Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists CIAT

1 Introduction
2 Architectural Technology
3 Chartered Architectural Technologist
4 Regulation of Chartered Architectural Technologist
5 Architectural Technology standards of education
6 AEEBC
7 Related articles on Designing Buildings
8 External references

[edit] Introduction

On 12 February 1965, the Institute was founded and on 12 Februray 2025 it celebrates its 60th birthday, a time to reflect and look forward on the remarkable journey that both CIAT and Architectural Technology has had over six decades.

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) describes itself as ‘…the lead qualifying body for Architectural Technology and represents those practising and studying within the discipline.’

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is the global membership qualifying body for Chartered Architectural Technologists. It represents those practising and studying within the discipline and profession of Architectural Technology, and qualifies Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT, a regulated profession and protected title under Royal Charter.

Fellow Membership, FCIAT , which may also only be awarded by CIAT, complements the 'Chartered Architectural Technologist' professional qualification and is an acknowledgement of a Chartered Member's significant contribution to and/or excellence in Architectural Technology.

The institute was originally founded as the Society of Architectural and Associated Technicians (SAAT) in 1965 following a report by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) which recommended the creation of an institute for technicians. In 1986, SAAT became the British Institute of Architectural Technicians (BIAT), then in 1994 the British Institute of Architectural Technologists. On receiving its Royal Charter in 2005 it became the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

It is a membership organisation, funded by, owned by and operated on behalf of its members. It is governed by an Executive Board and Council, both of which are chaired by its president.

CIAT describes its objectives as:

To promote, for the benefit of society, the science and practice of Architectural Technology.
To facilitate the development and integration of technology into architecture and the wider construction industry to continually improve standards of service for the benefit of industry and of society.
To uphold and advance the standards of education, competence, practice and conduct of members of the Institute thereby promoting the interests, standing and recognition of Chartered Members within the industry and the wider society.

[edit] Architectural Technology

Architectural Technology is an essential function for ensuring design and technological solutions result in successfully constructed buildings and structures, which perform efficiently and effectively within the context of user needs and safety, environmental sustainability, regulatory and briefing requirements.

Architectural Technology, as a design function, relates to the anatomy and physiology of buildings and their production, performance and processes and is based upon the knowledge and application of science, architectural engineering and technology. This is linked to robustness and the life-span characteristics of building systems, materials and components to achieve long-term durability and which are critical to building safety, and in particular, the life safety of occupants and users.

In the current drive for the Built Environment to be more sustainable and environmentally-conscious, there is a growing need for new and innovative building technologies to promote better building processes, production and performance. Architectural Technology and Architectural Technology professionals as experts in this field have a critical role in the successful delivery of this vision.

[edit] Chartered Architectural Technologist

CIAT is the international qualifying body for Chartered Architectural Technologists. Chartered Architectural Technologists specialise in design, underpinned by building science, engineering and technology applied to architecture.

They are qualified to design, manage, and lead on all project types from inception to completion, including small scale to large commercial, industrial, residential and public projects with no restrictions, including on building size, type, function or use. Furthermore, they work collaboratively with other professionals such as architects and engineers and in the UK, they have parity of esteem with all Chartered professionals in the Built Environment sector.

Chartered Architectural Technologists as a lead design professional will take into account factors such as inclusivity, environmental and sustainability in their projects, whether in the conceptual design or throughout the project or as part of any refit, refurbishment or adaptation of a building.

The Chartered Architectural Technologist is recognised under the UK Government's Office of National Statistics' Standard Occupational Classification, Minor Group 245, alongside architects, planning officers and surveyors.

As set out in CIAT’s Code of Conduct , all members must describe themselves factually and in good faith and not knowingly misrepresent themselves. Only Chartered Architectural Technologists may act as principals and offer and/or provide services directly to a client, and their practice must be registered with CIAT. They may use the protected and regulated title ‘CIAT Chartered Practice’. Such Chartered Architectural Technologists are required to hold professional indemnity insurance. All members (with the exception of student members) must undertake at least 35 hours of adequate and commensurate continuing professional development (CPD) on an annual basis. Members found in breach of the Code of Conduct are subject to CIAT’s rigorous conduct procedures and may be expelled from the Institute.

To attain the professional qualification of Chartered Architectural Technologist, candidates must demonstrate their knowledge, understanding, practical experience and professionalism in the broad field of Architectural Technology. On application for Chartered Membership, candidates must be educated to at least Bachelors degree level, and this knowledge may be attained through practical experience. The level of the professional qualification of Chartered Architectural Technologist once achieved is akin to Masters level.

[edit] Regulation of Chartered Architectural Technologist

Prior to the UK’s exit from the EU, the Chartered Architectural Technologist was a regulated professional qualification under EU Directive 36/2005/EC; the purpose of which was to ensure free movement on an equal status of competent professionals across Europe. The EU Regulated Professions Database provides further information on the activities undertaken by the Chartered Architectural Technologist. Following the transition period post-Brexit, the UK Government has maintained the regulated status of professions which were recognised under this Directive.

[edit] Architectural Technology standards of education

UK standards for Higher Education in the Built Environment and Construction are set and published by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) as Subject Benchmark Statements, and form part of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education which sets out the expectations that all providers of UK Higher Education are required to meet. Subject Benchmark Statements define what can be expected of a graduate in the subject in terms of what they may know, do, and understand at the end of their studies.

The existence of the Subject Benchmark Statement for Architectural Technology demonstrates the distinct nature and importance of the discipline. The Architectural Technology Subject Benchmark Statement includes benchmark standards for both Honours and Masters degrees, which form the basis of CIAT’s educational requirements for Chartered Membership. This allows the Institute to recognise that whilst some Architectural Technology professionals may not hold a formal academic qualification such as a degree, they have met the same underpinning standards through the demonstration of their skills, knowledge, experience and behaviour, thus enabling them to attain the professional qualification.