22 Dec 2016

Christmas messsage

From the President, Gary Mees

Dear all
 
I would like to take this time to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a fabulous festive season.  As your President I am delighted that this year has been so productive for CIAT.
 
Particular highlights have been:
  • The launch of the CPD Register, which endorses approved CPD providers to members
  • Continued growth internationally which includes the recognition of Architectural Technology as a distinct discipline in the Republic of Ireland with the launch of the QQI Subject Benchmark Statement
  • Strengthening international links, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the UAE and India where our delegations visited 
  • Together with fellow members and staff, representing you and the discipline at numerous functions and meetings, presentations and conferences as well as taking part on judging panels at various industry awards; nationally and internationally allowing us to raise the awareness of the discipline to a wider audience 
  • Participation at important events such as Grand Designs Live, Ecobuild, the London Festival of Architecture, and the World Architecture Festival 
  • The 2016 Awards in all categories demonstrated the vibrancy and enthusiasm of all our members from Students to Chartered Members running practices
  • Responding to consultation across all UK nations and the Republic of Ireland.

To read about all the activities, if you haven’t done so please take a few minutes to read our Annual Review and the Institute’s Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018.

I look forward to an active and productive 2017 working with you, your Regions and Centres, Council, the Board and the team at Central Office.  I anticipate another full on year, which will include the very important development of the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan.
 
2017 will see a number of opportunities and challenges both in the Institute and the wider industry:
 
  • The Awards presentation and President’s Ball will no longer be combined but will be two separate events in separate locations. This is due to the growing profile and popularity of the Awards across the industry and will showcase the Institute to a wider audience
  • Staff numbers at Central Office are increasing and a review of office space is underway
  • The continued evolution of the aspirATion groups and implementation of their objectives for the future succession planning of the Institute
  • Early next year will see the triggering of Article 50 which will kick off the Brexit negotiations, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure members receive the best possible information on issues relating to our discipline as EU institutions are renegotiated.
  • In all our activities we continue to protect the interests of members and promote the discipline.
 
With very best wishes for the festive season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
 
Gary Mees MCIAT 
President
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