Every organisation has systems. For architects and other design professionals,
it is useful to manage their practice in accordance with a system which reflects their specific
needs, and at the same time, offers an accreditation to international standards.
This is where Quality Assurance comes in. A practice which works in accordance with a structured system
will:
gain efficiency
in its working methods
offer clients the confidence of an international
standard
The recognised standard is ISO 9001. To achieve accreditation, a practice needs
to set up a compliant system covering all its activities, and have this approved by a licensed
company.
To have ISO 9001
registration is a requirement of many clients, particularly those in the public sector. The RIBA
also asks for compliance with a Quality System if a firm is to become an RIBA Chartered Practice; registration to
ISO 9001 will meet this requirement.
Awareness of environmental considerations can be shown by compliance
with the key standard ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems. Working methods to meet
the requirements of this standard will cover all aspects of an architect's work - design
and specification of projects, the use of the firm's own office premises, travel arrangements.
In order to meet the requirements of the standards,
the architect's present systems need to be analysed. This is followed by a careful
adaptation to meet ISO standards. Care is needed to ensure the system is lean and streamlined,
to contain only those procedures which are essential.
This is the service offered here - analyse
the present systems, design adaptations to meet ISO standards, manage the process of registration.
