aspiration Award for Emerging Talent in AT
Thomas Holm-Johansen MCIAT, Chartered Architectural Technologist
Words by Oliver Drake, Business Development Manager, Stem Architects
Since achieving Chartered status, Thomas has demonstrated how technical excellence, digital innovation and leadership can transform an architectural practice.
Thomas has led the implementation of BIM, Revit and ISO-compliant workflows at Stem Architects, as well as leading technical ability and improved efficiency greatly. His experience spans nationally and internationally significant developments, from complex commercial and logistics projects to award-winning education facilities, consistently delivering coordinated, high-quality compliant technical solutions.
Beyond project delivery, he is committed to developing others through mentoring, structured training and promoting CIAT membership and chartership. Thomas’ work has created lasting improvements in practice standards, strengthened collaboration and fostered a culture of continuous
learning. I believe these achievements reflect the values of CIAT and demonstrate the positive influence Chartered Architectural Technologists have on the profession and the built environment.
Thomas’ journey in architecture and technology began when he was a child, taking inspiration from his father’s role in architecture, helping and eagerly learning during the school summer holidays. This quickly developed into work experience placements at multiple construction sector-based companies, including Evolution Design and Parkin Gerry.
Thomas’ enthusiasm for the architectural industry grew, leading him to apply for an CIAT-accredited Architectural Technology course at Sheffield Hallam University. During the application process, Thomas began working full time at a multi-disciplinary practice, which enabled him to transition to a part-time, 6-year course. Thomas’ knowledge and understanding grew immensely over the 6-year course, resulting in 2023 when he left University with a First-Class Honours Degree, as well as being presented with two awards at the end of year show. Most notably the CIAT Outstanding Graduate Award as well as the Sheffield Hallam University Outstanding Project Award.
After graduating from university in the summer of 2023, he began working at Stem Architects as an architectural technologist. He has become an important member of the leadership team, now working as a Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist. He has championed developing the practice to work digitally, adhering to ISO policies and procedures, and integrating the use of Revit in software training within the practice.
Geographic location and project significance isn’t something that Thomas finds daunting. He has worked on several complex projects such as an Indoor Sky Diving Centre at the O2 in London, a challenging project which was the first ever extension to the O2 with multiple fire engineering constraints to follow as well as designing to work with a moving tensile structure.
As well as this, he has worked on multiple international projects, including master planning, and detailing of warehouses for both Bifrangi and Frasers
Group. Thomas has also worked on multiple projects nationwide within the UK, including a 1 million square foot warehouse, multiple 72 bed care homes and the multi award winning Air and Space Institute (ASI) project in Newark. On the ASI project Thomas acted as lead designer and coordinated the highly complex angled steel frame and SFS systems with the architectural and M&E designs, utilising Revit to enable the practice to deliver a project that may not have previously been feasible. His understanding of the Building Regulations, particularly the changing Part B regulations, helped to ensure compliance on this project and a seamless Building Control approval at the end of the job.
One of Thomas’ most significant achievements has been his role in developing the practice’s BIM and 3D modelling capability. When he joined Stem Architects, he took the lead in developing the digital modelling services offered by the practice. He has since become a driving force behind the integration of Revit and the BIM process, the adoption of more structured digital workflow and the alignment of project processes with ISO-compliant procedures. He has moved the practice towards a more coordinated and consistent approach to technical design.
By streamlining drawing production and reducing avoidable errors, Thomas has helped improve drawing efficiency by 10% across projects within
the practice, with 75% of our projects currently modelled in Revit. This is a significant operational improvement, demonstrating that his contribution is not only aspirational but measurable and effective. In a profession where accuracy, efficiency and coordination are essential, this saving represents a meaningful enhancement to project delivery and resource management.
His work on international projects, major logistics developments, care homes and education facilities show that his impact extends across sectors and geographical boundaries. Thomas consistently applies the principles of architectural technology to achieve high-quality, coordinated, and practical solutions, opening the wider team to the brilliance an architectural technologist can bring to the business, and creating a multi-disciplinary
practice.
His leadership in implementing Revit, BIM processes and ISO-compliant workflows has influenced colleagues to adopt more efficient procedures, coordination, and reliable ways of producing technical information. He has
encouraged the team to understand the value of digital processes as tools for accuracy, collaboration, and better decision-making.
His positive influence is also demonstrated through mentoring and training. Delivering regular Revit training and supporting colleagues in their development,
Thomas has helped others build confidence in digital delivery, particularly by training the newest member of the team Max from no knowledge of Revit to proficiency.
His willingness to support others has strengthened the capability of the practice and encouraged a collaborative approach to professional growth.Thomas has also contributed significantly to CPD and knowledge-sharing within the practice. Through structured weekly Revit training and mentoring, he has helped colleagues develop confidence in digital tools, BIM processes and technical workflows. His approach to CPD is practical, inclusive, and focused on raising
standards across the whole team. He actively enables others to improve, creating a positive culture of shared learning and professional development.
Thomas supports and guides those undertaking work experience, introducing them to the role of the architectural technologist and giving them insight into the practical application of technical design. By explaining how drawings, models, details and coordinated information contribute to real buildings, he helps young people understand the importance of the profession.
Thomas also contributes to knowledge-sharing through toolbox talks and informal technical guidance.These opportunities allow him to share lessons learned from project work, digital delivery, and detailing; helping others understand both the technical and practical implications of design decisions. This approach encourages a learning culture where professional development is continuous and embedded in everyday practice. He is also a key part of the lessons learnt protocol with the wider design team when reviewing projects upon completion. This has played a major role in retaining
clients and developing more efficient working practices that reduce errors and improve decision-making.
Thomas’ example can be used across the profession as a model for developing future architectural technologists. His approach shows that inspiration is built through accessibility, encouragement, and active contribution. Whether supporting a colleague towards CIAT progression, training the office in digital tools, mentoring university students, guiding work experience placements or volunteering in the community, Thomas consistently demonstrates the values of leadership, generosity, and professional excellence, embodying the true spirit of CIAT and what it means to be a Chartered Architectural Technologist.
Thomas’ future is rooted in continued professional development, digital innovation, technical excellence, and the advancement of others. Having already achieved Chartered status and established himself as a Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist, he continues to demonstrate the ambition and leadership qualities required to shape the future of architectural technology within practice and beyond. He is always looking to take on more responsibility and developed the practice which makes him a great asset to the practice and CIAT.
As a Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist, Thomas represents the values of professionalism, innovation, and technical excellence. His future vision demonstrates that his contribution is not complete; it is continuing to grow. Through leadership, mentoring, digital advancement, and a commitment to best practice; he will continue to make a positive and lasting contribution to architectural technology, the profession, and the wider built environment.