Software and BIM
Most studios run on AutoCAD, with Revit or another BIM tool for larger projects, SketchUp for early design, and rendering tools for visualisation. Moving a team from CAD to BIM takes structured training, not a weekend. Run classroom or online programs for each tool, record hours, and pair trained staff with those still learning on a live project. Record paid certification courses as external programs, so each designer's record shows the skills the studio has invested in.
Codes, bye-laws and materials
Architects need current knowledge of the National Building Code, fire norms and the local development control rules of each city they design in. When rules change, a one-hour session in the studio saves a rejected submission later. Interior designers need regular material updates: vendors of laminates, stone, lighting and hardware often run product sessions, which can be recorded as short external programs. Note which codes and rules each session covered, so gaps are easy to spot.
Site safety for fit-out teams
Fit-out supervisors work around electrical wiring, scaffolding, adhesives and power tools, often at night in closed buildings. Give them site safety training on joining and a refresher each year: working at height on ladders and scaffolds, electrical safety, fire prevention around flammable materials, first aid, and the building's own permit and fire rules. Flag these programs as mandatory for site roles and set a validity in months, so the refresher period is written down.
Client skills and POSH awareness
Designers who present to clients need presentation and negotiation skills, especially when discussing fees, budgets and changes. Every workplace with 10 or more employees must also constitute an Internal Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, and awareness sessions for all staff help people know how to raise a concern. Record these as programs with hours, and use the compliance view to see who has not attended yet.
How to set it up in ZeniaHR
- Create Learning programs for each software tool, code update, material session and safety topic, choosing online, classroom, blended or external.
- Flag site safety programs as mandatory for fit-out supervisors and set validity in months for refreshers.
- Enrol designers in software and code programs by role, and record vendor sessions as external programs with hours.
- Mark completions so each person's completion is recorded with a certificate number.
- Before each busy fit-out period, check the compliance view to confirm every site supervisor has completed the safety program, and plan refreshers from completion dates.
- Run POSH awareness as a program for all staff and follow attendance through the enrolment statuses.
Read more about learning and training in ZeniaHR.
Roles this applies to
See training and certification for architecture and interior firms in a demo
We set up your locations, shifts and rules on a video call and show it running for your team. Free for your first 50 employees.
Book a free demoSee pricingFrequently asked questions
What training do architects need to stay current?
Software skills, especially BIM tools; updates on the National Building Code, fire norms and local development rules; and knowledge of new materials and building systems. Short studio sessions after each rule change prevent rejected submissions, and structured courses help teams move from CAD to BIM.
Do interior fit-out supervisors need safety training?
Yes. They work around electrical wiring, scaffolds, adhesives and power tools, often at night. Train them on joining and refresh yearly in working at height, electrical and fire safety, first aid and the building's own rules, and record validity so refreshers are not missed.
Does a design studio need a POSH committee?
Yes, once it has 10 or more employees. Every workplace of that size must constitute an Internal Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. Hold awareness sessions so everyone knows how to raise a concern, and record them as a training program.
How can small studios run training without a training team?
Use what the studio already has: senior architects teaching one software or detailing topic a month, vendor material sessions, and online courses for BIM. Record each as a program with hours, so the studio can see what each person has learned over the year.