Recipient | President's Medal

Bob Kay MBE PPBIAT MCIAT

Words by Eddie Weir PCIAT

In this, our 60th Anniversary year, and as I come to the end of my second term as President, I reflect on the ethos of this Award and its significance to recognising the true pioneers of our discipline. When I think of extraordinary distinction and exceptional contribution to Architectural Technology and the profession, there is one name that stands out to me and as such is this year’s recipient of the President’s Medal. 

Bob Kay is a role model Chartered Architectural Technologist and has been an inspiration to me and so many countless others. His great humility with an immense generosity of spirit, good humour all combine to be an inspirational figure to so many. Bob acts as an exemplar of what professionalism is and this Award recognises his significant contribution and as a thank you to his dedication and selflessness. He has served the AT community with impeccable integrity and adoration. 

Bob has given a lifetime’s contribution to the world of Architectural Technology and, as such, totally reformed the Northern Ireland representation by providing encouragement, guidance and foundation to develop those into the future of the discipline. 

There are many examples which could be used to demonstrate Bob’s achievements for Architectural Technology, the discipline and profession, both past and present, and activities he was involved in to ensure the profession is at the forefront within the sector. The consequences of Bob’s devoted efforts have resulted in that he has enhanced both the discipline’s and CIAT’s presence and recognition throughout the province and within the built environment sector. This has contributed in illustrating the high level of professionalism and recognition in which the membership currently receives from its peers and wider industry circles.

His hardworking selfless attitude and passion for his profession and his Institute has brought together a strong and extremely proactive Regional membership and committee, where his fellow members have been inspired or are aspiring to follow his example.

As well as his professional commitments, he is a long serving member of the Church of Ireland and particularly involved with its property and architectural committees. He has been a member of the Select Vestry, Church of the Holy Name, Greenisland Parish; Chairman of the Connor Diocesan Architectural and Building Committee; member of the Property Committee of the Representative Church Body; Lay Honorary Secretary of the Connor Diocesan Council and Synod and a member of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland. In 2016, he was made a Lay Canon at St Anne’s Cathedral, a historic move as the appointment of Lay Canons to Church of Ireland cathedrals only became possible a few years before. As an active member of society, Bob spends considerable time offering his services to organisations he feels strongly about. 

As recognition for his work and service to the architectural profession, Bob was duly and deservedly awarded the MBE in 1999. Bob is a hugely respected and admired Member and he is held in the highest esteem from the wider Architectural Technology profession. The unmatched dedication he provides and the personal way in which he applies it is remarkable. 

For me, ‘Sir Bob’ as we fondly call him, was instrumental with his personal support and encouragement for me to become involved with CIAT at a national level. This has allowed me to make many new friends and acquaintances, travel the world and most importantly I have been able to represent a discipline and Institute that I am highly passionate about. I honestly wouldn't have even considered it until Bob had suggested it. He has instilled in me an enthusiasm to continue succession planning and doing the very same thing that he did with me - sewing the seeds into the minds of those who show that they have the potential and talent to ‘step up’. It is vitally important to encourage our future leaders and I have ‘Sir Bob’ to thank for this. 

I am honoured to present the President’s Medal and to its third recipient – Bob Kay, for his extensive contributions to Architectural Technology, as a discipline and a profession.