Architectural technology at 60

1 History in brief
2 Today's institute
3 The expanding awards
4 Diamond jubilee
5 A timeline of architectual technology
6 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] History in brief

On 12 February 1965, the Society of Architectural and Associated Technicians (SAAT) was founded. February 2025 represented 60 years of the formally recognised profession of architectural technology and on Friday 21 November 2025 the Institute will be celebrating its achievements of the six decades. For more information on attendance and to book follow this link: https://architecturaltechnology.com/more/event-calendar/friday-night-centre-event-agm-weekend.html

In 2024 the CIAT principal designer register was launched and in 2023 the AT Podcast, with the Architectural Technology journal having first been launched in 1995 when it was 30 years old. The 40th Anniversary in 2005 saw the British Institute of Architectural Technologists (BIAT established in 1994 having amalgamated with the Institute of Architectural and Associated Technicians in 1987) receive its Royal Charter and become the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) as it is known today. At 25 the formal letters of patent from the Institute Coat of Arms, from which the Institute's logo is still taken were recognised, and prior to its 21st anniversary it had continued to be referred to as SAAT.

[edit] Today's institute

Today the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) describes itself as ‘…the lead qualifying body for Architectural Technology and represents those practising and studying within the discipline.’ A global membership qualifying body for Chartered Architectural Technologists, representing those practising and studying within the discipline and profession of Architectural Technology, and qualifying Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT, the regulated profession and protected title under Royal Charter.

Fellow Membership, FCIAT, may also only be awarded by CIAT, and complements the 'Chartered Architectural Technologist' professional qualification and is an acknowledgement of a Chartered Member's significant contribution to and/or excellence in Architectural Technology. It is a membership organisation, funded by, owned by and operated on behalf of its members, governed by an Executive Board and Council, both of which are chaired by its president.

CIAT describes its objectives as:

Promoting, for the benefit of society, the science and practice of Architectural Technology.
Facilitating the development and integration of technology into architecture and the wider construction industry to continually improve standards of service for the benefit of industry and of society.
Upholding and advancing the standards of education, competence, practice and conduct of members of the Institute, promoting their interests, standing and recognition within the industry and the wider society.

[edit] The expanding awards

The Architectural Technoology Awards have grown gradually year on year since the first student project awards were presented in 1984, and awards for Excellence in Architectural Technology since 1995. The first stand alone ceremony being Architectural Technology Awards 2017, winners of all of events since then can be found in the article The Architectural Technology Awards, for awards prior to the 2017 event see CIAT links below.

Introducing the Architectural Technology Awards in 2025, President Eddie Weir said:

"Well, 2025. What a year. It's a particularly special one for us because it's our diamond anniversary. We celebrate 60 glorious years of CIAT. It was only two roads down from here in Portland Place where 43 people gathered on the 12th of February 1965 to form an association named the Society of Architectural and Associated Technicians. Fast forward to 2025, over 9,000 members and affiliates are now represented by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. That's 200 times increase in membership and a 200 times snazzier name if I must say some of them. And of course, there are so many people in this room who have played a part in creating, influencing, supporting and making CIAT into the magnificent institute that it is today. Can we have a round of applause for everyone who has in some way been a part of the CIAT family? From me, a massive thank you to you all. And of course, we will be celebrating our diamond anniversary in Dublin in November. And honestly, I can't wait. Here's a wee film to wet your appetite.

[edit] Diamond jubilee

On Friday 21 November 2025 in Dublin at the Institute's AGM, the CIAT Republic of Ireland Centre invites members to a relaxed evening with the AT community, all in support of Laois Down Syndrome. Encouraging all to 'raise a glass to 60 years of CIAT, Architectural Technology and making a difference, together.'

The venure the Sin Bin, Merrion Square is a favourite spot for sports fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The ticket includes a welcome drink, a selection of modern Irish bowl food, and live music, perfect ingredients for a night of networking, laughter, and giving back.

There are only a limited number of tickets left, so max out and book your 2 tickets now, and be part of a night to remember: https://lnkd.in/ewyZETBW

[edit] A timeline of architectual technology

1958 RIBA conference on architectural education held in Oxford.
1962 The Architect and his Office survey published, demonstrating the need for an Architectural Technicians Institute to be sponsored by the RIBA to ensure the maintenance of standards, education and training.
1964 RIBA Council unanimously support the formation of an association of Architectural Technicians.
1965 Society of Architectural and Associated Technicians (SAAT) founded on 12 February, representing all technicians within construction and demonstrate multi-disciplinary training and understanding, 1,799 joined.
1967 SAAT Journal is launched, issued four times a year.
1968 The Training of Technicians in Architects' Offices leaflet published.
1969 Practice Qualification Log Book route of entry for membership introduced.
1970 First professional interview Assessment Boards for membership held. This leads to an increase in membership as SAAT successfully embedded itself as a lead body within the construction industry.
1975 SAAT is incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
1977 First Honorary member is elected; Thomas Lilley RIBA FCIOB.
1979 First overseas course. Higher Certificate of Construction (Architecture), Hong Kong Polytechnic.
1983 Graham Watts becomes the first Chief Executive.
1984 The Register of Practices is established for Full Members running a practice.
1984 Hong Kong Centre is founded – the first International Centre.
1985 Continuing Professional Development scheme is launched.
1986 SAAT celebrates its 21st anniversary and becomes British Institute of Architectural Technicians. This recognises it as the body for specialists in Architectural Technology within the built environment sector .
1987 Amalgamation with Institute of Architectural and Associated Technicians.
1987 Republic of Ireland Centre formed – the second International Centre.
1990 BIAT celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Institute. BIAT presented with the formal letters of patent from the Institute Coat of Arms, from which the Institute's logo is taken.
1993 University of Huddersfield is the first to offer the Honours degree in Architectural Technology.
1994 BIAT becomes British Institute of Architectural Technologists. This is to recognise the development educationally and in practice of the professionally qualified Architectural Technologist.
1995 Architectural Technology: the journal of BIAT is launched The new magazine was designed to raise the Institute's profile within the construction industry.
200 0The Institute holds its first International Conference at Dublin Castle. It is entitled Technological Innovation in Design and Construction.
2002 The Institute introduces a new technician grade. It is to recognise the professionally qualified Architectural Technician.
2005 In its fortieth year, BIAT is granted a Royal Charter, becoming the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and a protected descriptor Chartered Architectural Technologist introduced cementing Chartered Members as one of the lead professions at the forefront of the built environment.
2006 Approved as the UK Competent Authority for Chartered Architectural Technologists within the EU. The Chartered Architectural Technologist is a regulated profession within the UK under EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
2007 CIAT-Accredited Conservationist Scheme introduced for Chartered Members. This is for those who wish to lead on grant funded heritage projects. The Institute also becomes a licenced body of the Society for the Environment. It an award the Chartered Environmentalist qualification title.
2008 Chartered Architectural Technologist listed in the Standard Occupational Classification. It sits alongside the architect, surveyor and town planner. First AGM held outside of Europe in Hong Kong.
2011 First Masters degree in Architectural Technology awarded at Sheffield Hallam University.
2013 Professional Assessment route for membership is launched.
2014 Five new Centres are formed internationally. Australasia, The Americas, Asia, Europe and Middle East and Africa.
2015 CIAT celebrates its 50th Anniversary It continues to build on its solid and respected platform for the continued evolution of AT.
2025 CIAT celebrates its 60th Anniversary with the gala event in Dublin being held in November 2025.