David Gray of Consort Architectural Hardware discusses how the industry can support the next generation of architectural ironmongery professionals.
Door hardware, fire safety products and intuitive access control systems are central to the design, performance, accessibility and compliance of our homes, community spaces and commercial environments.
The drive towards smarter, more connected buildings is expanding the scope of integrated hardware solutions, and when you add in the progressive digital processes that are now shaping modern project design and delivery, it’s clear to see how the role of the architectural ironmongery professional is evolving.
And ongoing professional development has a vital role to play in maintaining standards, encouraging innovation, and building the industry expertise required for the years ahead.
Preparing for better outcomes
Like many specialist areas of construction, architectural ironmongery relies heavily on experience and technical know-how. Traditionally, much of that knowledge was developed through practical collaboration and hands-on experience. Today, formal education, structured training and continuing professional development now sit at the heart of the occupation.
The sector has recently experienced significant developments in building and fire safety legislation and regulatory requirements, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These developments have placed greater emphasis on competence, and BS 8670-1:2024 provides a core competence framework covering the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for individuals working on buildings.
For architectural ironmongery, these principles are central to the specification and delivery of products that can have a direct impact on safety, accessibility and security, such as fire door closers, panic exit hardware and escape locks.
A lack of knowledge on the hardware installed throughout our buildings can have serious consequences, particularly when products form part of a life-safety system. As a result, training should no longer be regarded as an optional professional benefit, instead it is an essential part of responsible practice.
Modern architectural ironmongery professionals must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the wider specification process. Why is a particular ironmongery solution appropriate for that application? How should it be specified, installed and maintained? And how will it interact with other elements of the building’s infrastructure?
Trained professionals are better equipped to answer these questions, while understanding the relationship between BS EN standards, relevant Building Regulations, and the needs of modern building users.
Bridging the knowledge gap
The connection between competence and professional development is also being driven by the modernisation of architectural hardware. This next generation of professionals are entering an environment where mechanical hardware products now form part of sophisticated electronic and integrated systems.
The range of technologies influencing architectural ironmongery continues to expand. This creates opportunities, but it also raises the bar in terms of the knowledge needed to specify and deliver effective solutions. Also, architectural ironmongery faces the challenge of an ageing demographic among experienced technical specifiers.
We need to preserve that knowledge while creating meaningful routes for the next generation to develop their own expertise alongside new standards and technical practice.
Professional recognition can form an important part of that process, and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers’ Registered Architectural Ironmonger (RegAI) certification, provides a recognised demonstration of professional competence.
Conscientious manufacturers, distributors, specifiers and industry bodies must come together to ensure professional development remains accessible through structured career paths, mentoring, technical guidance and funded training.
These routes, alongside regular CPDs and the GAI’s Certificate in Architectural Hardware for example, can help businesses to attract new talent while supporting emerging professionals and existing teams as they develop their technical understanding and confidence.
The case for education and upskilling is fundamental to the success of the ironmongery industry. It is a strategic investment – one the sector simply can’t afford to miss out on.