Wessex Region (06)

Usman is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Fellow of the Institute. Since 2007, he has worked in professional practice going on to establish Studio Yaqub in 2014, which is an award-winning CIAT Chartered Practice.

Usman has worked in all sectors and specialises in working on challenging sites whether they be residential or commercial. In addition, Usman is an Associate Lecturer at the University of West England (UWE) having originally studied there and now involved with a range of architectural programmes, particularly Architectural Technology. He has also been actively involved in the Institute at a local level since 2018 and is currently Regional Chair and CPD Officer for the Wessex Region.

In 2021, Usman received the Institute's prestigious Gold Award, as recognition for his significant contribution to the Wessex Region and Institute with his implementation of a newly reinvigorated CPD series which has significantly impacted engagement within the Wessex Region and on both a national and global scale.

Stacey qualified as a Chartered Member in 2013 having completed her ONC and HNC in Construction on a part-time basis. Stacey has been practising since 2004, working for award-winning practises in Kent.

Stacey is currently an Associate for a medium-sized practice based in the Weald of Kent, focused on delivering high-end residential projects along with conversions and adaptations to existing buildings throughout the South East. Stacey works very closely with private and developer clients alike to ensure every project is delivered to the highest quality, offering support and guidance throughout a project's duration. She has a keen eye for detailing, paying particular attention to the coordination of the project team. 

Stacey joined the South East Committee in 2013 and held the position of CPD officer before becoming the Regional Councillor in 2016. Stacey has sat on professional interview boards as well as being on the membership review panel and currently holds a position on the Finance Committee. Stacey also attends several networking events across the region.

Stacey was nominated and became a finalist in 2017 for the WICE Awards (Women in Construction) for Best Women Architectural Technologist.

Stacey hopes to continue to work with the Institute to promote the discipline of technology and encourage new members to engage with their local committees.

After graduating as an Architectural Technologist in 2015 from Nottingham Trent University, Laurence has had the opportunity to work in a variety of fields. He has experience in architectural design, construction detailing, contract administration, surveying, site management and can deliver projects from inception to completion. Working closely with clients and multi-discipline teams, he is involved in all stages of projects and enjoys the challenges and varied works Architectural Technology provides.

Laurence joined the Regional Committee in 2019 and became Regional Treasurer in 2021.

Dean is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with 30 years of combined experience in the built environment sector. He has two qualifications from Canada – a Poly-technical Diploma in Architectural Technology from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies – Architecture, from the University of Manitoba.

Following his degree, Dean initially worked in architectural practice and after 16 years of working in industry, he made a bold move to shift career direction and enter the world of academia. He is currently the Academic Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Programme at University College of Estate Management.

Lee started work in 1984 with the Architects Department of Avon County Council, working on Police Education and other council buildings as an Architectural Technician. He then transferred to North Somerset Council when Avon was abolished, again working on council buildings as a Senior Architectural Technologist. In 2006, Lee was transferred from the housing section of North Somerset Council, to Alliance Homes when it became a housing association. Although he enjoyed producing drawings with CAD, there was a requirement in 2013 for surveyors to access the condition of the existing building stock and Lee was offered the role of a Stock condition building surveyor. He is now the checking the standard of new housing as well as existing buildings for Alliance Homes, housing association. 

Marcus has worked in the architecture and building construction industry since 1987 and has a great deal of experience of the industry as a whole. 

FirstFox Architecture Ltd has been trading since 1998 and they have been busy ever since! They work in all sectors of the industry designing new-build and conversions schemes and have excellent working relationships with the many local planning and building regulations teams.

On a personal level, ​Marcus spent 13 years as part of the Estates and Property Development team for the National Charity HFT Ltd and so carries with him a specialist knowledge of design and project management for care facilities including residential homes for people with Autistic spectrum disabilities, Dementia & Alzheimer's and learning disabilities.

Brian started his training at Eustace H. Button & Partner, Chartered Architects in 1967 where he worked for 26 years, becoming an Associate in 1982.  During this time, he joined the Institute as a Probationer, then student and finally a full member. In 1994, the practice closed so he became a Sole Practitioner and continues to be busy up to the present day.  Over the years, Brian has worked on many types of projects including Healthcare, Education, Sports, Office and Housing projects, usually involved from inception to completion.

From an early age, Bharat has been fascinated with building design and how buildings are constructed. In 2009, he completed a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology and Design at the University of the West of England, pursuing his interest and passion. Bharat's drive and ambition to achieve Chartered status as a stamp of validation and assurance, signifies that he is experienced and technically adept enough to design and detail.

Bharat says his personal experience with CIAT has been exemplary and he wishes to be part of a respected Institute to continue the good work of its public perception. He believes the emergence of aspirATion, and the introduction of the Professional Assessment (PA), coupled with a much stronger social media presence, has brought CIAT in to the 21st century.

In Bharat's view, aspirATion is a great platform for professional networking, education and discussion. More importantly, he says it plays a key role advising those soon to embark on their Chartership journeys.

Having studied his degree at UWE and being provided with such a solid platform of education and support, Bharat is honoured to give back to the university and help undergraduates understand their career prospects and the importance of their role within the design process. 

Bharat wishes to uphold the high standards set by CIAT by continuing to promote the reputable and respected Institute and its core values.

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After twelve and a half years in Local Authority working as Architectural assistant/contracts manager, Robert has spent the last 25 years working at UWE Bristol in the Facilities/Estates Department as a Capital Works Surveyor.

The last few years have been dominated by the £250m Master plan which has included a number of new build projects alongside a major series of refurbishments. His main role is a Client Project Manager on those new building projects alongside the day to day activities expected in a varied and very busy office.

Robert has been an active member of CIAT for about fifteen years including at Regional and National level. He has sat on the Conduct Committee, National Council and Exec Board and completed two years as Vice-President Education. 

Joe worked for an architectural practice in Gloucester for a couple of years before studying  Architectural Technology and Design at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol in 2015. During his placement year in 2017, Joe moved to Vancouver, Canada for 15 months, gaining extensive experience as a Technologist at HCMA Architecture + Design. Joe graduated in 2019 where he was presented the CIAT Outstanding Graduating Student Award on his programme. He has since gone on to undertake his Masters of Architecture at UWE, Bristol.

Joe has been part of the Wessex Regional Committee since November 2018 where he assumed the role of Vice-Chair for the aspirATion Group in the Region. He has since become an active part of the Committee, becoming Chair of the aspirATion Group in March 2020. He has contributed across the Committee; from hosting collaborative events with CIOB and CIBSE, to assisting in launching the successful online [CPD in 43] series.

Amy established a career in sustainable transport and construction project administration before studying Architectural Technology and Design at UWE Bristol. After graduating in 2022, Amy joined an architectural practice in Bath which focusses on the restoration and alteration of heritage buildings, in addition to new-build projects.

As an active member of the Wessex Regional Committee since November 2021, Amy helped organise the Grand Appeal Charity Night before the CIAT AGM in Bristol in 2022 and assists with communications for the Region.

_{^{Joe is a Chartered Architectural Technologist, a member of The Green Register, leads the Wiltshire group of the AECB, a Certified Passive House Designer, a member of the Passive House Trust and training as a Retrofit coordinator on the AECB carbon lite course.}}

_{^{He works for Haydon Finch Studios, who deliver bespoke premium and low energy private residential projects in the UK and abroad.}}

_{^{Joe believes in responsible design, and his passion for the built environment is driven by the challenge to provide spaces that make use of sustainable resources while enhancing the lives of their inhabitants.}}

_{^{His aim is to deliver stunning architecture and design by providing clients with creative, sustainable solutions to realise their vision within their budget.}}