Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are designed to be delivered within a course of education. Some Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours may be more safely and reliably delivered in workplace settings, so may not be fully covered by the HTQ. Some qualifications will deliver additional content or added depth and breadth through, for example, use of specialist learning environments, work placements or innovative teaching methods. Check with the qualification provider if you require further information on coverage.
This occupation is found in the construction, built environment and engineering sectors, with construction design and build technicians employed in a variety of organisation types and sizes.
Construction design and build technicians can undertake generalised design and management roles and also specialise in specific aspects of building design or particular building types, including: structural or civil engineering; mechanical, electrical and plumbing design; residential or commercial property; landscape design; digital engineering; planning, estimating and costing designs; building conservation; renovation; retrofit; sustainability and green design.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support multi-disciplinary teams to design and construct the built environment, ensuring projects meet the needs of clients and users, whilst delivering to the required levels of quality, safety, security, efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Construction design and build technicians coordinate all of the design work required during construction projects. They manage the production of technical information models, both 2D and digital, used to build a structure. They bring together architects, structural and service engineers, along with specialist designers and Building Information Modelling BIM technicians, to create coordinated designs which can be used during the build and aid maintenance of the structure once complete.
They use a wide range of design and analysis software tools utilising BIM tools and processes to create and share complex design information with architectural and engineering professionals as well as contractors and clients.
They work in design studios or based on a construction site office, depending on the project. In all cases they will be required to attend site visits and project meetings and provide up-to-date information to enable construction to take place.
They need to source, review, analyse and evaluate a range of information and data, perform advanced calculations, and analyse technical design problems to reach appropriate solutions.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with architects, structural and service engineers, along with specialist designers and Building Information Modelling BIM technicians, as well as clients and statutory bodies and construction site managers and their teams during the build phase.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for analysing design problems and determining technical solutions and then presenting these with building designs and drawings to groups of other professionals. They work collaboratively with architects, engineers and contractors to help develop building designs ahead of construction taking place, as well as providing technical details, information and solutions during the construction phase. In doing so, they must exercise responsibility, autonomy and judgement within broad but generally well-defined parameters.
Construction design and build technicians need to have broad technical knowledge of construction technology, methodologies, materials and techniques in order to present detailed and accurate drawings and plans. They must use relevant research or development to ensure their plans meet current building regulations, codes and standards as well considering safety, security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
They will have digital skills and be able to create and use BIM models, to ISO 19650 standards, to manage information through the whole life cycle of a built asset, from initial design all the way through to construction.
Multi-disciplinary teamworking and collaboration is at the heart of this role. Therefore, effective communication and interpersonal skills are important qualities.
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
|
Duty 1 Collate, interpret and analyse all design and technical information. |
K2 K3 K4 K6 K7 K8 K9 K15 K18 K22 K23 K24 K26 K31 K32 K33 |
|
Duty 2 Select and apply appropriate materials, technologies and processes, to plan, analyse and undertake design and construction activities. |
K2 K3 K4 K6 K7 K8 K16 K17 K18 K31 K32 K33
|
|
Duty 3 Contribute to design projects and deliver appropriate and effective schematic and technical design solutions, by selecting, reviewing and evaluating various sources of information/data and technical information. |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K6 K7 K8 K10 K16 K18 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K31 K32 K33 |
|
Duty 4 Propose design solutions to technical problems, by preparing and presenting design documentation to industry standards. |
|
|
Duty 5 Demonstrate compliance with health, safety and welfare requirements, apply and improve safe systems of work. |
|
|
Duty 6 Identify, evaluate and mitigate risks associated with their own work, and in the projects and activities they are responsible for. |
|
|
Duty 7 Carry out and report on inspection activities related to compliance against design, contractual and technical aspects of the design and produce clearly written, technically accurate inspection reports. |
K2 K3 K4 K9 K11 K12 K15 K17 K24 K27 K28 K29 K30 K32 |
|
Duty 8 Review design and engineering methods, identifying potential improvements to processes, materials, resources or planning. For example, improvements in quality, cost, efficiency and environmental impact. |
|
|
Duty 9 Continually research and evaluate sector changes and innovations to inform personal professional development activity to enhance knowledge and skills. |
|
|
Duty 10 Work collaboratively with, and facilitate communication between clients, design and construction teams, statutory bodies, end-users and other stakeholders. |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K9 K10 K12 K13 K15 K19 K21 K25 K26 K28 K29 |
|
Duty 11 Demonstrate the application of quality and information management, and assurance systems and processes, for example ISO 19650, recognising the need for these, and their role in continuous improvement. |
K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K15 K29 |
|
Duty 12 Demonstrate compliance with environmental policies and legislation, practice sustainable principles, and evaluate how these impact on projects and assist in the achievement of net zero carbon emissions targets. |
K6 K10 K11 K12 K13 K16 K17 K18 K20 K21 K30 K33 |
|
Duty 13 Use analytical design and engineering analysis software as part of a BIM process and other techniques, to inform, develop or manage architectural and engineering solutions. |
K2 K3 K4 K9 K10 K17 K18 K21 K27 K32 K33 S1 S2 S4 S5 S13 S16 S19 S22 S24
|
|
Duty 14 Contribute to the implementation and management of legal and contractual processes on a construction project. |
|
|
Duty 15 Contribute to the measurement and costing of design and construction works during a project. |
S1 S11 S13 S16 S18 S22 S23 S24
|
|
Duty 16 Contribute to the recording, analysis and reporting of progress on a construction project. |
K2 K3 K4 K5 K9 K10 K15 K29 K32
|
K1: Equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Back to Duty
K2: Information technology: Building Information Modelling BIM tools and processes, Common Data Environments CDE, spreadsheets, presentation, word processing, email, virtual communication and learning platforms. General Data Protection Regulation GDPR
Back to Duty
K3: Documentation and data collection principles, methods and requirements - electronic and analogue.
Back to Duty
K4: Technological development and innovation in the construction sector.
Back to Duty
K5: Hazard identification techniques and principles of risk management systems.
Back to Duty
K6: Design principles: scientific, theoretical and technical.
Back to Duty
K7: Design defect identification and problem solving techniques.
Back to Duty
K8: Properties, selection criteria and performance of materials, components and parts used in design solutions. Selection criteria.
Back to Duty
K9: Technical design models 3D and 2D production techniques using BIM tools including design for design, analysis and planning. Software limitations.
Back to Duty
K10: Methods of interpreting and extracting relevant information from drawings, specifications, BIM, and other task specific modelling software.
Back to Duty
K11: Industry policies, standards, and codes of practice, including the Building Safety Act.
Back to Duty
K12: Principles of sustainable development and their impact on the lifecycle of design solutions, including net zero carbon emissions, environmental policies and legislations, and the climate change act.
Back to Duty
K13: Ethical and data security principles as applied to the design and construction sector.
Back to Duty
K14: Methods to maintain professional competence and technical knowledge including initial professional development IPD and continuing professional development CPD.
Back to Duty
K15: Methods of communication and when to use them, using appropriate construction terminology and conventions. Adapting style to audience. Barriers in communication and how to overcome them.
Back to Duty
K16: Modern methods of construction MMC used in design solutions.
Back to Duty
K17: Design principles used in retrofit projects, construction and technical design solutions, and the common constraints faced.
Back to Duty
K18: Environmental and sustainability regulations and guidance. Environmental hazards that can arise from construction operations. Environmental management systems standard. Environmental Protection Act. Environmental signage and notices. Principles of waste management and designing out waste.
Back to Duty
K19: Legislation and types of construction contracts relevant to construction projects and procurement types.
Back to Duty
K20: Energy sources: low carbon CHP, biomass GSHP, zero carbon heat and power, wind, solar PV, thermal, hydro aiming for net zero energy in use.
Back to Duty
K21: Methods of optimising energy use through design: fabric efficiency, passive and active design solutions, low energy lighting, building controls, energy performance.
Back to Duty
K22: Health and safety regulations relevant to the occupation and the technician’s responsibilities.
Back to Duty
K23: Building safety legislation, Construction Design and Management regulations. Occupational health and management systems.
Back to Duty
K24: Historical architectural typologies, construction materials and construction methods used in traditional buildings including substructure, drainage, roofs, walls, floors, doors and windows.
Back to Duty
K25: Awareness of issues and common symptoms and warning signs of stress, anxiety, and depression, plus where to go for help and the resources available.
Back to Duty
K26: Project management techniques: project budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
Back to Duty
K27: Mathematical, statistical, data interpretation tools. Analytical and computational methods used to interpret and solve technical and engineering problems.
Back to Duty
K28: Site inspection processes and reporting techniques.
Back to Duty
K29: Collaborative working, relationship management techniques with clients and stakeholders.
Back to Duty
K30: Quality assurance techniques.
Back to Duty
K31: Site and building space optimisation techniques: site selection, location, layout, passive orientation, perspective, how the design works with surroundings, maximise daylighting, solar gain, prevent overheating, prevailing winds, ventilation, natural, cross, mixed, thermal comfort and thermal mass.
Back to Duty
K32: Principles and use of analytical and computer design based software packages.
Back to Duty
K33: Climate change – the nature and sources of harmful emissions and reduction measures that can be taken both by individuals and organisations. including the types of practices necessary to support achievement of the government’s sustainability and net zero goals, including personal responsibilities. How the sector approaches energy use, travel strategies, waste management, financial services, procurement, water use, infrastructure, adaptation and use of building.
Back to Duty
S1: Apply mathematical, statistical and data interpretation tools, using analytical and computational methods to interpret and solve technical, engineering and design problems.
Back to Duty
S2: Interpret and compare performance information to choose compliant materials, components and parts.
Back to Duty
S3: Select and use technical literature and other sources of information and data.
Back to Duty
S4: Produce design and technical drawings, designs, and models, using analytical and computer-based software packages.
Back to Duty
S5: Produce technical design solutions.
Back to Duty
S6: Comply with industry standards, CDM, statutory regulation and legislation, policies, and codes of practice.
Back to Duty
S7: Comply with health, safety and welfare regulations, standards and guidance.
Back to Duty
S8: Complete risk assessments to identify, evaluate and mitigate risk.
Back to Duty
S9: Apply principles of sustainable development and assess impact.
Back to Duty
S10: Apply ethical and data security principles to design projects.
Back to Duty
S11: Prepare written design reports.
Back to Duty
S12: Interact with the operation and maintenance of a Common Data Environment CDE and ensure this maintains integrity and follows agreed protocols and that data security.
Back to Duty
S13: Handle information including validating, managing, disseminating and storing throughout all stages of a project or asset.
Back to Duty
S14: Identify design defects and solve problems to advise a compliant outcome, escalate issues or concerns.
Back to Duty
S15: Apply quality assurance techniques.
Back to Duty
S16: Use computer based software systems and packages to manage construction projects for example BIM tools, data analytics and databases.
Back to Duty
S17: Conduct site inspections of designs and report findings.
Back to Duty
S18: Comply with sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance including the management and designing out of waste.
Back to Duty
S19: Optimise energy use through design of efficient fabric, passive and active design solutions, low energy lighting, building controls, energy performance.
Back to Duty
S20: Optimise site potential and building space.
Back to Duty
S21: Communicate with internal and external stakeholders using sector specific terminology.
Back to Duty
S22: Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Back to Duty
S23: Apply project management techniques. For example: project budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
Back to Duty
S24: Interpret and extract relevant information from drawings, specifications and work instructions including BIM, and other task specific modelling software
Back to Duty
B1: Take personal responsibility for and promote sustainable principles.
Back to Duty
B2: Committed to maintaining and enhancing competence of self and others through Continued Professional Development CPD.
Back to Duty
B3: Act ethically.
Back to Duty
B4: Puts safety first for themselves and others
Back to Duty
B5: Encourage a diverse and inclusive culture.
Back to Duty
Qualification type: HTQ
Qualification level: 4
Applicant: Sheffield Hallam University
Awarding body: Sheffield Hallam University
Approval date: 02/03/2023
Occupational pathway: Not applicable
Placement: No
ST0043 Construction design and build technician
Qualification type: HTQ
Qualification level: 5
Applicant: Birmingham City University
Awarding body: Birmingham City University
Approval date: 08/07/2022
Occupational pathway: Not applicable
Placement: No
ST0043 Construction design and build technician
Qualification type: HTQ
Qualification level: 5
Applicant: University of East London
Awarding body: University of East London
Approval date: 08/07/2022
Occupational pathway: Not applicable
Placement: No
ST0043 Construction design and build technician
Qualification type: HTQ
Qualification level: 4
Applicant: City College Plymouth
Awarding body: City College Plymouth
Approval date: 08/07/2022
Occupational pathway: Not applicable
Placement: No
Qualification type: HTQ
Qualification level: 4
Applicant: Pearson
Awarding body: Pearson
Approval date: 08/07/2022
Occupational pathway: Not applicable
Placement: No
ST0043 Construction design and build technician
Qualification type: HTQ
Qualification level: 4
Applicant: Pearson
Awarding body: Pearson
Approval date: 08/07/2022
Occupational pathway: Not applicable
Placement: No
Qualification type: HTQ
Qualification level: 4
Applicant: Pearson
Awarding body: Pearson
Approval date: 08/07/2022
Occupational pathway: Not applicable
Placement: No
ST0043 Construction design and build technician
Qualification type: HTQ
Qualification level: 5
Applicant: Pearson
Awarding body: Pearson
Approval date: 08/07/2022
Occupational pathway: Not applicable
Placement: No
ST0043 Construction design and build technician
Qualification type: HTQ
Qualification level: 5
Applicant: Pearson
Awarding body: Pearson
Approval date: 08/07/2022
Occupational pathway: Not applicable
Placement: No
ST0043 Construction design and build technician
Crown copyright © 2024. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence