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There is a growing understanding of the widespread societal benefits of a universal design (UD). To achieve these benefits, architectural professionals must have the knowledge and skills to implement UD in practice. This paper investigates UD in the context of recent architectural education. It traces changing attitudes in the culture of architectural education, and the evolving perception of UD as an important aspect of architectural practice. Specifically, continuous professional development (CPD) can advance knowledge of UD within a human-centred design paradigm. An overview of courses and resources available to architectural professionals in a number of countries in Europe and the USA is provided. Specific recommendations and guidelines are presented that were derived from a process of engagement with Irish and international architectural professionals, architectural educators and client bodies through online survey, workshops, interviews and CPD prototypes. The research described was commissioned by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority, working in partnership with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tomar Resolution urged that all occupations working in the built environment be educated in the principles and measures of Universal Design in order to facilitate all people playing a full role in society. For Architects and Architectural Technologists, under-graduate education will continue to have a major role to play. At the same time in the Republic of Ireland, and in an evergrowing number of other jurisdictions, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a requirement for all Architects and Architectural Technologists and can significantly affect knowledge, skill and competence in a number of subjects including Universal Design. This paper looks at the results of a recent survey of Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland, architectural educators, and client bodies that sought to assess the following:. 1. How inherent is Universal Design knowledge to current building design practice?. 2. What are the current Universal Design education and training needs of Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland?. 3. Which Universal Design themes and topics are of most interest to Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland?. 4. To what extent does existing CPD for Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland address Universal Design topics?. 5. What can motivate Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland to access Universal Design CPD?. 6. What are the most effective means by which to deliver Universal Design CPD to Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland?. The survey discussed in this paper is one phase of a longer study aimed at providing a research base for developing CPD in Universal Design for Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]