An occupational qualification standard is a document which describes the set of skills, knowledge and attitudes, i.e. competence requirements, needed to successfully accomplish duties. Occupational qualification standards are used for compiling curricula and awarding qualifications.
The aim of an interior architect's work is to create an aesthetic whole in an interior, taking all structural engineering and functional aspects of the building/room into account. An interior architect's work is closely related to that of architects, construction engineers and other designers in the... engineering sector, so the interior architect must comprehend and analyse the solutions of those sectors of design and make appropriate suggestions.
An interior architect works according to the initial task, best practice in design and construction, the legislation in force, normative documents and the agreement with their customer.
Four occupational qualification standards have been developed for the profession:
a) Interior Architect, Level 6
b) Diploma Interior Architect, Level 7
c) Chartered Interior Architect, level 7
d) Chartered/Principal Interior Architect, Level 8
The occupational competence of Diploma Interior Architect, Level 7 is described in this occupational qualification standard.
Diploma Interior Architect, Level 7 is a specialist who is competent to create interior architectural design documentation for buildings classified are residential according to the requirements of the construction project and construction permit, the purpose of use and fire safety¹ (11100 and 11200, I purpose of use).
For complex and substantial interior architectural projects, an interior architect at this level works as a member of a team under the guidance and responsibility of an interior architect at a higher level.
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¹ MEAC regulation 02.06.2015 no. 51 'List of Purposes of Use of Construction Works' and regulation 30.03.2017 no. 17 of the Minister of the Interior, Annex 1, 'Classification of Buildings According to Fire Safety' MoreHide
A.2 Work units
A.2.1 Designing interior architecture for buildings
1. Analysis of primary conditions and space and creation of the initial task and a plan of action
2. Creation of visions and sketches for interior spaces
3. Creation of the interior architectural part of construction design documentation during ...preliminary, main and work project stages
4. Formulation and documentation of the interior architectural part of construction design documentation
5. Participation in the coordination process
6. Formulation and documentation of the interior architectural project
A.2.2 Consulting on issues concerning interior architecture
1. Consultation on the function and planning of solutions for interior architecture
2. Consultation on the engineering solutions and materials used in solutions for interior architecture
A.2.3 Performing designer’s supervision
1. Providing explanations and resolving problems and disagreements about design solutions during construction
2. Coordination of the product sketches required in work projects
3. Verification of the realisation of the interior required in work projects
A.2.4 Assessing solutions for existing space and planned interior architecture
1. Assessment of the compatibility and spatial synergy between the individual parts of construction design
A.2.5 Designing furniture and interior decoration elements
1. Identification of the needs of and technological options available to the customer
2. Design of furniture and interior decoration elements MoreHide
A.3 Work environment and specific nature of work
An interior architect works both indoors and on construction sites. Their work is creative, but can periodically cause mental stress. The workload may be distributed unevenly.
A.4 Tools
An interior architect uses regular office equipment, the software required for their occupation and other tools.
A.5 Personal qualities required for work: abilities and characteristics
The work of an interior architect requires spatial imagination, creativity, the ability to analyse, generalise and learn, independence, decision-making skills, accuracy and collaboration skills.
A.6 Professional preparation
Normally, Diploma Interior Architect, Level 7 has a Master's degree in their specialty or a Master's degree in a similar sector and work experience in their specialty.
A.7 Most common occupational titles
Interior architect
A.8 Regulations governing profession
Planning Code and Planning Act and their relevant implementing acts, Act to Implement Building Code and Planning Act.
B Competency Requirements
B.1 Structure of occupation
Competency Requirements:
Five mandatory competences (B.2.1-B.2.5) and one recurring competence (B.2.6) are described in the occupational qualification standard of Diploma Interior Architect, Level 7.
To obtain the qualification of Diploma Interior Architect, Level 7 all competences must be certified.
B.2 Competences
Mandatory competences
Competence
EstQF Level
B.2.1
Designing interior architecture for buildings
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. Analyses the source data of the construction design documentation, taking long-term trends and the needs of spatial, economic, social, natural, historical, cultural and other types of environments into account. Creates the initial task and spatial programme for the interior architectural part of the construction project of a residential building and formulates a plan of action.
2. Creates spatial visions and strategies based on the source data of construction design documentation and develops functionally, aesthetically and economically balanced sketch solutions for residential buildings within the limits of their competence or under the guidance of an interior architect at a higher level.
3. Creates solution for the interior architecture of buildings according to previous analyses and design solutions within the limits of their competence or under the guidance of an interior architect at a higher level. Creates the interior architectural part of the construction design documentation of a residential building in preliminary, main and work project stages in collaboration with the designers of other parts of the construction project and according to norms, standards, legislation in force and agreements with the customer.
4. Explains and justifies the solution for interior architecture within the limits of their competence and answers in a comprehensible way any questions raised. Shares information with the parties in a comprehensible way by selecting the appropriate communication style and channel for each individual target group.
5. Participates in the coordination of solutions for the interior architecture of residential buildings with the creators of other parts of the project within the limits of their competence.
6. Formulates the graphic, textual and illustrative parts of the interior architectural project according to current norms and guidelines using the appropriate technical tools, correct Estonian language and occupational terminology.
B.2.2
Consulting on issues concerning interior architecture
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. Advises customers on the creation of solutions for the interior parts of construction projects for residential buildings.
2. Advises customers on the engineering solutions and materials used in solutions for the interior architecture of residential buildings. Consults with or involves a specialist, if needed.
B.2.3
Performing designer’s supervision
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. Provides explanations for the interior architectural project and resolves any problems that arise during construction due to discrepancies between the project and the actual situation.
2. Reviews and coordinates product sketches.
3. Verifies that the realisation of the interior part of the project matches the design.
B.2.4
Assessing solutions for existing space and planned interior architecture
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. Assesses how the interior architecture solutions of residential buildings match the design, taking the interests of the parties, the specific characteristics of the space, conditions and limitations into account.
B.2.5
Designing furniture and interior decoration elements
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. Identifies the needs of a customer according to individual requirements (ergonomics, location-based requirements, functionality, usable materials, technological and material capabilities, etc.).
2. Designs furniture (incl. standard furniture) and interior decoration elements according to the initial task.
Recurring competences
Competence
EstQF Level
B.2.6
Recurring competences of Diploma Interior Architect, Level 7
7
View competence
Performance indicators:
1. Negotiates using a variety of communication techniques. Comprehends the needs of the parties involved and participates in finding balanced solutions to any underlying issues that may arise.
2. Leads the activity of their design team and creates and provides initial tasks for them within the limits of their competence. Is familiar with the specific nature of the work of other parties and their effect on the interior architectural project.
3. Creates trust through the full and precise execution of their work. Acts in accordance with agreements, behaves consistently and takes responsibility for their decisions and actions.
4. Is informed about and takes into account innovations, knowledge and best practice in their sector and specialty and the requirements of legal acts.
5. Analyses their experience and skills and assesses their need for self-improvement. Participates in further training and takes advantage of opportunities to further themselves professionally.
6. Uses a computer daily for information processing, communication, safety and problem-solving at the Independent user level and for content creation at the Basic user level (see Annex 1 – Scale of self-assessment in digital competence). Uses the modern software solutions (incl. CAD) necessary for their work.
7. Is fluent in Estonian and uses correct occupational terminology. Is able to communicate professionally in at least one foreign language. (See Annex 2 – Language skills level descriptions)
8. Comprehends the nature of the role of an interior architect, their profession and ethics in society, takes social factors into account and follows the requirements of occupational ethics in their activities.
Knowledge:
1) general cultural history, social organisation and environmental awareness;
2) principles of the functioning of the economic and business environment;
3) legislation and legal acts relevant to the occupation;
4) project and presentation graphics;
5) occupational ethics of an interior architect;
6) basics of teamwork management;
7) history and theories of art and culture, incl. architecture, interior architecture and design;
8) principles of architectonics and spatial composition;
9) cultural and spatial semiotics;
10) typology of buildings and interiors;
11) principles of space and furniture ergonomics;
12) safety techniques, incl. fire safety, interior railing safety, material safety and child safety;
13) acoustics;
14) lighting design;
15) engineering disciplines and general construction technology, incl. structures, indoor climate control systems, electricity and water supply;
16) principles of construction physics and energy efficiency;
17) knowledge of solutions for people with special needs;
18) principles of furniture design and technology;
19) occupational terminology.
C General information and Annexes
Designation of occupational qualification standard in register:
22-13032018-2.2.2/6k
Field of occupational activity:
Architecture, Geomatics, Construction and Real Estate
Occupational Qualification Council:
Architecture, Geomatics, Construction and Real Estate
No. of decision of Occupational Qualification Council:
11
Date of decision of Occupational Qualification Council:
13.03.2018
EstQF level:
7
Reference to European Qualifications Framework (EQF):
