Contractors looking to expand their career in retrofit can now apply for the newly launched Retrofit Designer course from the UK’s leading retrofit knowledge and skills provider.
The UK’s first Retrofit Designer course created around the PAS 2035 framework has been curated by The Retrofit Academy and a panel of industry experts to equip learners with the expertise needed to prepare precise, bespoke, and suitable design for domestic properties.
The new retrofit course was created by Retrofit Designers, for Retrofit Designers and is designed to enhance the existing skills of Chartered Architects, Architectural Technologists & Technicians, Chartered Building Surveyors, and a professional associated with the Chartered Institute of Building, to enable them to design sustainable buildings for the future.
Retrofit Designers take the lead in shaping energy-efficient homes and are tasked with creating comprehensive documentation of each retrofit project, and specifying the materials, products, and systems implemented by other industry professionals. They are also responsible for the overall design, ensuring every team working on a project is accountable for the quality and efficacy of their delivery.
With the need for sustainable upgrades to UK buildings continuing to grow, a network of competent retrofit designers is needed to meet this demand. By launching this new retrofit qualification, The Retrofit Academy aims to develop the knowledge of those who can lead the charge and help meet the Government’s target of reaching net zero by 2050.
This latest addition to The Retrofit Academy’s leading accredited courses can be found alongside the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management and Level 4 Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment. The Retrofit Designer qualification is the second new training course to be launched by The Retrofit Academy in 2024 with its free introductory course, Retrofit 101, making its debut in January.
Having enrolled over 4,000 qualified retrofit professionals and 7,000 learners, The Retrofit Academy has already onboarded a number of prospective designers to the new course.
David Pierpoint, CEO and founder of The Retrofit Academy, said: “Since we opened our doors in 2016, we have aimed to lead retrofit training with innovative new qualifications that give learners everything they need to make a positive difference and establish a successful career. With the launch of the Retrofit Designer course, contractors have the opportunity to upskill and fulfil the demand for this critical role.
“With over 15 comprehensive modules that have been expertly curated by a panel of architects and are taught by expert mentors, learners receive all of the necessary tools they need to lead and take responsibility for the design of retrofit projects. The demand for qualified retrofit design professionals isn’t slowing down and the opportunity to enter this growing industry is here for the taking.”
Loreana Padron, Associate Director and Head of Sustainability at ECD Architects and the main author of the Retrofit Designer qualification, said: “For me, retrofit is the most effective way to reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere from our homes and a critical element of helping achieve net zero. The new Retrofit Designer course will allow architects, consultants and designers to enhance their skill set and allow them to complete projects within the PAS 2035 standard. As the co-editor, I hope that many individuals make the most of this course and help us create a more sustainable future.”
