PEDRs Made Simple: How to Log Like a Pro

So far, we’ve talked about starting your Part 3 journey with purpose (Day 1) and making time for it even in the busiest schedule (Day 2). Today, it’s all about cracking the code on one of the most misunderstood (and sometimes dreaded) aspects of the Part 3 process: PEDR logs.

If you’ve ever stared at a blank PEDR form thinking, What am I supposed to write here?—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. But once you understand what the examiners are really looking for, logging your PEDRs becomes a lot simpler.

What Are PEDRs, Really?

At their core, PEDRs (Professional Experience and Development Records) are a way to show that you’ve gained the practical experience needed to qualify as an architect. But here’s the key: it’s not about what you’ve done—it’s about what you’ve learned.

Your PEDRs should demonstrate:

• How your experience aligns with the ARB/RIBA criteria.

• The lessons you’ve taken away from key projects and responsibilities.

• Your ability to reflect critically on your role and its impact.

The Big PEDR Mistake (And How to Avoid It)

The most common mistake Part 3 students make is treating their PEDRs like a project diary:

“This week, I worked on a residential project and coordinated with the structural engineer.” This document is not your captain's log, it is your professional journal. If you do not know how to journal, let me know as I can do a blog post on professional and personal journaling. A great personal development practice if done right.

While that’s a good start, it doesn’t tell the examiner much about your development. Instead, focus on the WHYs and HOWs:

• Why was this task important?

• How did it contribute to your understanding of architectural practice?

• What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

3 Steps for PEDRs made simple

Here’s a simple framework to follow every time you sit down to update your PEDRs:

1. Start With the ARB Criteria

Before writing anything, review the ARB/RIBA criteria and identify which ones your recent experience aligns with. This will help you frame your log entries in a way that’s directly relevant to the examiners.

2. Reflect, Don’t Just Report

Ask yourself:

• What was my role in this project?

• What skills or knowledge did I develop?

• How did this experience prepare me for the responsibilities of an architect?

  
  

Example: Instead of writing, “I attended a site meeting,” you could say, “Attending the site meeting helped me understand the importance of clear communication between contractors and consultants to resolve on-site issues efficiently”. Always follow up with an example of what those issues were. You do not want to make statements without backing them up.

3. Keep It Concise

Your PEDRs don’t need to be essays. Stick to the key points—examiners appreciate clarity and focus. Aim for a balance between depth and brevity.

My Go-To PEDR Logging Workflow

Here’s the system I used to keep my PEDRs manageable:

1. Set Weekly Reminders. Every Friday, I’d block out 15–20 minutes to jot down notes about what I worked on that week.

   
   

2. Use a Template. Created a simple template with sections for:

   • Project name and type

   • Key tasks

   • Challenges and lessons learned

   • ARB/RIBA criteria covered

     
     

3. Review and Revise Monthly. At the end of each month, I’d review my notes and flesh them out into proper PEDR entries.

Today’s Action Step

Let’s make your PEDRs a little less daunting. Here’s what I’d like you to do today:

1. Download the ARB/RIBA criteria (if you haven’t already) and bookmark it.

2. Pick one recent project or task and write a practice PEDR entry using the framework above.

3. Bonus: Create a simple template for future entries—you’ll thank yourself later! Or use/ adapt the RIBA standard template. This will allow your recording to be more easily transferred into the actual submission document.

Consistency Is Key

Remember, the secret to PEDRs MADE SIMPLE isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. By setting aside a little time each week to update your logs, you’ll avoid the last-minute panic of trying to write months’ worth of entries in one go.

Tomorrow, we’re diving into the case study—a critical part of your Part 3 journey and one that trips up a lot of students. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In the meantime, let me know: What’s been your biggest struggle with PEDRs so far? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.

P.S. If you’ve been procrastinating on your PEDRs, today’s your sign to start.