Our history

Architectural Technology

An essential design function with its main influence on process, performance and buildability.

Then, now and into the future, the discipline is as relevant as ever.

_{This demonstrated the need for Architectural Technicians and an Institute for technicians to be sponsored by the RIBA to ensure the maintenance of standards, education and training.}

_{A Society to represent all technicians within construction and demonstrate multi-disciplinary training and understanding. In its first year, 1,799 technicians joined the Society.}

1967

SAAT Journal is launched, issued four times a year.

1968

The Training of Technicians in Architects' Offices leaflet published.

1969

Practice Qualification Log Book route of entry for membership introduced.

1970

First professional interview Assessment Boards for membership held.

_{This leads to an increase in membership as SAAT successfully embedded itself as a lead body within the construction industry.}

1975

SAAT is incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee.

1977

First Honorary member is elected; Thomas Lilley RIBA FCIOB.

1979 First recognition of an overseas course.

Higher Certificate of Construction (Architecture), Hong Kong Polytechnic.

1983

Graham Watts becomes the first Chief Executive.

1984

The Register of Practices is established for Full Members running a practice.

1984

Hong Kong Centre is founded – the first International Centre.

1985

Continuing Professional Development scheme is launched.

1986 SAAT celebrates its 21st anniversary.

In May, it becomes British Institute of Architectural Technicians.

_{The name change recognised the development of the Society and its place within the built environment sector as the body for specialists in Architectural Technology.}

1987

Amalgamation with Institute of Architectural and Associated Technicians.

1987

Republic of Ireland Centre formed – the second International Centre.

1990

BIAT celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Institute.

_{BIAT presented with the formal letters of patent from the Institute Coat of Arms, from which the Institute's logo is taken.}

_{This is to recognise the development educationally and in practice of the professionally qualified Architectural Technologist.}

1995 Architectural Technology: the journal of BIAT is launched

The new magazine was designed to raise the Institute's profile within the construction industry.

2000 The Institute holds its first International Conference at Dublin Castle.

It is entitled Technological Innovation in Design and Construction.

2002 The Institute introduces a new technician grade.

It is to recognise the professionally qualified Architectural Technician.

2005 In its fortieth year, BIAT is granted a Royal Charter.

It becomes Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

_{The protected descriptor Chartered Architectural Technologist for its Full Members is introduced cementing Chartered Members as one of the lead professions at the forefront of the built environment.}

_{The Chartered Architectural Technologist is a regulated profession within the UK under EU Directive 2005/36/EC.}

2007 CIAT-Accredited Conservationist Scheme introduced for Chartered Members.

This is for those who wish to lead on grant funded heritage projects.

2007 The Institute also becomes a licensed body of the Society for the Environment.

It an award the Chartered Environmentalist qualification title.

2008 Chartered Architectural Technologist listed in the Standard Occupational Classification.

It sits alongside the architect, surveyor and town planner.

2008

First AGM held outside of Europe in Hong Kong.

2011

First Masters degree in Architectural Technology awarded at Sheffield Hallam University.

2013

Professional Assessment route for membership is launched.

2014 Five new Centres are formed internationally.

Australasia, The Americas, Asia, Europe and Middle East and Africa.

2015 CIAT celebrated its 50th Anniversary

It continued to build on its solid and respected platform for the continued evolution of AT.

Our history

Architectural Technology

An essential design function with its main influence on process, performance and buildability.

Then, now and into the future, the discipline is as relevant as ever.

Watch this space!

Presidential Roll of Honour

Institute's structure and governance