What is Architectural Technology?
Architectural Technology is a design discipline for building projects, combining technical and aesthetic expertise.
It focuses on the form, function, and performance of the building. A future-focused discipline, it is essential when ensuring newly built projects are sustainably constructed, and existing ones are conserved, maintained, or retrofitted.It lives where architecture meets engineering, science, and technology – Architectural Technology is at the heart of it all.
The profession is practised by Architectural Technologists (ATs), who, after gaining a significant level of knowledge, experience and competence, may qualify as Chartered Architectural Technologists.
The role of the Chartered Architectural Technologist is to ensure their building projects are treated with the technological respect they need and are maintained or built to the highest standard. Using both innovative and traditional methods, they make sure the built environment meets the needs of both people and planet, from accessibility to sustainability.
What is a Chartered Architectural Technologist?
Chartered Architectural Technologists are leaders of technological design, forming the link between concept, innovation, and realisation. They are qualified designers who lead a range of built environment projects large and small – from schools to sports stadiums to high rise buildings.
Chartered Architectural Technologists work in many environments: in practice offices, on construction sites, for local authorities, or leading their own architectural practices in their own offices and homes. They work collaboratively with other professionals across the built environment sector, such as architects, surveyors, planning professionals, contractors, and engineers. Chartered Architectural Technologists are recognised and can practise where regulation permits, their skills and expertise highly sought-after round the world.
'Chartered Architectural Technologist' is a protected descriptor, designation, and regulated professional qualification that recognises an individual's skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours. It demonstrates commitment to the highest professional and ethical values in Architectural Technology.
Only the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) can award the esteemed 'Chartered Architectural Technologist' qualification and the designations MCIAT (Chartered Membership), and FCIAT (Fellow Membership) for Chartered Architectural Technologists who have made a significant contribution to and/or demonstrated excellence in the discipline.
Learn more
Watch our series of case studies from our Where it's AT films featuring Chartered Architectural Technologists that demonstrate the breadth, value and excellence of the work they do in various environments within the built environment sector.
The technology of architecture
Angela Rossi FCIAT tells us of how a medical unit has been designed and created.
Influencing and creating the future
David Heesom FCIAT describes how Architectural Technology is taught and the future utilising technologies which are becoming readily available.
Building a sustainable future
Giles Boon FCIAT talks us through the design and construction stages of the first Passivhaus leisure centre in the UK.
Creating and developing communities
Colin Savage FCIAT takes us on the journey behind the development and reuse of a street of houses bringing homes to injured veterans. Creating a veterans' housing community within the existing community in east Manchester.
Achieving holistically designed homes
Dr Gihan Badi FCIAT tells us how she created the dream home for a family in County Roscommon.
Inclusive and holistic design that performs
The design and adaptation of a home for its user by Jonathan France FCIAT.
Preserving our heritage
Paul Travis FCIAT discusses his role as a CIAT-Accredited Conservationist at Hampton Court.
Chartered Environmentalist
Join Tom Kinver FCIAT as he talks about being a Chartered Environmentalist and their importance within the built environment sector.
Retrofit
Join Dr Barry McCarron FCIAT as he talks about retrofit and how Chartered Architectural Technologists are specialists in this sector.
A profession across the world
Join Craig O'Halloran FCIAT as he showcases his work in Chicago.
The AT Suite
The AT Suite is a curated collection of guidance documents published by CIAT. It encompasses a range of topics pertinent to the Architectural Technology discipline and profession.
These resources are designed to support professionals, students, industry stakeholders, and the general public by providing insights into qualifications, professional standards, and educational pathways within Architectural Technology.
The suite is regularly updated to reflect current practices and developments in the discipline and profession.
