South East Region (10)

Mark originally studied at West Kent College to achieve his HNC in Building Studies along with a NEEBOSH Health & Safety qualification.

Since then, Mark has worked in various roles to develop a well-rounded knowledge of the construction industry, including positions within architectural practices, a Structural Engineer's practice and as a Project Manager for a local property development company, as well as running his own successful Architectural business for a number of years.

Mark now holds a Senior Technologist role in a rapidly expanding architectural practice in Kent.

Since gaining his Chartered Membership of CIAT in 2013, Mark has been actively involved with the South East Region Committee and continues to serve with his fellow Committee Members to push the Region forward.

Tom always knew he was destined for the design and construction industry. Studying part-time whilst working in practice, he gained a HNC in Construction and a First Class Honours degree from the University of Brighton in 2015, further progressing to Chartered status in 2019 of CIAT and CABE in 2020.

Tom works in a senior position in an award-winning architectural practice in Kent, which was a Finalist in the 2020 AT Awards. He is an advocate for promoting mental health and wellbeing in the construction sector and actively supports the Architects Benevolent Society as a regsitered ambassador.

Tom is an experienced award-winning public speaker who often guest lectures at universities and schools to better promote CIAT. He was elected in 2021 to serve as Regional Secretary for the South East Region.

Michael is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with a proven track record on a variety of construction projects, ranging in scale and complexity. Projects vary between maintenance and repair, refurbishment, conversion and new build generally all in rural and/or historic settings.

Currently, Michael is overseeing a number of local repair and refurbishment projects and is skilled at managing multiple projects simultaneously and at varying stages. He enjoys working within the constraints of existing buildings to alter/adapt/convert and upgrade, always looking for opportunities to incorporate renewable or sustainable energy technology where possible.

Michael understands the need for value for money whilst ensuring compliance with all applicable Planning and Building requirements, MEES (EPC) legislation and the Construction Design Management Regulations (CDM).

Michael is also a parent trustee of Community Childcare Centres Ltd (Growing Places), a father of three and an armchair rugby union fan!

Dr Poorang Piroozfar is the built environment and construction academic subject lead and Architectural Technology academic programme lead at University of Brighton. He is the Director of Digital Construction Lab, Founding Director @BEACON and immediate Past Director of the Built Environment Research Group (BERG) and directs research on Architectural Theory, Frames and Values (Co-creation), (Mass) Customisation, Expert Systems, Digital and Integrated Design, Manufacturing and Construction, LCA/LCC, BIM/BEM, and Building Envelopes/Urban Façades.

Jon studied Architectural Technology at the University of Brighton, from which he graduated in 2017, becoming an Associate member of CIAT shortly after.

He now works in a medium-sized architectural practice in Brighton as a Technologist on projects of varying sizes, but with a focus on large-scale housing blocks and developing the practice's BIM standards.

John has been a member of the Institute for over 50 years. He has worked for British Petroleum, New Ideal Homes and Guildway Homes Timber framed housing before joining a variety of private practices and a partner in private practice in Weybridge.

John was Chair of SAAT Surrey, later holding office of Chair of the South East Region Committee three times. He has also served on National Council as a representative for the South East and several National sub-committees.

John was awarded the Institute's Gold Award for dedicated service to the South East Region on 21 November 2009.

Sarah is Head of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, and Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Solent University, Southampton. She is Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. Prior to this, Sarah was Course Leader for Solent's highly successful BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology. She has an undergraduate qualification in Architecture and a master's degree in architecture from the University of Liverpool. Sarah's research interest is the impact of social, economic and political factors on the development of housing standards in the UK since the Second World War. Sarah has devoted her academic career to creating an excellent student experience underpinned by pedagogic practices that embrace real world learning, diversity and inclusivity. Sarah sits on the Education Board and Accreditiation Group of CIAT. She is a Professional Assessor and Moderator for the MCIAT Professional Assessment. Sarah is the only woman at present to have qualified as an FCIAT Assessor. She is a technical judge for the Society of British and International Design (SBID) annual awards. Internationally, Sarah serves as juror for final year interior design student projects at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York.

Darren is Director of a small company that has been running for the last six years whilst being an Architectural Technician for the last 10 years, working mainly in the Residential sector. He has 20 years on site experience as a fully indentured Carpenter and Joiner and a BSc Honours degree in Building Surveying and Commercial Management. Currently an affiliate of CIAT, he joined the South East Regional Committee in 2021.

Following qualification at Solent University, Julie joined Studio Four Architects Ltd in 2004 to work as an Architectural Technologist. In 2015 Julie joined Solent University as an Associate lecturer and in 2016 Julie joined Solent University full time and has been working in the Estates department as a Project Manager. Julie has been leading as client representative for BIM Level 2 delivery of new build projects.

Rob has over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry and having started his career back in the late 80's in an architectural practice using traditional drawing methods, Rob has subsequently worked at building surveying practices, as well as national housing developers.

Rob gained his ONC & HNC Qualification at University of Brighton, and then went on to complete a diary of experience for two years, with a final interview to obtain full membership of CIAT. Rob is also a member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors

Formerly the Chairman and Councillor of the South East Region, Rob has represented the Region and CIAT at several national level meetings with Government Agencies and other construction professionals.  

Rob currently sits as a Committee Member for the South East Region, as well as attending and contributing at CIAT SIT (Special Issue Taskforce) meetings.

Rob is the Director of CIAT Registered Practice RT Architectural Services, based in Mid Sussex and specialising in all aspects of Architectural Technology, including planning and building regulations, contract administration, interior alterations and party wall.