Kutseregister Kutseregister
Occupational Qualification Standards: Chartered/Principal Architect, EstQF Level 8

Standard is not valid
General Data
Use of Occupational Qualification Standard: 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.
Name in English: ET: Volitatud arhitekt-ekspert, tase 8
EN: Chartered/Principal Architect, EstQF Level 8
Specialisations:
Partial occupational qualifications:
Valid from: 08.02.2024
Valid to: 31.12.2024
Occupational qualification standard version no.: 8
Versions:
Awarding Bodies: Andmed puuduvad
A Description of work
A.1 Description of work
The aim of an architect's work is to unite artistic, technological, technical and economic solutions into a balanced spatial whole that includes solutions for external space, the architecture of construction work and interior spaces of buildings. This is the basis for creating an economical and inte...grated living environment as a result of design and construction.

A person who has the occupational qualification of an architect is able to understand and convey the needs of individuals, social groups and public institutions regarding spatial and architectural design, construction, conservation and appreciation of architectural heritage and protection of natural balance. An architect works in the public interest and according to best practice in planning, design and construction.

Occupational qualifications for architects are described at the following EQF levels:
• Applied Architect, Level 6
• Certified Architect, Level 7
• Chartered Architect, Level 7
• Chartered/Principal Architect, Level 8
The occupational competence of Chartered/Principal Architect, Level 8 is described in this occupational qualification standard.

Chartered/Principal Architect, Level 8 is a leading specialist and renowned artist who creates and manages spatial plans and architectural parts of design documentation and assesses the constructed environment independently and under their own responsibility.
Chartered/Principal Architect, Level 8 is the head designer of construction documentation, if needed.

Chartered/Principal Architect, Level 8 is competent to conduct the assessment of plans, the expert assessment of the architectural parts of design projects and audits of architectural solutions for construction work, incl. construction work¹ and plans² that are of high public interest and demanding in terms of their architectural level and functional complexity.
They are competent to work for state and local government agencies as a leading expert in their specialty.
_______________________________________
¹ buildings located in city centres or areas of cultural and historical value, buildings that are under protection or remarkable on account of their history, architectural design, infrastructural value or location
² plans for areas located in city centres or areas of cultural and historical value, plans for areas that are under protection or remarkable on account of their infrastructural value or location

More
Hide
A.2 Work units
A.2.1 Creating different types of plans
1. Inspection of the planned area, spatial analysis and establishing the primary positions of a plan
2. Creation of spatial visions and sketch solutions for plans
3. Taking the opinions of the public, interested persons and relevant public institutions into...
account through a balanced spatial solution
4. Creation of a spatial whole for the planned area
5. Introduction and definition of the spatial whole of a plan through cooperation and disclosure
6. Finalisation of the plan

A.2.2 Creating an architectural whole for a construction project, incl. indoor and outdoor spaces, in all its stages
1. Analysis of primary conditions and creation of a programme
2. Participation in the creation of spatial visions and sketches for construction work
3. Creation of the architectural part of a construction project
4. Calculation of energy efficiency
5. Finalisation and documentation of construction design
6. Cooperation with interested parties and relevant agencies
7. Designer’s supervision and participation in the process of adopting the construction

A.2.3 Assessment of architectural parts of construction design documentation, spatial solutions for plans and constructed environments
1. Assessment of spatial compatibility between different types of plans
2. Assessment of consistency between the spatial solutions for design documentation and plans
3. Conducting expert analysis of the architectural parts of design documentation or plans
4. Conducting audits of constructed environments and architectural solutions for buildings

A.2.4 Coordination and preparation of spatial decisions in the public sector
1. Coordination of the creation of spatial solutions
2. Representation of the local government or public authority
3. Consultation of parties in the public interest

A.2.5 Leading the preparation of plans
1. Organisation of the preparation of a plan and cooperation with the creators of individual parts of the plan
2. Cooperation with state or local government agencies, owners, interested persons, the public and infrastructure managers

A.2.6 Leading the preparation of construction design documentation
1. Organising the preparation of construction design documentation incl. coordination of the preparation of parts of construction design documentation
2. Leading the people involved in preparing the architectural part of the design documentation, incl. the overall indoor and outdoor solution
3. Cooperation with users, customers and agencies

More
Hide
A.3 Work environment and specific nature of work
An architect mainly works for and in an architecture firm, design firm or public institution. Because of their duties, they have to spend time outdoors and on construction sites.
Their work is creative and may cause mental stress. Their workload and working time can vary.
A.4 Tools
An architect uses regular office equipment, communication tools, office and design software, construction data modelling and geoinformation systems and tools for marketing and visualisation.
A.5 Personal qualities required for work: abilities and characteristics
Perception of space, ability to visualise and compose space, creative thinking, logical thinking and the ability to generalise, independence and decision-making skills, responsibility and accuracy, collaboration and communication skills, stress tolerance, appreciation of aesthetics and willingness t...o learn.
More
Hide
A.6 Professional preparation
Architectural studies at a university or comparable institution which are in accordance with the directive established by the European Parliament and Council on 7 September 2005, 2005/36/EÜ, ‘About the recognition of occupational qualifications’, and regulation no. 312, ‘Framework requirements for s...tudies of medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, midwifery, nursing, architecture and civil engineering’ established on 25 October 2004 by the Government of the Republic of Estonia, the occupation of Chartered Architect, Level 7 and the required work experience.
More
Hide
A.7 Most common occupational titles
Architect, head architect, expert, designer, planner, advisor.
A.8 Regulations governing profession
Planning Code, Planning Act, Act to Implement Building Code and Planning Act and their relevant implementing acts.
B Competency Requirements
B.1 Structure of occupation
Competency Requirements: The occupational qualification standard of Chartered/Principal Architect, Level 8 consists of six specific competences (B.2.1-B.2.6) and one recurring competence (B.2.7).
To obtain the qualification of Chartered/Principal Architect, Level 8 all competences must be certified.
B.2 Competences
Mandatory competences
    Competence EstQF Level
B.2.1 Creating different types of plans 8

Performance indicators:
1. Analyses the primary situations of plans, incl. plans that are of high public interest, taking long-term trends and the needs of spatial, economic, social, natural, historical, cultural and other types of environments into account. Creates initial positions for the creation of a spatial whole for a plan, taking the needs and interests of as many members of society into account as possible.
2. Creates spatial visions, spatial strategies and sketch solutions for plans, incl. plans that are of high public interest, based on initial positions, implementing creative imagination and finding functional and aesthetically and economically balanced solutions that are necessary to society and that form the basis of a high-quality environment.
3. Comprehends the needs of the parties involved and participates in finding balanced solutions to any underlying issues. Cooperates with the public, interested persons and relevant public institutions using appropriate forms of cooperation.
4. Creates a spatial whole for a plan, incl. a plan of high public interest, in conjunction with other parts of the plan whilst bearing in mind previous analyses, visions and sketch solutions. Plans out the prerequisites of and opportunities available for a plan to create an integral and high-quality living environment.
5. Introduces, explains and justifies the solution for the plan and answers in a comprehensible way any questions raised. Ensures the availability of information and knows how to highlight the key points of a discussion based on the purpose of the plan.
6. Formulates the plan’s graphic, textual and illustrative parts in a clear, legible and comprehensible way and using correct occupational terminology.
B.2.2 Creating an architectural whole for a construction project, incl. indoor and outdoor spaces, in all its stages 8

Performance indicators:
1. Determines and analyses primary conditions based on the location and the user's needs and possibilities and creates a primary task and (spatial) programme for construction work.
2. Creates spatial visions and sketch solutions for construction work based on the primary task, implementing creative imagination and finding a functional, constructively and technically operational, aesthetically and economically balanced and sustainable solution.
3. Creates solutions for architectural parts of preliminary, main and work projects based on sketches and in accordance with good practice, the requirements of and other parts of the construction project. Ensures the integrity of a spatial solution and its preservation throughout the design process.
4. Applies the principles of designing energy-efficient buildings throughout the design process. Proves that a building being designed or significantly reconstructed meets the requirements of energy efficiency using a simplified method and awards the corresponding energy label.
5. Leads or performs the formulation of the graphic, textual and illustrative parts of construction design documentation in a clear, legible and comprehensible way using the correct occupational terminology and in accordance with the requirements for formulating design documentation.
6. Determines the needs of the parties involved and finds reasonable and balanced solutions in cooperation with relevant agencies.
7. Performs designer’s supervision in order to protect copyright and verifies the compliance of the construction work with the project. Clarifies and adds to the project throughout the construction process, if needed. Ensures the integrity of a spatial solution and its preservation throughout the construction process.
Creates instructions for the maintenance and use of architectural elements and products, taking into account the requirements and instructions of the manufacturer.
B.2.3 Assessment of architectural parts of construction design documentation, spatial solutions for plans and constructed environments 8

Performance indicators:
1. Assesses the spatial compatibility of the design conditions or detailed plan, incl. a plan of high public interest, with the general plan according to the development and activities proposed in the general plan, the quality of the environment under construction, the interests of the public and the parties involved, the conditions and limitations set by the plan and relevant legislation.
2. Assesses whether the construction project, incl. a project of high public interest, is in accordance with the development and activities proposed in the plan according to the quality of the environment under construction, the interests of the public and the parties involved and the conditions and limitations set by the plan and relevant legislation.
3. Assesses architectural parts of both normal and demanding construction projects, incl. projects of high public interest, in terms of their architectural level and functional complexity. Conducts expert analysis according to the quality of the construction work and environment under construction, the goals set, the technological, technical, artistic and economical levels of the solutions and best practice in planning, design and construction.
4. Conducts audits of constructed environments and architectural parts of construction works, incl. construction works that are of high public interest and demanding in terms of their architectural level and functional complexity.
B.2.4 Coordination and preparation of spatial decisions in the public sector 8

Performance indicators:
1. Is able to coordinate the creation of spatial solutions for plans and construction design documentation and the making of other decisions that direct spatial development with a view to enabling integral, high-quality and balanced spatial development.
2. Is able to represent the local government or public authority when commissioned to create spatial solutions for plans or design documentation, to develop an integral public space, to fulfil procurements and organise architectural competitions, setting the high quality of the space as the goal.
3. Leads the advising of developers and interested persons on the preparation of spatial solutions for plans and construction projects, representing the public interest and general values.
B.2.5 Leading the preparation of plans 8

Performance indicators:
1. Organises the preparation of plans, incl. plans of high public interest, and cooperation between the people taking part in the planning process, setting as the goal the high quality and integrity of the plan and the spatial environment being constructed according to it. Coordinates the compatibility of the individual parts of the plan and the cooperation between specialists from individual sectors (engineers, landscape architects, geographers, etc.), assuming responsibility for the compatibility of the parts of the project.
2. Determines and balances the needs of the parties involved through a spatial solution even in situations that are complex and require a high level of responsibility and a new strategic approach, taking into account important circumstances (public interest, legislation, best practice, etc.).
B.2.6 Leading the preparation of construction design documentation 8

Performance indicators:
1. Organises and leads the preparation of projects, incl. projects of high public interest, and the work of people creating individual parts of the construction project, setting the high quality and integrity of the construction project as their goal, coordinating and being responsible for the compatibility of its parts.
2. Leads the work of a group of architects in the preparation of both normal construction projects and projects that are of high public interest, setting the quality of the spatial whole as the goal and being responsible for the quality of the architectural parts of projects.
3. Determines and balances the interests and needs of the parties involved through a spatial solution even in situations that are complex and require a high level of responsibility and a new strategic approach, taking into account important circumstances (public interest, legislation, best practice, etc.).
Recurring competences
    Competence EstQF Level
B.2.7 Recurring competences of Chartered/Principal Architect, Level 8 8

Performance indicators:
1. Comprehends the relationship between people and the environment under construction and between the latter and the pre-existing environment, taking into account the buildings, the space between them and whether they meet people's needs and are in harmony with nature.
2. Comprehends the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, the connections between public, semi-public and private spaces and the differences between urban and non-urban spaces.
3. Comprehends spatial planning, the design of construction work, construction and using construction work as a uniform process that is a prerequisite for the creation of a well-constructed environment.
4. Comprehends and implements methods used for fundamental research or by similar professions to create primary conditions and spatial solutions.
5. Perceives the multiplicity of choices, tests, analyses and assesses spatial solutions, draws conclusions and makes choices based on adequate creative, aesthetic, philosophical, methodological and theoretical principles.
6. Comprehends the functional connections between spatial planning and architectural design.
7. Implements knowledge of engineering at a level that enables them to set tasks for the creators of individual parts of design documentation.
8. Takes into account the needs of the users of the environment under construction along with possibilities and limitations and the principles of sustainable development.
9. Leads the activity of collectively preparing a plan and/or construction design documentation as a whole that ensures creative and high-quality results.
10. Uses common information and communication technology during the planning, design and management process.
11. Comprehends the nature of the role of an architect, their profession and ethics in society, takes social factors into account and follows the requirements of occupational ethics in their activities. Is prepared to actively participate in civil society and tolerates diversity in attitudes and values.
12. Contributes to the development of the sector through a variety of activities, e.g. participating in architectural competitions, creating conditions and assignments for architectural competitions and participating in the work of the jury, law-making, popularising the specialty and getting involved in training activities.
13. Participates in teamwork, respects their colleagues and is familiar with work culture.
14. Comprehends and implements the principles of resource and energy efficiency and sustainable development in the environment under construction.
15. Uses a computer for information processing, communication, safety, content creation and problem-solving at the Independent user level on the Digital Competence Self-Assessment Scale (see Annex 1).
16. Uses the specialty-specific software solutions necessary for work.
17. Uses Estonian at least at the C1 level of language proficiency for their work (see Annex 2 – Language skills level descriptions).
Is able to communicate professionally in at least one foreign language.

Knowledge:
1) architecture and other forms of art related to it, history and theories of culture and the sciences;
2) fields of visual art, design and interior architecture which influence the quality of architectural design;
3) principles, strategies, theories and history of spatial planning, urban design and environmental, landscape and interior architecture;
4) principles of spatial composition;
5) typology of urban design and architecture;
6) principles of empirical and construction science and construction techniques and technologies related to architecture;
7) legislation directing spatial development and regulating planning and the design of construction work, as well as other legislation related to the sector;
8) the economic and business environment and their general trends.
C General information and Annexes
Designation of occupational qualification standard in register: 22-08022024-1.9/8k
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: 52
Date of decision of Occupational Qualification Council: 08.02.2024
EstQF level: 8
Reference to European Qualifications Framework (EQF): 8
Field: ARCHITECTURE, GEOMATICS, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
Subfield: Architecture
Occupation: Architect
International Standard Classification of Occupations: 2 Professionals
21 Science and Engineering Professionals
216 Architects, Planners, Surveyors and Designers
2161 Building Architects
ISCED Fields of Education and Training (ISCED-F 2013): 07 Engineering, manufacturing and construction
073 Architecture and construction
0731 Architecture and town planning
Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community (NACE): M PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES
71 Architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis
Annexes
Annex 1 Scale of self-assessment in digital competence
Annex 2 Language skills level descriptions
Occupational qualification standard compiled by
Name Organisation
Ilmar Heinsoo Eesti Arhitektide Liit
Toomas Paaver Eesti Arhitektide Liit
Tõnu Laigu Eesti Arhitektide Liit
Andres Levald Rahandusministeerium, Eesti Arhitektide Liit
Veronika Valk Kultuuriministeerium
Kaie Enno Eesti Planeerijate Ühing
Endrik Mänd MTÜ Linnade Liit
Hindrek Kesler Tallinna Tehnikakõrgkool
Andres Ojari Eesti Kunstiakadeemia

PIKSEL
Home Occupational Qualifications
Occupational Qualification Standards
Certificate Supplements Competences Awarding Bodies Occupational Qualification Councils