Your Ultimate Guide to Starting Part 3 Prep
Starting your Part 3 journey can feel a bit like staring at a blank sheet of paper for a design project. You know the final goal—qualification as an architect—but figuring out where to begin? That’s where the real challenge lies. The good news is, you don’t have to go through it alone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key steps to starting your Part 3 prep, share some curated resources, and link you to additional articles to help you hit the ground running.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid plan, actionable steps, and access to a free 5-day email course (registration now open!).
🏋️♂️ Why Preparation Matters
Imagine trying to build a complex structure without a plan. Chaos, right? Preparing for Part 3 is no different. The process includes everything from compiling your PEDR to acing the professional interview, and it’s all about demonstrating that you’re ready to take responsibility as an architect.
The key to success? Preparation. With the right strategies and resources, you can transform Part 3 from an overwhelming maze into a well-structured path.
💡 Step 1: Understand What Part 3 Entails
Before diving into prep, it’s crucial to understand the landscape. Part 3 isn’t just an exam—it’s a multi-faceted assessment of your professional readiness. Here's a quick breakdown:
Case Study: A detailed analysis of a project you've worked on. I will place under the Case Study umbrella, the topic of Professional Development as it is a great place to start understanding where you are and what you still need to learn in to reach a high level of competency.
PEDR (Professional Experience and Development Record): A record of your work experience and learning outcomes. Here you will show that you experienced some paper architecture, some practical architecture and learned from it. Keep in mind that being involved in a project means learning from it.
Open-Book Exam: Testing your understanding of professional conduct and procedures based on a set scenario. This will be a great time to show your understanding of everything you learned through your studies. Here you will show that you know what the book says. In the case study, you show that you know how to apply that in practice.
Professional Interview: A one-on-one discussion about your readiness to be an architect. While the interview comes at the end of the process, do not see it only as a formality. It is an essential part of the training and evaluation criteria which will test your ability to bring all the information together during a conversation. You need to be articulate, clear and concise to ensure success.
👉 Pro Tip: Bookmark the RIBA Part 3 Handbook and the ARB guidelines. These resources will be your go-to references throughout the process.
🔧 Step 2: Build a Strong Foundation
Start with the PEDR
The PEDR is your professional diary. It’s where you document your experience and reflect on what you’ve learned. The stronger your PEDR, the easier it will be to articulate your professional development.
📌 Need help? Check out our article “How to Create a Weekly Study Schedule for Part 3 Success” to build time for PEDR updates into your routine.
Select Your Case Study Wisely
Your case study is the heart of your submission. It should be a project that you know inside-out, ideally one where you’ve had significant involvement. As part of the Case Study, you will discuss:
Project Environment: the background of the project, office, client, project team, fees, resources etc.
Legislation Framework: the context of the project, planning, heritage, sustainability, H&S, BR etc.
Contracts and Procurement: the legal side of the project.
Architect role: the 'key person of influence' of the project (borrowed that from Daniel Priestly).
Project events: the highlights of the project in which you bring to the table the ups and downs.
⚖️ Step 3: Curate Your Study Resources
One of the biggest challenges in Part 3 prep is finding reliable resources. To save you hours of Googling, here’s a curated list:
Books:
Professional Studies in Architecture by Andrew Willis (essential reading).
The Architect in Practice by David Chappell and Andrew Willis.
Which Contract? Choosing The Appropriate Building Contract by Sarah Lupton
Handbook of Practice Management by Nigel Ostime
RIBA Job Book by Nigel Ostime
Architect's Legal Handbook: The Law for Architects by Anthony Speaight QC and Matthew Thorne
Professional Studies in Architecture by Stephen Brookhouse
Online Resources:
RIBA Part 3 Webinars.
Forums like Archinect and The Student Room for peer insights.
CIS website with a lot of free books to access though your student account
Templates and Tools:
Case Study templates (many can be found on architecture forums).
Time management apps like Notion or Trello to track your progress.
For a more detailed look, head over to our blog post: “The Role of Critical Thinking in Your Part 3 Case Study”.
⌛ Step 4: Organize Your Study Time
Why You Need a Study Schedule
Balancing Part 3 prep with work and life can be tricky. That’s why having a study schedule is a game-changer.
In our article “How to Create a Weekly Study Schedule for Part 3 Success”, we’ve shared a sample schedule to help you get started. Here’s a quick sneak peek:
Morning commutes: Listen to architecture podcasts or review PEDR entries.
Evenings: Dedicate 2–3 focused hours to case study writing or revising resources.
Weekends: Block out 4–5 hours for deep work on your case study or exam prep.
⚗️ Step 5: Join a Community of Part 3 Students
You’re not alone in this journey. Thousands of Part 3 candidates are going through the same challenges, and connecting with them can be incredibly valuable.
Where to Find Your Tribe
University or office environment
LinkedIn Groups: Search for “Part 3 Architecture” groups.
Local RIBA events: Great for networking and mentorship opportunities.
Forums: Archinect has a lively community of Part 3 candidates.
Collaborating with others can provide new perspectives and keep you motivated. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone who gets the stress of a looming professional interview. If you have or want to form a study group, make sure you set up an easy way for everyone to get involved, a safe space for people to share ideas and a no-pressure accountability system.
🤛 Bonus: My Favourite Resources
Here are the top 3 resources I wish I’d known about when I started:
RIBA’s Contracts and Law Videos: Perfect for understanding legal aspects.
Podcasts:
Business of Architecture: Insightful episodes on professional practice.
The Architecture Social: Tips from industry experts.
Templates: Ready-to-use formats for PEDR entries and case study reports.
Mentors: The quickest way to get clarity on the project, support in time of need and access to a wide experience. A mentor is not always your in-office supervisor but it can be.
🗻 Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Procrastinating on PEDR Entries:
Fix: Set a weekly reminder to update your PEDR.
Choosing a Weak Case Study:
Fix: Use our Project-Selection Evaluation Sheet to choose a solid project.
Neglecting Exam Practice:
Fix: Dedicate one evening a week to solving past questions.
🚆 Call to Action
Feeling ready to kick off your Part 3 prep? I’ve got something to make your journey even easier: a free 5-day email course designed to give you actionable tips and strategies.
👋 Final Thoughts
Preparing for Part 3 might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset, resources, and structure, you can tackle it with confidence. Start small, stay consistent, and remember—you’ve got this.
Let’s make your Part 3 journey as smooth and headache-free as possible. 👊
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