Winner | Chartered Architectural Technologist of the Year

Sam Lambert MCIAT, Chartered Architectural Technologist

Words by Emily Parks, Marketing Coordinator, P+HS Architects

Sam Lambert has exemplified excellence in Architectural Technology through his unwavering passion and significant contributions to the profession. Over the past 12 months, his career has been defined by innovation, leadership, and a steadfast dedication to advancing the discipline, leaving a meaningful impact on both the profession and the wider built environment. His efforts, both within P+HS Architects and through CIAT, have been both inspiring and transformative, as well as nothing short of exemplary, meriting recognition as Chartered Architectural Technologist of the Year.

At P+HS Architects, we witness Sam’s technical expertise firsthand, evidenced by the complex projects that he leads. However, it was through testimonials from his CIAT Aspiration network that we came to fully appreciate the extent of his dedication as Regional aspiration Chair for the Yorkshire Region. This nomination presents clear evidence of how his skill, commitment, and inspirational leadership have uplifted the profession, supported CIAT’s strategic objectives, and motivated peers and emerging professionals alike.

During his three-year tenure as Chair of aspiration Yorkshire, Sam revitalised a dormant regional group in the aftermath of the pandemic, transforming it into a thriving, dynamic network of over 50 students, graduates, and industry professionals. Although this transformation evolved steadily, the past 12 months have been especially pivotal. Through dedicated personal outreach, engaging presentations, and well-organised events, Sam fostered a welcoming and supportive environment.

A cornerstone of Sam’s work is promoting Architectural Technology through industry talks. Over the past year, he has delivered several presentations at universities and colleges across Yorkshire. His enthusiasm for the discipline is contagious and has inspired countless students to pursue careers in Architectural Technology and get involved with CIAT aspiration, and his presentations have been taken up for promotion of their region’s activities and the wider discipline.

Recognising inconsistencies between regional Aspiration initiatives, Sam became the driving force behind the national promotional film aspiration: Where it’s AT. He collaborated with production company Voytek Ltd. to create a unified and compelling message about the purpose and vision of aspiration. Premiering in May 2024, the film has widely been received and promoted by aspiration chairs at university presentations and awards ceremonies, receiving great acclaim across the board.

Sam led the initiative to standardise the structure of aspiration on a national level. He helped organised a strategic meeting at CIAT headquarters, where he showcased the Yorkshire regional group and advocated for a clear membership and registration process. He strongly believed that the foundation of a successful Regional aspiration Group lies in its structure; specifically, an active committee of like-minded individuals dedicated to planning events and shaping the group’s future direction. He believed this structured approach positioned Aspiration as an industry-ready platform to be widely valued on a national scale. His vision was well-received, with several regions now adopting similar frameworks, as highlighted by Overarching aspiration Chair, Joe Hyett MCIAT at the 2024 CIAT AGM. Sam continues to support other Regional groups through this transition, helping to ensure the longevity and consistency of aspiration’s framework well beyond the tenure of current aspiration chairs.

In addition to his work with universities, Sam has actively built relationships with regional colleges. Sam’s vision is that the first steps into industry as an Architectural Technologist starts at college level. He has also helped connect students to employers offering placements, work experience and apprenticeships. Furthering his support, Sam arranged CIAT Aspiration sponsorship of facilities and physical spaces at these colleges, reinforcing long-term collaborative efforts dedicated to advancing skills, knowledge, and growth within the construction and engineering industries. Sam believes the transition from academia to industry can be daunting, and through a well-structured Regional aspiration network, he has helped bridge this gap. The Yorkshire Group thrives on the exchange of knowledge across all levels of experience, offering a continuous cycle of guidance and support.

Sam also played a pivotal role in organising and hosting the first-ever national aspiration Chairs meeting outside of London, right in the heart of Yorkshire. This historic event featured a site tour of a clinical trials lab, a city walking tour, a lecture from Leeds Beckett University’s course director, titled ‘Education's impact to AT’ and a networking reception. Above all, a meeting was held earlier in the day and gave chance for regional representatives to express their thoughts and opinions on aspiration events and formality’s going forward, ultimately solidifying the structure of aspiration for years to come. aspiration chairs left the day feeling energised and inspired by the voluntary roles they were all representing. The day was a resounding success, widely celebrated and set a new precedent for future national meetings to be hosted by regions across the UK which gives the opportunity for all aspiration Chairs to get together and express the values of the great network and profession which they represent.

Even late into the evenings, Sam can often be found in the office attending CIAT meetings, handling general administration, and developing presentations and case studies – all in support of CIAT aspiration. This significant, behind-the-scenes investment of time often goes unnoticed, yet it is a core fundamental behind the success of the Yorkshire Region's aspiration Group.

At P+HS Architects, Sam has worked closely with Premier Modular on two fast-track healthcare projects, stepping in at a critical stage when additional resources were needed to see them through to completion. He exemplified the core values of an Architectural Technologist, successfully managing both complex schemes through to completion. These included a modular stroke ward at Redruth and Camborne Hospital – highly commended at the MMC Awards – and a decant unit at Berwick Hospital, which required precise design solutions to ensure HTM and Part M compliance on a spatially constrained site.

Aligned with his projects that he managers, Sam is passionate about mentoring younger colleagues and inspiring them to achieve the best of their abilities. With his keen eye for detail, Sam encourages the younger cohort to model efficiently in Revit, notably arguing that a well-developed and detailed Revit model at stage 3 saves time and increases project efficiency throughout stage 4. Equally, Sam actively supports his junior apprentice Tom Best, reinforcing his role as a leader both in the office and across the industry.

Looking ahead, Sam continues to lead the delivery of increasingly complex and technically demanding projects, all while serving as a role model to junior staff and championing the core values of P+HS Architects and of a Chartered Architectural Technologist. He actively supports professional development within the practice by mentoring colleagues through their Chartership journeys and helping new team members integrate into the profession. At the same time, he remains committed to his own ongoing development, actively pursuing FCIAT and recently attending the Design in Mental Health Conference in Manchester in June.

Sam is set to become the Overarching aspiration Chair at the upcoming AGM in November – a natural progression given his commitment and accomplishments. As he concludes his term as Regional Chair, this moment serves as an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind – a legacy marked by passion, structure, innovation, and dedication. A deserving recipient of the Emerging Talent Award in 2022, Sam continues to embody the values and aspirations of a Chartered Architectural Technologist. His influence will resonate throughout the industry and academia for years to come as he champions Architectural Technology on a national scale whilst delivering technical excellence at P+HS Architects.