Right CPD, Right Place: Improve Your Projects

Anna Bennett took the CPD 'Understanding Commercial Carpet Specification' by Danfloor and it came at just the right time, as she discusses below 

The BIID CPD provider list is extensive and diverse, and it’s well worth exploring the many topics available. Many technical CPDs are available, which can be more useful and tailored than more generic design topics. When working on a project, if I need additional knowledge, the providers list is a great resource.

I opted to take the RIBA-approved CPD offered by Danfloor: Understanding Commercial Carpet Specification. This CPD provided a comprehensive understanding of the features of commercial carpets, including wear class grading, suitability for different spaces, and environmental considerations. This knowledge has been invaluable in my work on a large hospitality project, allowing me to make informed product selections and reassure my client. The CPD's focus on practical application made it the perfect choice for my needs.

The CPD is conveniently provided via a video link, allowing you to watch it at your own pace and rewatch it whenever needed. At the end, a few questions are asked to validate your understanding and obtain the completion certificate, making the whole process smooth and efficient.

The CPD was exceptionally clear and concise, covering the key points and considerations for specifying carpets in commercial spaces. Having completed the CPD, I felt competent and well-equipped to engage in informed conversations with suppliers, using my additional professional technical knowledge.

I learned that tufted carpets are graded according to wear class; commercial carpets usually fall into the 31 to 33 classification rating, with 33 being suitable for the most demanding high-traffic spaces. I was surprised to learn that commercial carpets are even suitable for healthcare settings and are constructed to be impervious, soil and stain-resistant and antimicrobial. 

The CPD covered a wide range of topics, including environmental and sustainability considerations, health and safety factors (including fire safety), and some common misconceptions about commercial carpets. For instance, it dispelled the myth that commercial carpets are difficult to clean and maintain, highlighting the advancements in carpet technology that have made them more durable and easier to care for than ever before.

I would highly recommend this CPD to designers involved with commercial projects. Carpet hasn’t typically been my flooring finish of choice, but now that I am more informed on what to look for, I am inspired to consider it because of the creative design impact and the vast choice of colours and styles available with carpet.

Recording your CPD regularly throughout the year alleviates the stress of compiling your annual report in one sitting. To help our members in achieving this, we have set out the following handy hints 

• Upon registering for a CPD activity, add it to your diary. TOP TIP: Make a note on whether the activity is structured or unstructured and the length (in minutes and hours) of the activity. Colour coding your diary will help you find important information quickly.
• Set reminders to add your completed CPD training to your tracker, this could be weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Or, add it to your tracker as soon as you complete!  
• Check your tracker to see how many hours you have remaining to complete for the year. If you’ve outstanding hours, book more CPDs in to make sure you reach the minimum by the cycle submission date. Remember: CPD can be sourced from external organisations and can be of any length.  
• Consider joining up with other interior designers and booking CPDs together, or dedicate time to CPD training for your team  
• The annual CPD Requirement for BIID Registered Interior Designers is 10 hours of structured and 10 hours of unstructured learning, and the CPD Cycle date is 1st April to 31st March. Members have until the last Friday of April to submit their CPD Reports.  

For more information on the requirement, and exemptions, please visit our continuing professional development and the BIID webpage.

To see upcoming workshops, and more, please visit the events list here

The BIID thanks guest writer Anna Bennett.

Product images by Danfloor. View other CPDs in the directory, here.