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
Dr Suha Jaradat is an Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University. She has held a number of strategic positions at the School and leads the strategic development and delivery of a suite of programmes, including graduate apprenticeships. She is a Principal Fellow of Advance Higher Education (PFAHEA), 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.
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 co-leads (CEDAR): Centre for Mind, Creativity and Environment Research which investigates how environments can adapt to change in a fast changing world with human cognition at the core of the design process. 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. Dr Suha Jaradat 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 is a Chartered Architectural Technologist, Fellow of CIAT (FCIAT), architect, ARB/RIBA, practical researcher and re-covering academic SFHEA, with a deep passion for the built environment. As the co-founder of Healing Buildings, she is dedicated to creating healthier living environments.
With extensive construction knowledge, project management expertise, and a problem-solving mindset, Ann champions sustainable housing solutions that prioritise well-being and functionality. Her approach is rooted in practical creativity—believing that learning through doing fosters meaningful innovation. She is particularly passionate about design detailing, advocating that for a building to function well, so must its details.
She is currently collaborating with Alison Watson from DEC on a Healthy Homes programme, designed to educate both school children and construction professionals. This initiative not only introduces young learners to the principles of healthier buildings but also serves those in the industry looking to expand their knowledge on the importance of well-designed, health-focused spaces.
Beyond her work with Healing Buildings, Ann is an active member of the Preston Cooperative Development Network (PCDN), supporting the development of worker and housing cooperatives to create a fairer, more democratic economy. Through this work, she collaborates with local communities and organisations to establish regenerative, cooperative-led housing initiatives.
As an FCIAT, Ann has contributed to CIAT as a Panel Moderator for the MCIAT Professional Assessment and served as a Committee Member for the North West Region, supporting educational development in the field.
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.
Róisín Ní Chatháin FCIAT
As a Partner at architecture and planning practice BPTW, Róisín plays a leading role in the delivery of large-scale residential, mixed-use and regeneration projects. Her ability to manage multiple pre- and post-planning stage projects, successfully lead design and consultant teams, and her strong understanding of the technical aspects of projects has led Róisín to develop excellent working relationships with clients, contractors and consultants.
A Fellow Member of CIAT, in 2020 Róisín's exceptional talent and architectural ability coupled with her dedication to the profession and endless support for her fellow Architectural Technologist was recognised when she won the Chartered Architectural Technologist of the Year at the AT Awards. In 2021, she was also awarded the Alumni of the Year award from Edinburgh Napier University for her dedication to the profession, and in recognition of her efforts to further the careers of the next generation of Architectural Technology professionals through a number of mentoring schemes.
Dr Poorang Piroozfar FCIAT
Dr Poorang is the Subject Lead for the Built Environment and experienced principal lecturer (associate professor) in Architectural Technology at the School of Environment and Technology, University of Brighton. He has a demonstrated working history in the higher education industry on three continents. Dr Poorang is highly skilled in BIM, sustainable design, sustainable development, architectural design and urban planning. He is a strong professional with an MArch focued on urban regeneration and mixed-use/multi-function design and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused on mass customisation and personalisation in architecture, with a proven track record of research in design, architecture, the built environment and construction.
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.
Dan Clements MCIAT
Dan is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with many years' experience in the design and detailing of domestic and non-domestic properties. With a strong design background, Dan has built a reputation for providing creative solutions to a variety of briefs.
Dan set up CIAT Chartered Practice Aditus Architectural Services Ltd in 2015 to specialise in both private and commercial architecture. As a former CDM-c, Dan is fully qualified to act as 'principal designer' under the 2015 CDM regulations. He recently acted as principal designer on the high-profile demolition of the Central Plaza Hotel in Carlisle, working for Carlisle City Council.
Dan is the current Vice-President Practice for CIAT and sits on the Institute's Executive Board.
Hadeel Saadoon FCIAT
Hadeel is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Fellow Member of CIAT. She works as a Principal Consultant, Digital at Turner and Townsend working with the Real Estates Digital team and focusing on the education sector.
Alongside being an ambassador for Women in Construction, she is also an ambassador for nima (previously the UK BIM Alliance), founder for BIM4Estates group, regional lead for Women in BIM and a member of the West Midlands Regional Committee.
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
As the leading technical designer at Churchill Living (developments) PLC, Alex Naraian is dedicated to creating functional, high-standard living spaces for the over 60s community. With a solid foundation in Architectural Technology and a commitment to mentoring staff, his hands-on leadership has been pivotal in developing properties that not only meet stringent regulatory standards but are also aesthetically pleasing and centred around the owners' needs and well-being.
Alex's journey in Architectural Technology is marked by influential roles on national technical committees, including the Future Homes Hub and the House Builders Federation. Here, Alex advocates for building safety, planning and building regulation reform, net zero, gender balance, and inclusivity in the construction industry.
Churchill Living's mission is to create thriving communities for the over 60s, offering an enhanced lifestyle, peace of mind, and the freedom to live life at its best.
Alex's career is defined by a commitment to excellence and a passion for transformative architecture, leading to the successful delivery of complex private sector projects, particularly in classical desgin in the super prime residential sector before joining Churchill Living.
Alex believes that holistic design is essential for exceptional outcomes, fostering enduring relationships, and delivering value to owners and the wider community.
With 25 years of experience and expertise in classical, traditional, and super prime residential architectural design and delivery, Alex's skillset and adaptability are not confined to private architectural practice or a single architectural style.
As an established public speaker, he has had the opportunity to present talks, panel discussions, round tables, keynotes, and lectures across 25 universities and numerous industry events in the UK, Europe, UAE, and India at Institute, industry, government and international level.
Career highlights and honours:
- Fellow Member of CIAT
- Honorary Fellow at Solent University
- 28th President of CIAT
- Invited judge of numerous industry awards
- Author of various magazine and social media articles
Joe Hyett MCIAT
In 2018, during his time as a student, Joe joined CIAT and its Regional Committee as Vice-Chair of aspirATion Wessex and has contributed to the creation of the 'CPD in 43' Series of lunchtime talks, collaboration events with other institutions, and the continued reinvigoration of the Wessex Region. He gradually worked his way to the position of Overarching Chair of aspirATion at the end of 2023.
Joe studied BSc Architectural Technology and Design at the University of the West of England, where he was awarded the CIAT 'Outstanding Graduating Student in Architectural Technology'. He continued in education to complete his Masters of Architecture in 2021, during which time his thesis project was awarded the Wessex Prize and shortlisted for the President's Silver Medal. Since then, Joe has continued to demonstrate his dedication to the profession, completing the PGCert in Professional Practice and Management in Architecture in 2023. His involvement in education continues at UWE Bristol as an Associate Lecturer, tutoring on the BSc Architectural Technology and Design programme.
Joe has worked in several sectors and at varying scales, from a large power station and extra care residential developments, to small-scale private houses and commercial developments. Much of this experience is across the South West of England, in addition to a period in Vancouver, Canada. Currently working with Connolly Wellingham Architects, Joe has led the technical development and delivery of several projects including a new admissions building for English Heritage at Old Wardour Castle, the ongoing refurbishment and upgrade of the Grade II listed Stanley Arts Centre in South Norwood, and the refurbishment and extension of Northly Farm, a historic farmstead in South Gloucestershire.
Paula Bleanch MCIAT
Paula studied Architecture and Construction Project Management and her main field of expertise is in design management. Much of her work in industry concerned the design and build of large PFI (private finance initiative) projects, including award winning schools, offices, hospitals and library buildings. In 2008, Paula left industry to join the teaching team at Northumbria University where she was a final year tutor. She is now based in Denmark.
She has previously undertaken mentoring training as part of a scheme set up by the National Association of Women in Construction and has particular experience working as a female in the built environment sector.
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
Gordon Souter MCIAT
For the first eight years of employment Gordon was in private practice with three small practices. As the practices were small, he gained a wide and varied experience quickly which has stood him in good stead through my career. During those years, Gordon was involved in projects from an attic conversion to a new hospital as well as bars, restaurants, factory units, health clubs.
In 1995, he joined a national housebuilding company and since then has remained within the housebuilding industry and is currently with Lovell Partnerships.
Having spent the majority of his career in the housebuilding industry it follows that Gordon's speciality will be housing of all descriptions, from multi storey flats to individual dwellings. Primarily he is involved in timber frame construction but traditional build poses no problem.
Gordon does not consider the projects he has worked on exceptionally noteworthy with the exception of one project which is the first six storey timber kit housing development in Scotland. He considers his main achievements to be ensuring the projects he works on are from an architectural prospective well managed.
He never tires of promoting CIAT at any opportunity and he represents CIAT on a number of committees as well as holding the role of Honorary Secretary.
Adam Newell FCIAT
As a Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist within BDP, Adam works within the heritage team on prestigious grade 1 national treasures.
Adam has a range of experience ranging through small-scale to barn conversions, high-end residential, blue light services, through to extensive redevelopment projects of world heritage sites.
With a joint passion for sustainability, the built heritage, and how we integrate the use of BIM, Adam strives to push the boundaries through innovative solutions to deliver sustainable buildings that respond to the climate pressures, whilst being sympathetic to their cultural significance.
Graduating from Edinburgh Napier University in 2007, Adam continued to develop his career, gaining his MSc in Technical Architecture from Sheffield Hallam University in 2009, before completing his MA in Conservation and Regeneration at Sheffield University in 2013. The same year, he completed and gained Chartered status of CIAT.
Adam continues to be involved with the Institute as a prominent figure within the Greater London Region where he is Regional Councillor. Adam represents the Region at a number of events and sits on various committees, as well as being part of the CIAT Mentor Match Me scheme providing support for the next generation.
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.
Eddie Weir PCIAT
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.