Practice, a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from Kingston University and the University of Portsmouth.
Learning and assessment
Learning is delivered through:
- Five interactive two-hour Zoom workshops
- Practical exercises and scenario-based activities using free-to-use generative AI tools
- Guided discussion, peer learning and tutor support
There’s no formal exam for this course. You’re encouraged to retain outputs for CPD and professional portfolios.
Key features
- Fully online, tutor-led delivery
- Designed specifically for architectural practice
- Practical, scenario-based learning
- Structured around the RIBA Plan of Work
- Strong focus on productivity, efficiency and professional application
- Guidance on ethics, governance and responsible AI use
- Delivered by an established built environment education provider
- Suitable for individual professionals and whole practice teams
Time commitment
Boarding week: 16 November 2026
Live workshops: 17 November – 15 December 2026
The course provides 10 hours of live learning delivered flexibly to fit around professional commitments.
Participation requirements
Although there’s no formal application process, participants should have:
- Experience of working or studying within architectural practice
- Access to a computer and reliable internet connection
- A willingness to explore AI tools through guided practical exercises
- An interest in developing future-focused professional skills
Technical requirements
To participate, you’ll need:
- A computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device with audio and video playback capability
- Internet access (broadband recommended)
- An up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge)
- Software for opening PDF documents
- A smartphone with an authenticator app for secure sign in
Please note that systems with firewalls may require pop ups and YouTube access to be enabled.
Enrolment
To enrol in the next cohort, add the course to your basket or contact academy@ube.ac.uk for group bookings.
For general enquiries:
UK (Free): 0800 019 9697 (Press 1)
International: +44 (0)118 921 4696 (Press 1)
Email: enquiries@ube.ac.uk
Cancellation policy
The University recognises that a change in circumstances can sometimes be unavoidable and that delegates who register for a scheduled event may need to withdraw or change their original registration. If you are unable to attend this scheduled CPD course you are booked on, you may request to substitute another person to attend in your place provided you notify us in writing at academy@ube.ac.uk at least five working days before the event.
Refunds are calculated as follows upon receipt of the written request to academy@ube.ac.uk
- More than 28 days before the course start date: Online Academy will retain 20% of the fees due
- 28-14 days before the course start date: Online Academy will retain 50% of the fees due
- Less than 14 days before the start date: Online Academy will retain 100% of the fees due
In the unlikely event of the University of the Built Environment withdrawing a course, all course fees paid will be refunded, however the Online Academy will not be liable for any other costs or losses incurred.
Data Protection
As stated in Clause 13 of the Online Academy Conditions of Sale; University of the Built Environment Online Academy warrants that in processing Personal Data relating to or provided by you (“the DELEGATE”)
- It will comply with the University of the Built Environment Privacy and Data Protection Policies
- It will comply with its obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 and the Data Protection Act 2018
- It has in place appropriate technical and organisational security measures against unauthorised or unlawful processing of Personal Data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, Personal Data
In this Clause 13, Personal Data has the meaning given in the General Data Protection Regulation 2016.
