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Chartered Architectural Technologist

Regulators
  • Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
Nations
United Kingdom
Sectors
  • Construction and engineering
  • Architecture

Regulatory or professional bodies

Chartered body

Address

397 City Road
London
EC1V 1NH

Email address
info@ciat.global
Phone number
+44 (0)207 278 2206

Regulation

Regulation summary

Architectural Technology is a professional design discipline focusing on the anatomy and physiology of buildings in terms of building structures and systems, materials, and components, fabric and services relating to production, performance and processes.

Architectural Technology ensures robust design and technological project solutions which achieve long-term durability of optimally manufactured, assembled and constructed buildings and structures, which perform efficiently and effectively within the context of user needs, health and safety, environmental sustainability, regulatory and briefing requirements.

Chartered Architectural Technologists specialise in design, underpinned by building science, engineering and technology applied to architecture. They are qualified to design, manage, and lead on all project types from inception to completion, including small scale to large commercial, industrial, residential and public projects with no restrictions, including on building size, type, function or use.

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is the only body authorised to award the professional qualification of Chartered Architectural Technologist. CIAT and the professional qualification of Chartered Architectural Technologist are regulated under Royal Charter, through the UK Government’s Privy Council.

‘CIAT Chartered Practice’ is a protected title which sits alongside ‘Chartered Architectural Technologist’, and these practices commit to operating with integrity and to high industry standards.

All Chartered Architectural Technologists who are principals of a practice are required to register the details of these practices with CIAT to ensure compliance with the CIAT Code of Conduct.

Regulation type

Accreditation

Reserved activities

None - restrictions apply to use of title only

Protected titles

Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT or FCIAT (depending on grade/class of membership with CIAT. MCIAT is Chartered Member, FCIAT is Fellow Member).

CIAT Chartered Practice for Chartered Architectural Technologists who are Principals.

More about regulated activities and titles
http://www.architecturaltechnology.com

Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

The process to attain the professional qualification of Chartered Architectural Technologist is based upon three elements outlined in the Professional Standards Framework for Chartered Membership:

• Stage 1 - Educational Standards
This is typically done through the completion of a CIAT-Accredited Honours or Masters degree, although other routes are accepted provided that you satisfactorily demonstrates knowledge against CIAT’s prescribed standards, which are at Masters degree level.

• Stage 2 - Practice Standards
You are required to complete periods of practical experience to demonstrate that the prescribed standards have been achieved. The typical minimum time taken to meet the Practice Standards is three years.

• Stage 3 - Professional Standards
Your professional practice, professionalism, conduct, ethical behaviour and continuing professional development (CPD) are explored and assessed by an interview panel.

Fellow Membership, FCIAT
To hold FCIAT, Chartered Architectural Technologists must demonstrate significant contribution to and/or excellence in Architectural Technology.

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK
None - all professionals must re-qualify
Summary of routes

There are two routes to qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist, and MCIAT. All applicants (UK or International) must complete either route outlined below.

Option 1 - MCIAT Professional Assessment (PA)

The MCIAT PA is a flexible and quality assured qualifying process, based on performance and designed to recognise the diversity of Architectural Technology.

You must provide an in-depth critical analysis summarising your knowledge, understanding and application of the construction process with regard to planning, design, construction and use, as well as relating it to professional experience.

This takes the form of a reflective report and refers to challenges and successes encountered whilst working on projects. You also undertake a self-evaluation, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in relation to your area (s) of practice.

For further information visit:
https://architecturaltechnology.com/joining/qualifying-chartered-architectural-technologist/mciat-professional-assessment.html

Option 2 - MCIAT Professional & Occupational Performance (POP) Record

The MCIAT POP Record is a statement of competence expected of a Chartered Architectural Technologist and takes the form of a structured work-based diary, which enables you to demonstrate your ability to run an architectural project from inception to completion.

The POP Record process is generally more suitable for recent graduates or those with limited experience, who need to build up their experience within the profession and evolve and collate a professional portfolio.

For further information visit:
https://architecturaltechnology.com/joining/qualifying-chartered-architectural-technologist/the-pop-record.html

If you already have CIAT Accredited Honours or Masters degree then you will be exempt from Stage 1 Educational Standards for the MCIAT PA and Underpinning Knowledge Units 1-15 for the MCIAT POP Record.

Contact membership@ciat.global for further information and guidance.


Registration

Registration requirements

You can apply if you work in or on Architectural Technology, design, practice, component or specialist design, refurbishment, commercial, industrial, residential or domestic projects, public or private sectors, and academia.

You need to demonstrate a level of knowledge, understanding and professional competence or experience in relation to your sphere/s of practice. All evidence for your Professional Assessment must be submitted with your initial application, which is then assessed through a formal process by a CIAT Member Panel.

The Professional Assessment Interview is undertaken by CIAT Interview Assessors. You are required to pay £350 for application assessment and the Professional Assessment Interview.


Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.