Careers

What does a Chartered Architectural Technologist do?

Chartered Architectural Technologists provide architectural design services and solutions. They are specialists in the science of architecture, building design and construction and form the link between concept and construction. They negotiate the construction project and manage the process from conception through to completion.

Chartered Members of CIAT, MCIAT, may practise on their own account or with fellow Chartered Architectural Technologists, architects, engineers, surveyors and other professionals within the construction industry. As professionals adhering to a Code of Conduct, they are required to obtain  and maintain adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII), if providing services directly to clients.

Project inception

Chartered Architectural Technologists are recognised as being qualified to negotiate and manage the development of a construction project:

• Assessing the needs of clients and users and agreeing the project brief
• Recognising the significance of the design stage and how it underpins the construction project
• Evaluating and advising upon environmental and regulatory legal requirements affecting the project and obtaining initial approvals
• Producing and evaluating feasibility studies
• Evaluating resources and assessing environmental impact
• Assessing and managing survey requirements and producing surveys

Project planning

• Developing project briefs and design programmes
• Advising clients on methods of project procurement and forms of contract
• Managing health and safety
• Liaising with and producing documentation for statutory approval authorities

Design process

Chartered Architectural Technologists specialise in the application of building science and technology to architectural and construction projects. They are recognised as having specialist skills enabling them to manage the design process and use their technical knowledge and expertise to provide innovative solutions:

• Preparing and presenting design proposals using CAD techniques and traditional methods
• Leading the detailed design process and co-ordinating detailed design information
• Managing and co-ordinating the design team and associated professional consultants
• Developing the project design, researching problems and producing, developing and advising upon innovative solutions
• Producing, analysing and advising upon specification, materials selection and detailed design solutions in relation to performance and production criteria
• Liaising with and producing documentation for statutory approval authorities
• Producing, managing, controlling and integrating design and production information
• Carrying out design stage risk assessments

Contract management

Chartered Architectural Technologists are recognised as being qualified to negotiate and manage all aspects of architectural and construction contracts, whether it is using traditional, partnering or other methods. Chartered Architectural Technologists recognise the significance of the post construction aspects of the project:

• Managing or co-ordinating associated professionals
• Obtaining and evaluating tenders and agreeing contracts
• Ensuring continual compliance with design, legal, statutory and professional requirements
• Programming schedules and undertaking stage inspections
• Administering contracts and project certification
• Managing project handover
• Gaining feedback from and de-briefing client and user
• Appraisal of building performance in use and producing, developing and maintaining maintenance management information systems
• Evaluating and advising upon refurbishment, repair, reuse, recycling and deconstruction of buildings

Professional practice

Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT, are architectural professionals and may practise on their own account as a partner or director, and must adhere to a Code of Conduct:

• Providing professional guidance and decision making to clients, users and design/construction teams
• Weighing up issues and making balanced judgements
• If providing services directly to a client, obtaining and maintaining adequate mandatory Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)
• Undertaking structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 

For more information about this career path please contact the CIAT:

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
397 City Road
London
EC1V 1NH
Tel: 0207 278 2206
Email: info@ciat.org.uk
Website: www.ciat.org.uk