Honorary Officer elections 2026

It is a complete honour to be standing again as a candidate for President Elect of our unique and forward-thinking Institute and discipline. Since standing in 2024, I have grown and flourished within our Institute, gaining greater understanding of the role and preparing myself for this new opportunity.  

Now in CIAT’s seventh decade, I am looking to build on our past heritage and look to the future, offering fresh ideas and new opportunities for our members through my ‘Three Pillars of Promise’.  

My professional career journey started with a HNC apprenticeship, progressing to university, where I joined CIAT as an Associate member in 2013, and then as a Chartered Member in 2019. Personal career highlights for me have included the Architectural Technologist of the Year Award from CIAT in 2021, and last year becoming a Partner at my firm. During this time as an Associate member, I believed that one day I would fulfil my dream of serving you, our members. I now feel the time is right. 

I am often asked, “what makes you the right candidate for this position?” Well, I am an experienced public speaker with a proven track record of promoting CIAT in an array of public forums. From serving as a facilitator at the world-renowned London Festival of Architecture (LFA), to speaking regularly at Build It Live and Futurebuild. I also often attend schools, colleges and universities to promote the benefits of CIAT. I believe this demonstrates a wealth of experience and ability to engage at a community level, with our membership, other professional and governance bodies, but just as importantly, to new career starters and members. I also chair the South East Regional Committee and the AT EDI Taskforce, as well as being a Professional Interview Assessor for CIAT. 

I believe anyone who stands for this position must be prepared to devote their working and personal time to bettering the Institute and pushing the boundaries of our profession, to act as a voice of our membership, and to promote our professional standing to the communities we serve. I am a strong-minded individual who is fair and transparent and always willing to assist, going far above expectations.  

As CIAT transitions into the next decade, I have reflected on our history and the achievements we have made, such as the granting of the Royal Charter, our overseas education programmes, growing international membership, and evolving taskforces run by our members.

What are the coming challenges I see with our changing industry?  

Naturally there is apprehension around the potential changes in legislation, with protection of title and function of the Architects’ Act. Changes in regulation since the tragedy of Grenfell Tower, the housing crisis and the underfunded government planning system to name but a few; yet we are an integral part to these challenging topics, and we should continue having a seat at the discussion table.  

How do I envisage serving you, our membership?  

Should I be elected, I will serve our membership through my ‘Three Pillars of Promise’: ‘to Promote, to Nurture and to Serve’. These pillars are integral to my belief of how we can secure and stabilise CIAT for future generations.

Promoting CIAT continues to be pivotal to ensuring the security and stability of our unique Institute. Our members are key to advocating for and educating the construction industry and the general public in the benefits of engaging with Architectural Technologists to deliver safe, sustainable, and memorable projects.  

I therefore seek to strengthen our promotional channels by the formation of an ‘Ambassador Network’ formed from our existing membership, volunteering to serve their Centre or Region. This initiative will function similarly to the already successful aspiration Group, but with the sole aim of promoting the Architectural Technology profession to Regional communities, the wider public, and design and construction professionals. The network will look to further bolster the support of the aspiration Groups to promote CIAT at schools and younger professionals in their regions. 

Nurturing our existing membership is pivotal to strengthening our national and global position within the architectural sphere. We must continue to improve and adapt the support to our members, regardless of their professional positioning in our Institute. I would like to see a cohesive approach to working with students and Associate members to progress their professional journeys. This would be facilitated through close collaboration with the existing Membership Department, taskforces, and aspiration Groups. I see these improvements being executed through regular Regional and Centre ‘clinics’, which will serve to offer drop-in sessions to learn of the benefits and support progressions, whilst also creating a dedicated mentoring programme to aid progression and feed back to the Membership Department.  

I promise to serve our membership and ensure that CIAT provides a lifeline to its members. I see this through extending the new Ambassador programme to offer dedicated help and support to individuals. I also intend to rebuild our international membership and provide greater assistance for these members by offering refreshed autonomy and opportunities through a dedicated International Taskforce, to offer a greater voice to our global members.  

Importantly, I will also deliver on a new initiative, to highlight mental health awareness and the wellbeing of our members and the wider construction industry. Having suffered with my own mental health illness in 2017, I am acutely aware of the isolating experience they create. Whilst our industry is developing strategies, we need to bolster these further and promote healthier working environments and lifestyles. I see this being offered through our new ambassador programme by providing an invaluable network of support to our individual members.  

Furthermore, I will continue to support the outstanding work of the Architects’ Benevolent Society, and all they do to support design industry professionals, building on the successes and strides our Past President, Eddie Weir PPCIAT FCIAT, is making with them.  

In conclusion, I stand to professionally serve you, our membership, with the delivery of my ‘Three Pillars of Promise’, ‘to Promote, to Nurture and to Serve’, should I be elected. 

www.linkedin.com/in/tomegray 

www.tomegray.co.uk 

[email protected]

Engagement, Excellence & Growth – three key principles that would guide my term should I be elected as the Institute's next President. 

Who is Patricia Mulvey FCIAT?  

First and foremost, I am a Chartered Architectural Technologist. I was born in Northern Ireland in the early 1980s. In 2003, I graduated from the University of Ulster with an Honours degree in Architectural Technology and Management. That was just two years before the Institute was granted the Royal Charter. 

I became Chartered in 2007, at the same time the Institute had its first Irish President, Jim Kirwan. I became a Fellow Member of the Institute in 2022.  I have spent my working career in small and medium-sized private architectural practices, mostly in the residential sector, working on both small and large-scale developments. In recent years, I obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Energy Efficiency in Design and have a strong background of practice in building performance. My career has taken me from my student days working in Belfast, as a graduate in my hometown in County Tyrone, onwards to Sydney, back to Dublin City, and now as a director in a small practice in County Dublin. If I become elected as President, I will continue within my practice as a Chartered AT. 

Experience, engagement and professional growth 

I have been actively involved in the Institute since 2017, gaining the experience and professional qualities required to progress to the role of President Elect and President. That year, after attending the Centre’s General Business Meeting, I joined the Republic of Ireland Centre Committee and was appointed Public Relations Officer. I have attended every AGM since

The PR role has evolved significantly during my time, with my primary focus on engagement — connecting with members, affiliates, non-affiliated Architectural Technologists and the wider public. This ability to engage, to listen, and to bring people together is a strength I will bring to the role of President, supporting the continued growth of CIAT and our professional community.

Meaningful engagement goes beyond communication. It involves reaching out directly to members, affiliates and students, supported by targeted social media activity, social and educational events, and high-quality CPD. This approach has contributed to sustained membership growth within the Republic of Ireland Centre and the creation of a strong, inclusive professional community for Architectural Technologists. 

My ambition is to work with the Membership Department to help foster this same culture of trust, engagement and growth across all Regions and Centres. Increased awareness and recognition of CIAT and the profession has resulted in my regular engagement with government departments, professional bodies, industry leaders, educators, suppliers and manufacturers. 

As a result, I now represent the Institute through national initiatives, including participation in government-led education and construction forums, collaboration on industry innovation programmes (including building performance, MMC and AI), attendance at careers events, and service as an external examiner and interviewer on Accredited honours degree programmes in Architectural Technology. 

Turning engagement into action and growth — Small actions, lasting impact 

This consistent practice of engagement — with our peers, those who look to the Institute for support, and the government bodies we must influence — has provided me with a strong foundation for the role of President Elect and President. Building on the outcomes of the Region and Centre Review, my focus is to promote sustainable growth both nationally and internationally. 

Growth begins by bringing people together. We must connect our members across Regions and Centres, encouraging collaboration through shared hubs that support knowledge-sharing, professional development and peer support. Small, practical actions can deliver significant results.  

To further strengthen engagement, I propose establishing an annual AT Week, hosted in a different location each year during the spring, filling a gap in the CIAT calendar. This would build on the success of the aspiration weekend of ‘connecting, inspiring and exploring’, expanding it into a flagship event.  While retaining a strong emphasis on students and early-career members, it would also encourage greater involvement from Chartered ATs and affiliates offering guidance, mentoring, or even employment to our leaders of tomorrow. 

The aspiration years are years of influence. By capturing the enthusiasm of students and graduates and providing meaningful opportunities to grow their careers, we invest directly in the future strength, leadership and sustainability of CIAT. 

Working together to deliver the Strategic Plan 2025 

In 2023, I was elected by the Centre Committee to serve as Councillor, representing Irish members and affiliates at the Council Forum. I am now in my third and final year in this role and have served three consecutive terms on the Executive Board as a Councillor Trustee. This experience has given me a strong understanding of how the Institute operates at both Council and Board level, and how the Strategic Plan 2025 has been developed, embedded, and delivered across the Institute.

Through my work on Council and the Executive Board, I have gained valuable insight into how Central Office staff and Departments implement strategy on a day-to-day basis. I have been directly involved in key initiatives, including updates to the new and very successful AT Awards categories, financial budgeting of the Institute under the guidance of the Finance Committee and Department, including targeted initiatives to re-engage lapsed student members to support membership growth. I have also contributed to engagement with government ministers and professional bodies in Ireland regarding the Architectural Technologists’ Register, collaboration with national and international construction organisations, and the delivery of the Strategic Plan 2025. 

My Executive Board experience also includes involvement in the Institute’s 60th Diamond Anniversary celebrations and AGM weekend, as well as the review and development of future AGM format. I have been involved with the Principal Designer Register and our role and responsibilities under the Building Safety Act; Beyond the Warmer Homes Plan; discussion around the protection of function for architects and Architectural Technologists in the UK, and now we look towards the national Single Construction Regulator role being undertaken. If elected, I will continue to work closely with the Vice-President Technical and Vice-President Practice and their Departments, drawing on their expertise to support members across all Regions and Centres. While no one individual can know every detail of the complex regulatory landscape, my experience of working across multiple jurisdictions has reinforced the importance of technical excellence and building safety. Excellence remains my second core principle and a priority for the Institute in every country where our members practise.

Engagement, excellence and growth 

I understand that the role of President is to represent members and affiliates and to act as a trusted figurehead for the Institute. I am grounded, approachable and committed to reflecting the views of the membership, while upholding the standards and excellence of CIAT. I am representative of our members — working day to day in practice and actively contributing to the growth and development of the Institute. 

I bring a progressive and informed perspective to the role, supported by three terms of experience working closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Board, Honorary Officers, Council, Central Office Departments, and our Centre Committee – I can hit the ground running, and if elected will spend the year in the role of President Elect becoming even more informed of the pertinent issue of the day.  

While I cannot make promises that sit outside the remit of the President, I can commit to providing strong leadership, representation and influence. I have the experience to support informed discussion, balanced judgment, and collective decision making. I will lead the team working with Council, the Executive Board and the Chief Executive, implementing the Strategic Plan to ensure the excellence and growth of the AT discipline, the profession, the membership, and the Institute. 

Above all, I will continue to engage openly with the membership, encouraging participation, positivity and a strong sense of professional community. I ask for your support because I have been living my manifesto goals long before seeking the role of President Elect/President.  

Time commitment to the role of President Elect and President 

Since 2017, I have committed significant time to our Centre, to Council and Board activity, actively engaging with members and the wider industry, and supporting the Institute’s growth. I have high professional standards. I value excellence. I can prioritise. And I work hard. 

If I am lucky enough to be elected as President Elect/President, I will step back from my role as Public Relations Officer within the ROI Centre to ensure my full focus is on serving the Institute and the membership. My priorities will be clear and consistent: engagement, excellence and growth. 

I am honoured to have been nominated for a second term as Honorary Treasurer and remain focused and committed to serving the Institute in the best possible way. 

I believe that strong financial stewardship is essential to sustaining and advancing the Institute. My goal is to ensure that CIAT continues to thrive as a financially resilient, transparent and forward-looking professional body — empowering members, fostering innovation and enhancing the influence of our profession across the built environment in line with our strategic aims. 

My vision 

My vision is to strengthen CIAT’s financial stability while ensuring that every financial decision supports our members’ professional growth, technological leadership and global relevance. 
I will focus on:

• Visibility and communication – clear, open communication of financial performance, budgets and long-term plans. 

• Sustainability – responsible financial management that supports both immediate goals and long-term ambitions. 

• Value for members and affiliates – ensuring that every pound invested by members and affiliates is used effectively to provide tangible benefits. 

• Innovation and growth – exploring new income streams, partnerships and digital transformation opportunities to future-proof the Institute’s finances. 

My commitment

If elected, I will continue to:

• Safeguard CIAT’s financial integrity through robust governance, ethical decision-making and prudent investment. 

• Enhance accountability by publishing clear, accessible financial reports and engaging the membership in understanding where funds are allocated. 

• Support strategic initiatives that align with the Institute’s aims — education, professional development and collaboration. 

• Collaborate proactively with Council, committees, and Regional representatives to ensure coherence between financial strategy and professional objectives. 

The future of Architectural Technology depends on our ability to adapt, innovate and lead. Sound financial stewardship is the engine behind that progress. With your support, I will strive to ensure that CIAT continues to grow sustainably, deliver value to every member and affiliate, and strengthen our collective voice within the built environment sector. 

Together, we can ensure that CIAT remains not only financially strong but also strategically equipped to advance the profession of Architectural Technology at every level, no matter what the future holds. 

About me 

After completing an Accredited Architectural Design Technology programme at Coventry University, I practised at Cardiff City Council, designing new schools as well as the extension and refurbishment of leisure centres and listed libraries. During this time, I took an interest in technical standards, digitalisation, and optimisation. This led me to the Building Research Establishment (BRE) where I developed training, spoke at events and worked with businesses across the globe to support their approach to Building Information Modelling (BIM) as well as represented BRE on standards committees as their subject matter expert. For my efforts, I was nominated and received the inaugural Chartered Architectural Technologist of the Year Award.

In my current role as a Sector Lead at the British Standards Institution (BSI), I provide strategic insights relating to the built environment through my understanding of design, procurement and construction through thought leadership, public speakingand outreach. In addition, I contribute to the development of national, European, and international standards through technical input as well as the convenorship of several international working groups.

Current/previous involvement 

Since joining CIAT in 2006, I have actively supported the Institute and the discipline at all levels.  Locally, this has included reviving the Wales Region, Chairing both aspiration Wales and the Wales Region, as well as being a Councillor. Centrally, this has included contributing to several taskforces, as well as my current role as Vice-President Technical for the past two terms.   

In addition, I have contributed to specific technical questions, consultations and queries. I have been invited to contribute to Government working groups (such as the fundamental review of the approved documents in England), and I have presented on many of these topics on behalf of CIAT at external events and as part of the ‘CPD in 43’ series. 

What you can (continue to) bring to the Institute? 

I feel that I bring an externally facing perspective to the Institute. As part of my role at BSI, I engage with professionals across the many built environment institutes and associations. In doing so, I have learnt about their concerns, priorities and how they and their bodies operate, allowing me to see opportunities to work together or to borrow from their successes.   

One example has been my work to establish ‘societies’ within CIAT.  An idea inspired by CIBSE, these societies provide a focal point for members and affiliates to discuss key topic areas. Currently we have two societies: Digital and Climate. Another is my ability to leverage my relationships with high-profile professionals, such as when I collaborated with the then President of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors on CIAT’s pilot podcast series. 

Goals as aligned to the Strategic and Corporate Plan 

Our 2025 strategic plan is based upon five aims: 

1. Lead and promote safe, sustainable and innovative practice.  My societies work has helped provide members a space to lead and share innovative practices. I hope to expand the societies into other areas, such as health and safety. In addition, I hope to empower members to respond to consultations by introducing a ‘Consultation Officer’ to each Region and Centre. 

2. Enhance our value proposition. I am keen to catalyse a review of the practice resources, in collaboration with our Vice-President Practice, to ensure they are fit for purpose. In doing so I hope to incorporate new information sheets, created by the societies, as new and valuable resources. 

3. Raise profile and awareness. I’ll continue engaging with the sector as I wear my Chartered and Fellow status with pride. 

4. Engage and collaborate with external organisations. I’ll continue my collaboration with external bodies, institutes, associations and governments. 

5. Remain an effective and financially viable Institute. I’ll keep my expenses to a minimum! 

Why vote for me? 

My main goal as Vice-President Technical is to improve members' access to information relating to good practice such as standards, insights and case studies. Two terms in, I have made good progress by establishing societies which will control their own portfolio of resources, including information sheets. I hope that each society will use its ownership of these resources to tackle misinformation and cultivate member-appropriate good practice for the benefit of the Institute as a whole. 

Time commitment to the role 

Simply put, I’ve met all of my commitments as Vice-President Technical for the past two terms without issue. I expect this to continue as BSI remains supportive of my desire to perform this role. 

I look forward to hearing your views on how I, as Vice-President Technical, can continue to support you, your Region/Centre, and the Institute as a whole. Please feel free to get in touch! 

Get to know me! 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drossiter87/