Student Report of the Year
Paul Laycock MCIAT
As a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Chartered Builder, Paul specialises in excellence in technical design of all types and sizes of buildings with a special interest in sustainable solutions, healthy indoor environments and successful buildings for all users at all stages of a building life cycle.
His involvement with CIAT has spanned many years and many tasks and roles. Previous Vice-President Education, Member Panel Moderator, Professional Interview Assessor and Accreditation Panel Chair amongst those.
As an academic, Paul's main role is in inspiring and shaping the future professionals that will be the next generation of the built environment sector.
Dr Gareth Carr MCIAT
Gareth is a Chartered Architectural Technologist, Registered Architect, and Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and holds a Senior Lectureship in Architectural Design Technology at Wrexham University; he is Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology and BSc (Hons) Construction Management provision.
Gareth has worked in both public and private sector architectural design offices in South Wales and in Liverpool, and has taught in both FE and HE contexts within the education sector. An alumnus of Neath College, West Glamorgan Institute and the University of Liverpool, Gareth pursues his interest in the technical design and supervision of architectural projects and contributes to research and curriculum development within the built environment subject area.
As well as his interests in contexts of innovation and technical development in design, construction and project management, Gareth's wider research interests include the work of Richard Owens of Liverpool, Architect and Surveyor (1831-1891), and the history of Victorian speculative housing.
Dr Suha Jaradat FCIAT
Prof. Suha Jaradat is the first female Professor of Architectural Technology in the UK. She is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Fellow Member of CIAT. She was appointed an Advisory Group Member for QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Architectural Technology and holds external examiner positions at national and international institutions to support the development of a range of academic perspective in architectural technology and design.
A Principal Fellow of Advance HE (PFHEA), she has held senior leadership roles at Edinburgh Napier University including Lead of the Centre for Mind, Creativity and Environment Research (CEDAR), Head of Construction and Surveying, and Academic Lead for the Egypt Franchise Project. Her interdisciplinary research spans architectural education, digital innovation, and the interaction between people and the built environment.
She completed her PhD at the University of Reading and investigated the use of Building Information Management (BIM) in architectural practices in the UK and USA. She has developed strong links with the industry and was successful in a Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) application in collaboration with CSY Architects for a funding competition from Innovate UK, to help businesses in the UK innovate and grow.
In recognition of her achievements, she was recognised among the Top 50 Influential Muslim Awards – Europe 2023 for making a positive difference and clear evidence of impact both in the workplace and in society. She was also shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Most Innovative Teacher of the Year 2024 Awards.
Dr Jonathan Scott FCIAT
Dr Jonathan joined Robert Gordon University in 1992, completing an HND in Architectural Technology. He went on to complete a first class Honours degree in the same subject, graduating in 1998.
Except for a short stint in industry, Jonathan has worked in research and teaching for the Robert Gordon University on a variety of projects, developing his interests in the areas of environmental design, energy monitoring, life cycle analysis, social and occupancy evaluation. In addition, Jonathan is also interested in a research and educational aspect, in CAD, surveying technologies and historic conservation.
Since 2000, Jonathan has undertaken a PhD (an EPSRC funded studentship), the title of which is "Optimising The Relationship Between Passive Solar Design of New Housing and Land Value", in the field of environmental design, creating a decision making tool for the selection of detached homes. He completed successfully in 2004, and he has since been employed as a Research Fellow at The Robert Gordon University.
Ann Vanner FCIAT
Ann Vanner FCIAT is a Chartered Architectural Technologist, ARB-registered architect, Living Future Accredited Professional, and practical researcher working at the intersection of architecture, health, and the natural environment. She is the founder of Healing Buildings, a design practice and educational consultancy focused on integrating health, wellbeing, and nature-connected thinking into the built environment. She is also co-founder of The School of Biophilia, an educational platform exploring the relationship between nature, learning, and the spaces we inhabit.
With extensive construction knowledge, project management expertise, and a strong grounding in architectural technology, Ann brings a practical and detail-led approach to design. She believes that buildings only work when their details work, and she champions the role of architectural technology in delivering environments that are both technically robust and supportive of human wellbeing.
Alongside her practice, Ann remains actively involved in education and professional development. A former academic and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), she continues to support learning and professional progression across the sector.
Ann is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and has contributed to the Institute through roles including Panel Moderator for the MCIAT Professional Assessment and committee member for the North West Region, supporting the development of architectural technology education and professional standards.
She is also an active member of the Preston Cooperative Development Network (PCDN), supporting the development of worker and housing cooperatives that promote more democratic, community-led approaches to housing and regeneration.
Student Project of the Year
Paul Laycock MCIAT
As a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Chartered Builder, Paul specialises in excellence in technical design of all types and sizes of buildings with a special interest in sustainable solutions, healthy indoor environments and successful buildings for all users at all stages of a building life cycle.
His involvement with CIAT has spanned many years and many tasks and roles. Previous Vice-President Education, Member Panel Moderator, Professional Interview Assessor and Accreditation Panel Chair amongst those.
As an academic, Paul's main role is in inspiring and shaping the future professionals that will be the next generation of the built environment sector.
Giles Boon FCIAT
Giles is Passivhaus Lead (National Associate) at AtkinsRéalis. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and a Certified European Passivhaus Designer. His consultancy work has contributed towards some of the most innovative low-energy buildings of our time.
His work extends to education, where he is a Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology at the University of West England and Programme Leader of BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Design. He uses Passivhaus to educate his students in sustainable design and construction methods.
As a way of giving back to his profession, Giles sits at Committee as Regional Education (Universities) Officer in the Wessex Region. Giles' vision is in promoting ties between CIAT and the Architectural Technology students studying UWE's CIAT-Accredited degree programme.
Giles' early career was characterised by major residential projects for national house builders. This is where his ethos for high-performance building fabric design developed into an aspiration to create buildings that perform as energy-optimised and healthy homes for everyone.
He now enjoys developing knowledge amongst teams about the nuances of Passivhaus, bringing together teams interested in facilitating change in sustainable design practice and teaching commercial construction technologies to university students.
Natasha Coles MCIAT
Natasha is a Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist at Whittam Cox Architects. She has been a Regional member of the Yorkshire Region since 2013 whereby she has undertaken many roles and positions including aspiration Chair, Education Officer, Regional Councillor and is currently acting as Regional Chair.
Natasha is passionate about education and has a long standing commitment to supporting members wherever she can. She has a proven track record within CIAT supporting young professionals within the built environment from their very first steps, deciding which career route to take within architecture, to supporting them through their studies at university through to securing their first placement, through to practice, to becoming chartered, to opening their own practice and beyond.
Natasha is a committed and passionate built environment professional who strives for excellence in supporting communities, education and retail environments. Her strengths lie in building teams to deliver projects at pace whilst ensuring high build quality that strives for functional, technical excellence. Beyond daily practice, she loves researching about sustainability, environmental design as an evolving discipline and practice, particularly around disaster and climatic architecture. In addition to this, she is passionate about supporting architectural heritage, traditional practice, the evolution of AI and its impact to design, diversity and culture.
Jaclyn Kelly MCIAT
Jaclyn Kelly is an Associate at Corstorphine & Wright with expertise in delivering high quality, buildable solutions across a wide range of projects in both the public and private sectors and on a range of complex projects including Healthcare (Acute and Mental Health), Education, Bluelight, Defence and Security Sectors.
Jaclyn is the Corstorphine & Wright internal CIAT North West contact, supporting individuals within the practice, developing their skills, and successfully completing their chartership.
Her support and mentoring extend to students and emerging talent and she has been a visiting critic for Salford University to assist undergrad students with their technical detailing modules. She also presented, on behalf of CIAT, her Chartership Route to students at Liverpool John Moores University as well as being involved with the MentorMatchMe programme.
Dr Poorang Piroozfar FCIAT
Dr Poorang is Reader (Senior Associate Professor) in Architectural Technology and Digital Construction at the University of Brighton, and Academic Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology, MSc Digital Construction, and MSc Building Information Management. He has an established international academic career spanning three continents. His expertise lies in BIM, digital construction, sustainable design, and urban systems. His research focuses on digital transformation of the built environment, including digital twins, XR, and data-driven design, alongside mass customisation and personalisation in architecture and the built environment. He has a strong publication record and is actively engaged with industry, research networks, and professional bodies, including CIAT, where, as a Fellow Member, has proudly served in a range of roles and responsibilities for and on behalf of Region 10.
Practice Awards
Justin Kelly FCIAT
Justin is a partner at BPTW, an award winning CIAT Chartered Practice which is design-led with over 125 Architectural Technologists and architects with studios in London and the Midlands.
He acts as the lead Architectural Technologist at BPTW and has been an examiner at the Architects Registration Board, Secretary at the RIBA South East London Society of Architects (SELSA) Branch and is currently a Professional Interview Assessor for CIAT.
Having previously lived and worked in Rotterdam, Justin has gained experience on various residential led developments in both Rotterdam and Amsterdam. He completed a Diploma in Sustainable Urban Design from the International Institute for the Urban Environment in Delft, the Netherlands.
Dr Gihan Badi FCIAT
Gihan is the founder of GB Ateller, a CIAT Chartered Practice for architectural services, with more than 20 years of experience in the built environment sector and academia in both the United Kingdom and Middle East. As a sole practitioner, Gihan has gained experience on various residential and commercial led developments in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Gihan is a Fellow Member of CIAT and a Chartered Architectural Technologist. She is also a Fellow Member of Higher Education Academy with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Planning, Housing and Human Geography.
In addition, Gihan is an Assessor for CIAT and has been a member of the Yorkshire Regional Committee for many years, and she is actively involved with her professional Institute at local and national levels. Gihan was previously the Regional CPD Officer (2014-17) and the Regional Committee Chair (2017-19).
In 2017, Gihan was a Finalist for Best Architectural Technologist in the European Women in Construction and Engineering Awards.
Daniel Crann FCIAT
Dan Crann, Technical Director at Corstorphine & Wright, holds over 20 years of experience in the architectural and construction industry.
Having joined the practice aged just 16, Dan has rapidly progressed to become a leading member of the technical design and delivery team and one of its youngest ever directors. He manages a 30-people strong technical delivery team working on Corstorphine & Wright's largest and most complex projects. Dan has a great technical understanding of projects across a range of sectors but thrives in the Education and Residential sector, particularly City Living Schemes and high-rise developments.
Dan is a Chartered Architectural Technologist, and as well as sitting on the CIAT Accreditation panel for universities, Dan has been recognised for his contribution to the Institute by becoming a CIAT Fellow, one of the first for CIAT.
Keen to inspire the next generation, Dan set up and leads the internal CIAT mentor programme within Corstorphine & Wright, assisting employees from graduate level through to 40+ years' experience to gain their Chartered Membership. The foundations and requirements set out in the scheme Dan has developed have ensured each candidate has been fully prepared for the written, compiling evidence and interview parts of the application process. Testament to his commitment, he has assisted more than 20 people within the last five years with successful Chartered applications.
Aled Rees FCIAT
Aled has acquired large but varied experience across several sectors within the construction industry with a wide range of projects including government, commercial, leisure, educational, infrastructure, healthcare and residential. He can work throughout all stages of the design, construction and specification processes and utilises his expertise to manage difficult and complexed projects with strict budgets and timescales. In addition to his invaluable on-site experience working closely with contractors, Aled is seen as a key link within any team.
Anthony Walsh FCIAT
Throughout his career, Anthony has acquired a varied but extensive knowledge within most sectors of the construction industry and through the diversity of the projects that he has been involved with has attained considerable experience in a wide range of government, residential, retail, commercial, leisure, industrial, educational and health care developments. He is able to work from feasibility and inception through all the various stages of design and specification process and utilising his excellent presentation and technical skills is capable of working to strict budgets and timescales. Combine this with his valuable on-site job running expertise, Anthony forms an important link in any team.
Chartered Architectural Technologist of the Year and the aspiration Award for Emerging Talent in AT
Alex Naraian PPCIAT FCIAT
Alex Naraian PPCIAT FCIAT is a Chartered Architectural Technologist, Past President, and Fellow Member of CIAT. He currently serves as Group Head of Technical at Churchill Living, where he leads technical strategy, standards, and delivery across the business. He assumed this position in 2022, following senior roles at Strutt & Parker (as UK Head of Architecture & Building Surveying), Knightsgate UK, Ascot Design, and a distinguished two‑decade tenure at ADAM Architecture.
Throughout his long association with CIAT, Alex has held multiple leadership positions, including 28th President, Immediate Past President, President Elect, SE Regional Councillor, and Executive Board Trustee. He is also an Honorary Fellow of Southampton Solent University. His presidency focused on strengthening the Institute’s identity, visibility, and global presence. During his tenure, he successfully proposed enhanced membership pathways, including the Fellow and Honorary Fellow grades, and delivered measurable progress against his manifesto commitments, emphasising his reputation as a leader defined by action rather than rhetoric.
Alex has represented CIAT internationally across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and India. Notably, his official visit to Dubai as President deepened international collaboration and raised the profile of architectural technology on the global stage. He has contributed to steering groups for major built‑environment exhibitions and has served as a judge for high‑profile awards, including the AT Awards, Building Innovation Awards, WICE Awards, APS Awards, and the British Construction Industry Awards.
He continues to fulfil the role of chair of judges for the highly coveted accolade of Chartered Architectural Technologist of the Year for the AT Awards.
A respected speaker and thought leader, Alex has presented at UK Construction Week, the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, FutureBuild, the London Festival of Architecture, and at more than 25 universities worldwide. His thought‑leadership writing is widely published across industry platforms, continuing to influence professional discourse.
Alex works closely with the Future Homes Hub and the Home Builders Federation (HBF), offering expert technical insight into evolving housing standards and sector challenges. He is regularly invited to participate in discussions with DESNZ, MHCLG, RHG, and other governmental and industry bodies, contributing to national policy work on regulation, sustainability, technical standards, and the future homes agenda.
His technical expertise spans project delivery, contract administration, regulatory compliance, high‑end residential design, technical detailing, process improvement, and strategic organisational leadership. He is widely recognised for his collaborative approach and his commitment to equality, inclusion, and industry advancement.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Alex actively supports community and charitable initiatives. His nomination of Youth and Families Matter (YFM) for a Churchill Foundation grant helped secure meaningful support for vulnerable families and young people, reflecting his ongoing commitment to social value and community impact.
Bharat Gohil MCIAT
Bharat is both a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Chartered Construction Manager. With over ten years in design and construction, Bharat specialises in offsite superstructure design and manufacture for construction. His solid technical background has assisted his development in the built environment sector leading him to consulting designers and engineers in best practice for offsite design.
Bharat has leveraged his industry experience and technical knowledge to focus on digital construction. As part of his role as a Technical Specialist at Autodesk, he is driving change with sustainability whilst ensuring construction projects meet and exceed industry standards and expectations.
Chris Yorke MCIAT
Chris is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Chartered Building Engineer who runs a small practice (currently five staff) in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Having started out as a trainee quantity surveyor, Chris made the move into architectural practice in 1988, initially working on large scale housing rehabilitation projects and later widening his experience to schools, sports pavilions, children's care facilities and heritage projects. Working up through the ranks, he ran countless successful projects from inception to completion and was a team leader (Principal AT) before leaving in 2006 to start his own practice.
He has also worked as a client-side advisor and facilitator on larger housing regeneration projects involving affordable housing and mixed development, which included working alongside senior representatives of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.
Gold Award
Giles Boon FCIAT
Giles is Passivhaus Lead (National Associate) at AtkinsRéalis. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and a Certified European Passivhaus Designer. His consultancy work has contributed towards some of the most innovative low-energy buildings of our time.
His work extends to education, where he is a Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology at the University of West England and Programme Leader of BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Design. He uses Passivhaus to educate his students in sustainable design and construction methods.
As a way of giving back to his profession, Giles sits at Committee as Regional Education (Universities) Officer in the Wessex Region. Giles' vision is in promoting ties between CIAT and the Architectural Technology students studying UWE's CIAT-Accredited degree programme.
Giles' early career was characterised by major residential projects for national house builders. This is where his ethos for high-performance building fabric design developed into an aspiration to create buildings that perform as energy-optimised and healthy homes for everyone.
He now enjoys developing knowledge amongst teams about the nuances of Passivhaus, bringing together teams interested in facilitating change in sustainable design practice and teaching commercial construction technologies to university students.
Jacques Pienaar MCIAT
Jacques Pienaar is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with over two decades of experience delivering technically robust, high‑quality solutions across residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed‑use developments. Known for his precision and deep understanding of the construction process, he brings clarity and confidence to every stage of a project.
With a strong technical focus, Jacques specialises in turning complex design intent into practical, buildable outcomes. His expertise in detailing, coordination, and compliance ensures that projects progress efficiently and meet the highest standards. He has led multidisciplinary teams, resolved on‑site challenges, and consistently maintained rigorous control over quality and cost.
Jacques is recognised for his methodical approach and clear communication, ensuring clients, consultants, and contractors are always aligned. His proactive, solutions‑driven mindset and commitment to excellence enable him to add value from concept through to completion.
Passionate about delivering well‑crafted, technically sound architecture, Jacques continues to bring insight, leadership, and expertise to every project he undertakes.
Eddie Weir PPCIAT FCIAT
Eddie feels a huge sense of honour, privilege and responsibility in representing CIAT and the profession of Architectural Technology.
Eddie is the Principal Partner of Eddie Weir ADP, which since its conception in 1999, has grown into one of the most highly regarded Architectural Practices in Northern Ireland, with many projects throughout Ireland and the UK. During much of this time he has served on the Northern Ireland Regional Committee and proudly held the position of Regional Chair. He is an Executive Officer of the influential Northern Ireland Construction Group and the previous vice-chair of the Construction Professionals’ Council of Northern Ireland. Eddie was honoured to be a recipient of the prestigious CIAT Gold Award in 2014.
As an Architectural Technology and Management graduate of the Ulster University with over 25 years’ experience in practice, he is frequently invited to deliver presentations regarding Architectural Technology and Architecture to other professional institutes and universities. Eddie continues to represent CIAT on numerous taskforces, councils and committees and speak on behalf of the Institute at government level and at major-industry events on issues regarding Architectural Technology and the wider industry.