Learning in Practice: CPD at Define
At Define, we are always on the lookout for continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. CPD plays a crucial role in expanding our knowledge and expertise in each of our disciplines, forming the foundation of the work that we do. It is also a vital requirement of the various chartered professions represented within our practice. By staying up to date with the latest policies, guidance, and industry trends, we can ensure that our clients and project teams receive the highest standard of service, collaboration and advice.
Over the past year we have attended a wide range of CPD events, some from the comfort of our office or home, and others much further afield. These sessions cover a wide array of topics, catering to the diverse interests of everyone at Define, including our urban designers, landscape architects, planners and architects. Highlights include:
Sessions on sustainable drainage systems and learning about implications of the Schedule 3 implementation.
Exploring what biodiversity net gain means for our projects.
Our graduates participating in a city tour of Leeds, focussing on inner-city public realm and new housing schemes.
Welcoming paving and street furniture manufacturers to the office to learn more about the materials we specify and their sustainable credentials.
Travelling to Sheffield to explore the creative design of an inner city playground.
Hosting Women in Planning West Midlands walking tour of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham to explore placemaking and initiatives that make our city so unique.
We make a point of getting out of the office to experience real-world project examples firsthand. In recent years, this has taken us to Kent, where we explored our own project in Ebbsfleet, as well as a two day trip to Cambridge to study high quality, best practice schemes that have been implemented there over recent years. We have also taken inspiration and learning outcomes from trips to a number of cities across Europe over the years, including Barcelona, Lisbon and Amsterdam.
As part of Define's Place Research initiative, we have been analysing some of these examples to inform and inspire future projects. All this knowledge feeds back into our regular best practice sessions, where we share insights and reflections from our trips and CPD sessions. It’s a great opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another and continue to grow together as a team.
Our landscape team on a trip out to Whitings Nursery to learn all about tree species, planting techniques, and how to build greener spaces that last.
The Define graduate team toured a range of public realm and housing projects across Leeds — seeing first-hand how thoughtful design is shaping the city's future.
Some of the team hit the playground to explore creative design ideas for urban play spaces at this Landscape Institute event.
Designing for fun, learning, and community starts with understanding how people really interact with space — and what better way to learn than to play?
Image courtesy of TimberPlay.
Bringing people together through collaboration with institutions and community! Here's a snapshot from our recent Women in Planning West Midlands walking tour, where we explored the vibrant Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.
By strengthening our skills and sharing best practice, we’re helping set higher standards for the future of placemaking.
Define out in the field—learning from best-practice projects to inspire better places and spaces.
