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Schedule 1
Licence Class Competencies

Licence class:

Design 1

Descriptor:

This licence class covers practitioners designing Category 1 buildings.

Explanatory note:

Category 1 buildings are detached or semi-detached residential dwellings of limited complexity, of conventional timber-frame or masonry construction, with low or medium risk envelope design.

Competencies:

Competency 1: Comprehend and apply knowledge of the regulatory environment of the building construction industry.
Competency 2: Manage the building design process.
Competency 3: Establish design briefs and scope of work and prepare preliminary design.
Competency 4: Develop design and produce construction drawings and documentation.
These competencies may be demonstrated by meeting some or all of the following performance indicators.

Performance indicators:

Competency 1: Comprehend and apply knowledge of the regulatory environment of the building construction industry.
1.1 Explain the purpose of the Building Act and Building Code and their relationship to the design process.
1.2 Comprehend and apply knowledge of the Building Act and Regulations, the Building Code and Building Code compliance documents relevant to Category 1 buildings.
Includes but not limited to - NZS3604, E2/AS1, NZS4229.
1.3 Explain the relevance of building-related legislation to the design of Category 1 buildings.
Includes but not limited to - Health and Safety in Employment Act, Resource Management Act.
1.4 Demonstrate knowledge of contracts for engagement between the designer and the client, and construction contracts.
1.5 Describe the key features of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme.
Includes but not limited to - the licence classes, restricted building work, accountability to the Building Practitioners Board.
1.6 Explain the roles and responsibilities of key parties involved in the design and building process.
Includes but not limited to - licensed building practitioners (Design, Site, Specialist, Trade), consulting engineers, trades (e.g. electrical, plumbing, tiling), manufacturers, Department of Building and Housing, building consent authorities (BCAs) and clients.
1.7 Demonstrate knowledge of the consent processes, including planning requirements under the Resource Management Act and the Building Act.
Includes but not limited to - when a consent is required, application, inspection, code compliance certificates.
1.8 Explain the importance of, and operate within the scope of individual competence, and recognise when other expertise is required.
Competency 2: Manage the building design process.
2.1 Plan, schedule and organise design projects to deliver specified outcomes.
2.2 Use quality assurance techniques in performing design activities.
Example of techniques: checklists, design review.
Competency 3: Establish design briefs and scope of work and prepare preliminary design.
3.1 Work with client to establish an agreed brief and scope.
3.2 Carry out or acquire site investigations and accurately document existing conditions.
May include but not limited to - existing building conditions and compliance, topography, immediate neighbourhood, services, streets, elements of the landscape.
3.3 Demonstrate knowledge of design practice and methods, building elements and construction processes.
3.4 Consider environmental and social impacts when developing design solutions.
May include but not limited to - understanding of environmental and social impacts, context, and use of resources.
3.5 Prepare and present preliminary design drawings and outline specification.
3.6 Present information to client on timelines and costs.
Competency 4: Develop design and produce construction drawings and documentation.
4.1 Apply design standards and identify and produce specific design solutions.
4.2 Apply basic knowledge of the principles of building technology and performance.
4.3 Coordinate and integrate specialist design inputs as required.
4.4 Prepare developed design drawings and specifications.
4.5 Update clients on timelines and costs.
4.6 Demonstrate knowledge of conditions of contract.
4.7 Produce detailed drawings, specifications and documentation suitable for building consent and construction.

Frequency of assessment:

The first assessment of current competence will occur 2 years after the date of the issue of the licence. Ongoing assessments will occur every 2 years after the date of the last assessment.