Delivering an effective CPD to improve your specification
Delivering an effective CPD to improve your specification
When delivering a CPD presentation to architects, your ultimate goal is to position your product or brand as a solution to the specific challenges they face during a build project.
This requires more than just listing features, showcasing technical performance, or referencing building regulations.
To improve specification rates and deliver an effective CPD, a CPD must be structured around three key principles - solving real-world problems, simplifying the specification process, and tailoring the content to your audience’s needs.
Structuring the CPD around problem-solving
Architects are always looking for solutions to the design, regulatory, and construction challenges they encounter during their projects. A CPD that frames your product as a clear solution to these challenges will resonate more effectively than one focused purely on product features.
By starting with the problem, explaining its relevance, and then demonstrating how your product solves it, you engage architects in a meaningful way that positions your product as essential to their project’s success.
Topics that are currently influencing architects’ work include staying compliant with evolving regulations, particularly The Building Safety Act and the additional responsibilities for architects; sustainability and net zero targets; and finally adapting to changing needs, particularly designing commercial spaces that also incorporate residential influences.
It is important to consider that not all architects will be working on the same type of projects, and their needs will vary across sectors. Obviously architects are generally multi-disciplined and will work across sectors, but at a given time their focus will only be on one or two sectors as a result of the projects they are focused on.
Whether they are focused on residential, commercial, or public projects, your CPD must be tailored to address their unique challenges. This includes focusing on the relevant regulations, providing sector-specific case studies, and adjusting the technical depth to suit the audience.
Simplifying the specification process
One of the most critical elements of delivering an effective CPD is ensuring architects leave the session with a clear understanding of how to specify your product.
Even if the educational content is engaging and the product appears to solve the architect's problem, if they don't know exactly how to incorporate it into their design and procurement process, you risk losing the specification.
Specific examples here could include pointing them in the right direction to access the relevant technical documentation or BIM files; telling them what section of the NBS does your product fit under; or giving them concise details of the relevant building regulations they should be aware of during specification.
Highlighting the specification process is an important step in delivering an effective CPD that leads to real results. By making the process clear, providing comprehensive resources, offering personalised support, and ensuring compliance with building standards, you remove barriers for architects and make it as easy as possible for them to specify your product.
Ultimately, this approach transforms your CPD from a simple educational session into a strategic tool that directly drives product specifications and long-term business growth.
Tailoring your content to your audience’s needs
When creating and delivering a CPD, one-size-fits-all simply doesn’t work. Architects working in different sectors or on different project types face varying challenges, regulations, and design priorities.
Tailoring your CPD to the specific needs of your audience is essential to ensuring that your content resonates, engages, and ultimately leads to product specification.
It is also important to ensure you achieve the right level of technical depth to your presentation. You need to communicate relevant performance data and technical information, not only because it’s important for an architect’s specification, but it also shows credibility and authority.
However, you don’t want to focus too much on the details and risk losing the attention of your audience and overwhelming them with data.
How did Time54 help a client’s CPD programme?
A leading architectural façade manufacturer based in the UK approached Time54 to help them develop a CPD presentation. They wanted to develop a CPD to communicate the benefits of their fibre cement rainscreen panels to architectural practices across the UK.
They were clear of the product benefits and case study references, however were unsure as to what technical information to include as well as how to structure the overall presentation.
We worked with the marketing team within the business and established a clear framework to use for the CPD, and then liaised with their technical departments to ascertain the correct data to use.
Once all of the raw information had been collected and outline had been established, we got to work with the design. Ensuring all work was designed according to their brand guidelines, we created a substantial CPD presentation document that was refined with clear and regular communication, as well as regular meetings to ensure progress.
Drawing from our experience in technical content production for RIBA accreditation, we understand the requirements necessary to achieve certification. This benefitted the CPD which was approved after the first review.
Are you looking for a CPD presentation?
If you are considering a CPD for your brand or product range, then get in touch with our team here at Time54.
Our team of professional writers, well-versed in the construction industry, can develop impactful CPDs tailored to your needs.
Deliver CPD sessions that genuinely resonate with Time54 Construction. Contact us today to discuss how we can breathe life into your CPD presentations and set you apart from the competition. Simply book a discovery call using the form opposite (or below if viewing on a mobile), or call us on 01606 241054 or email at info@time54.co.uk
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