Become a Certified Retrofit Designer
12 months Retrofit Academy Professional Membership included with this course.
You can find out all about our Retrofit Designer Course from David Pierpoint, the founder and Chief Executive of The Retrofit Academy.
Created by Retrofit Designers for Future Retrofit Designers
Developed by some of the UK’s leading retrofit practitioners, our Retrofit Designer course equips you with advanced skills and certification to excel in large-scale, high-quality domestic retrofit projects. This course is more than just an educational experience – it’s a direct connection to the expertise and insights of industry leaders who have shaped the field.
Lead the future of sustainable design in large-scale retrofit projects, advance your career and join the network of professionals driving the future.
Retrofit Academy offers the highest quality retrofit training courses, underpinned by brilliant customer support, at a market leading price
Included with your course:
- PAS 2035 Compliant Training – developed by leading Retrofit Designers
- Expert support from experienced Skills Coaches
- Support into practice — 12 months Professional Membership included
- Access to jobs and employers
- Software training and licence included
Who is this for?
Ideal for Chartered Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors, and Construction Managers with at least 2 years of experience. Perfect for design professionals wanting to get involved in large-scale retrofit projects and programmes.
What is a Certified Retrofit Designer?
Retrofit Designers are qualified design professionals with the knowledge and skills to practice on large-scale, high-quality domestic retrofit projects and programmes in the UK. Retrofit Designers are qualified architects, surveyors, construction managers or architectural technologists.
Duration and content
Self-paced supported online learning with 80 hours of coursework and assessments. You’ll have up to 12 months to complete your Retrofit Designer course, allowing you to balance your studies with work and personal commitments.
The Career Opportunity
Leading design practices and contractors have an urgent need for Retrofit Designers with the knowledge and skills to practice on large-scale, high-quality retrofit projects. There is the potential to increase earnings or build your business in a fast-growing sector.
Unlocking Potential
Retrofit design is rarely taught in traditional degree courses. The Retrofit Designer course has been built by some of the UK’s leading practitioners to help bridge the retrofit knowledge and skills gaps that many designers therefore have.
Retrofit Professionals’ Hub Access
Graduates receive 12 months of complimentary access to the Retrofit Professionals’ Hub. Showcase your skills, connect with employers, and participate in over 40 Professional Forums and Clubs annually, all designed to support your ongoing career growth.
Recognised Certification
Upon graduation, you’ll be recognised as a Certified Retrofit Designer, a qualification highly sought after by top retrofit design practices and contractors. Equipped with this certification, specialised knowledge and practical skills, you’ll stand out in the retrofit field while gaining access to career-enhancing resources and professional support.
What our Learners have to say:
“The course was well structured and easy to follow, a very comprehensive follow-up and further learning for a current Retrofit Coordinator and a good introduction to retrofit for a current architect and designer”
Stephen Farrow – Ambue
Course details
The Retrofit Designer course was developed by The Retrofit Academy to respond to the acute shortage of designers available to practice on large-scale, high-quality retrofit programmes.
The Academy commissioned Loreana Padron as Editorial Director and Martin Callachan as Course Editor to oversee the development of the course. They worked with subject-matter experts to build 16 new modules, assessments and case studies.
As a Retrofit Designer, you’ll gain the skills to assess, plan, and execute retrofit projects across various building types, ensuring compliance and promoting sustainability.
This course covers everything from building physics and services to the intricacies of retrofitting heritage buildings and fire safety. By completion, you’ll position yourself as an industry leader who’s ready to tackle the challenges of creating greener, more energy-efficient homes.
Editorial Director:
Loreana Padron
Associate Director & Head of Sustainability, ECD Architects
Course Editor:
Martin Callachan
Head of Sustainability, Hillcrest
Course Reviewer:
Dr Peter Rickaby
Former Technical Author, PAS 2035
Modules
The Retrofit Designer course includes 16 detailed modules, each designed and taught by leading experts in the field.
| Module | Module/Topic | Contributors |
| 1 | Introduction to the Retrofit Designer Course | Loreana Padron, Head of Sustainability, ECD Architects and Martin Callachan, Head of Sustainability, Hillcrest |
| 2 | The PAS 2035 Framework for Retrofit | Alan Pither, The Retrofit Academy |
| 3 | Standards, Regulations, Guidance and Tools for Retrofit Designers | Patrick Osborne, Head of Sustainability, ECE Architecture |
| 4 | Building Physics in Retrofit Design: Managing Energy Balance, Moisture Risks and Thermal Bridging | Colin King, Director, UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings and Patrick Osborne, Head of Sustainability, ECE Architecture |
| 5 | Building Services for Designers | Bertie Dixon, Director and Xin Jin, Principal Engineer, Inside Outside Engineering |
| 6 | Principles and Design Strategies for Optimising Air Quality and Ventilation | Simon Jones, Founder, Air Quality Matters |
| 7 | Archetyping and Retrofit in Context for Traditional and Non-Traditional Construction Types | Carlotta Jansen, Associate, ECD Architects and Lilija Oblecova, Senior Architect, ECD Architects |
| 8 | Large Scale Retrofit: Working with Data, Residents and Occupied Properties | Claire Raftery, Associate Director, Matthew Wingrove, Senior Architect, Marion Gray, Senior Architect and Vimbai Gwata, Senior Architect, ECD Architects |
| 9 | Design Process & Strategy: Surveys, Energy Efficiency Measures and Case Studies | Lizzy Westmacott, Associate Director & Head of Sustainability, ECD Architects and Belen Alemany, Senior Sustainability Designer, Levitt Bernstein |
| 10 | Planning Permissions and Retrofits: The Fundamentals of the UK Planning System | Claire Hattam, Principal Planning Consultant, Cundall |
| 11 | Retrofit Design for Buildings of Heritage Significance | Jonathan Goode, Director, Le Lay Architects |
| 12 | Fire Safety in Retrofit: Minimising Fire Risks on Higher Risk Buildings | Andrew Morrison, Managing Director, Keegans |
| 13 | Avoiding Overheating: Risk Management Strategies | Susie Diamond, Founding Partner, Inkling |
| 14 | Design Strategies for Flood Resilience | Martin Callachan, Head of Sustainability, Hillcrest |
| 15 | Maintenance, Repairs and Handover of Retrofits | Martin Callachan, Head of Sustainability, Hillcrest |
| 16 | Reducing Embodied Carbon and the Circular Economy Approach to Retrofit Design | Deborah Mooney, Consultant in Partnerships, Zero Waste Scotland |
Method Of Study
The Retrofit Designer course is delivered through The Retrofit Academy’s state-of-the-art online learning platform, providing a supported, flexible and interactive learning experience. You’ll also participate in expert-led workshops and collaborate with peers on real-world case studies, ensuring you’re fully prepared to apply your knowledge in practice.
Learning Experience
As a successful graduate of the programme, you’ll enjoy access to a range of exclusive benefits, including:
- Supported online learning through our State-of-the-art Online learning platform: Access your coursework anytime, anywhere.
- 24/7 Access: Study at your own pace with unrestricted access to course materials.
- Interactive and Engaging Learning: Participate in a dynamic and interactive educational environment.
- Mentor Support: Receive personalised guidance from industry experts.
- Expert-Led Sessions: Learn directly from seasoned professionals actively working as retrofit professionals
- Bitesize Learning: Develop your skills with short guides developed by experts.
- Customer Support: Get help whenever you need it, ensuring a smooth learning experience.
- Access to PAS Documents: Ensure compliance and industry alignment with essential PAS documents.
- 12 months Retrofit Academy Professional Membership: access to the Retrofit Professionals best practice community, HomeLife Software, more than 40 events per year, access to jobs and more!
Funding
Currently, there are no specific grants available through The Retrofit Academy, but candidates are encouraged to explore potential funding options that may be available through their employers or industry bodies.
Retrofit Academy Professional Membership
Upon graduation, you will become recognised as a Retrofit Academy Professional Member at the appropriate level, often at Associate Level in your early years of practice. You can progress through Practitioner levels to ultimately apply for Retrofit Academy Fellowship.
Becoming a Certified Retrofit Designer also opens the door to a range of services designed to support your career and professional development provided by The Retrofit Academy. The first 12 months are FREE post graduation. The ongoing membership fee is £195 plus VAT per year.
After you have completed the certified retrofit designer course, you will gain access to The Academy’s Retrofit Professionals’ Hub providing:
- Access to The Academy’s Retrofit Professionals’ Hub providing:
- Your own profile page to showcase your skills and achievements to the retrofit sector
- CPD Accredited courses to maintain professional status
- Connectivity with employers and job opportunities
- Access to 40+ online Professional Forums and Clubs per year
- Access to Technical Discussions and Best Practice Groups
- Access to HomeLife® Software – end to end retrofit management data-tracking, coordination, monitoring, lodgement and reporting with full TrustMark integration (usually costing up to £2000 per year).
Eligibility
To enrol in the Retrofit Designer course, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT or FCIAT) registered by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
- Architect registered by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)
- Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB or FCIOB)
- Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS or FRICS)
Assessment
Portfolio of evidence comprising written and verbal assessment.
Certification
Upon successful completion, graduates will receive the Retrofit Designer Certification, a mark of excellence recognised across the industry. This certification confirms that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to practice as a Retrofit Designer in compliance with PAS 2035 standards.
DOWNLOAD A PROSPECTUS
Not quite what you were looking for?
Take a look at some of our other industry-leading courses below, or give us a call on: 0330 055 7629
PAY IN 3 Interest-FREE monthly instalments
£1,499 + VAT
PAY IN 3 interest-FREE monthly instalments
£1,499 + VAT
T: 0330 055 7629
A: Barn 4, Dunston Business Village, Stafford Road, Stafford, ST18 9AB
© 2024, The Retrofit Academy. All rights reserved